How to Take Advantage of Down Time Between Flights

A flight layover is a common occurrence for frequent flyers. Some layovers only last for 15 or 30 minutes, while others can leave you with hours on your hands with nothing to do. Luckily, your layovers do not have to be boring, as long as you take the time to plan ahead and be prepared for the extra time between your flights. Here are a few ways that you can make the most of your layover time and make your overall flight experience more enjoyable.

One common way to keep yourself entertained during a flight lay over is by having a game on hand that you enjoy. Many years ago, this would have meant bringing a deck of cards with you, but in the digital age, this can also include games on a laptop computer, cell phone, or handheld gaming system. A number of airports have begun to offer free wireless internet connections in certain parts of the terminal so that you can even connect to your favorite online games while travelling. Just remember to keep any electronics that you travel with in your carry-on luggage so that you have it available with you in the airport when you need it. Make sure that the items are not being used during the flight when electronics should be turned off.

Another option is to take advantage of some of the on-site facilities, which are designed to help travelers relax. A number of airports have installed restaurants and cocktail bars so that you can have a bite to eat or a drink without having to leave the airport. Some airports even have installed massage and beauty parlors. It is also possible to get a manicure while you are waiting for your next plane to arrive. If that is not what you are in the mood for, most airports also have lounge areas with big-screen televisions and more comfortable chairs that you can enjoy to help pass the time.

If you are expecting a lot of time to yourself on a layover, you may want to pack a book. Even if you forgot to bring a book with you, almost all airports have a book section in their souvenir store (provided the airport does not have a dedicated bookstore as well.) If you are the sort of person who can really get lost in a book, do not forget to set an alarm or some other reminder so that you know when it is getting close to loading time. You do not want to miss your flight.

Should you be travelling on business, you might also use the time to your advantage to get caught up on any work that you might have to do. From typing reports to familiarizing yourself with the destination, you can put your time to constructive use and make sure that you are prepared ahead of time. If the airport has wireless internet access you can even check your e-mail and get in touch with any business contacts that are important to your travel. The time that you spend can help you become much more prepared for the work that you have ahead, and it may help to make up for time lost due to jetlag. This is only if you are traveling across several time zones.

One option that’s quite often overlooked to help take up your time when waiting for your plane to arrive is to actually explore the airport that you are lay over is in. Many airports have works of art from local and international artists and may have a number of different stores and exhibits spread out throughout the building. Depending on the size of the airport, it may take hours to see everything, and by the time you are done, it may be getting close to time for your plane to board.

If you have a long layover and you need to stay overnight, or if you are in a city, where you have friends, there is always the option to leave the airport as well. You might take a taxi into the city in order to enjoy a meal away from the airport, or you could meet up with friends and catch up for a few hours. Just make sure that you are back at the airport well in advance of when your plane is scheduled to depart.

There are many ways to pass the time during a flight layover. If you are traveling for business, use the time to catch up with your business contacts or finish a report that is due. If you have a laptop, you can browse the internet or play games on your computer. Another way to pass the time is to play cards. Card games such as solitaire are an excellent choice to consider. These tips can help pass the time during you next layover.