How To Survive an Airport Layover

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Find the fun in airports and you might actually start looking forward to flight delays.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A look-on-the-bright-side attitude
A laptop computer
Things to keep you occupied like books, magazines, music, games, & DVDs
Cash or a credit card
A pillow (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)

Step 1: Shop around

Shop around. Check out an airport map to see what stores are accessible without having to exit security. Plan ahead and get some holiday or birthday shopping done now. Or browse the bookstore for a paperback page-turner that will make time fly.

Tip: If you're flying internationally, check out the duty-free shops. You could save some big bucks on the taxes.

Step 2: Check out lounges

Investigate airline lounges. You used to have to pay big dues to belong to these clubs, but many now allow you to pay per visit. The peace and quiet—and amenities like comfy lounge chairs and cameras that monitor the length of security lines—are worth it.

Step 3: Settle in

Find a comfortable area and settle in with some music and a good book or magazine—or watch a movie or play a game on your laptop. Prop yourself up with a pillow, if you have one.

Step 4: Pamper yourself

Pamper yourself! Many airports, like Miami International, offer a barbershop or beauty salon, so treat yourself to a mani-pedi or a blowout. Or get a mini-massage from the kiosks that have popped up in most airports.

Step 5: Catch up

Catch up on your correspondence by sending emails to all those friends and loved ones you've been meaning to write to. Or catch up on a little office work. Most airports now offer internet cafes, and some offer free wi-fi service.

Tip: Nearly all airports have charging stations where you can plug your laptop or cell phone in—some have even added special iPod docks.

Step 6: Rock yourself relaxed

Snag one of the rocking chairs that airports like Boston's Logan International and Dallas-Fort Worth International have installed and spend some time people watching.

Step 7: Socialize

Head to a bar near your gate, or look for one of the many wine bars that are gaining popularity in airports; you may just come away with a date, a business connection, or a new friend. At least you'll meet others with whom to pass the time.

Tip: Ten percent of travelers responding to a survey said they have either dated someone they met at an airport or know someone who has.

Step 8: Visit the doc

Go to the doctor. Surprised? Many major airports—like JFK, O'Hare, and LAX—have public health facilities on the premises. Why not use your spare time to finally get that flu shot or eye exam you keep putting off?

Step 9: Sightsee

If you're in for a long layover, consider doing a bit of sightseeing in the nearest town or city. Many airports have tour kiosks for just this purpose.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• travel
• air
• flight
• airport
• stuck
• survive
• surviving
• layover
• lay
• over
• enjoy
• enjoying
• handle

[dingdongditch1000]

How about fly nonstop to your destionations!!!

[cdoug25]

"Hey kids! I know you're totally psyched about having to sleep on a hard floor all night, but I thought we could ease your pain by getting flu shots early this year?"

[Tbirds2012]

@jean6826 Don't leave!!! 3 hours goes really fast, and traffic will risk you flight making it to your flight.

[hearts2132]

I spent five or six hours once...

[jean6826]

My family and I will spend 3 hrs layover at Lax on April 11. Should we leave the airport then comeback? If so, where should we go?

[RobynCampbell7]

1:32 :O this website is amazing!!!

[IamWeems]

how to survive extreme boredom in an airport:

step 1: open youtube

Step 2: type in "howcast

[missAJAJ]

My local airport doesn't have any of those things :L

[ribsrthebest5]

@YamiGleek ahem i meant doody as in crap not work shifts

[MultiCrapz]

good i found this guide! I always die on layovers!!

[PullarBearBear]

I wouldn't even bring my laptop. Slow like ****.

[KevinKayotic]

wait so there are people out there who hate airports/layovers?