So you’re at the airport, checked in your bags, got your boarding pass, gone through security and found your gate. You look at your watch and there’s still hours to go until your flight actually starts boarding, or maybe there’s a delay or you’ve got a long layover between connecting flights. Whatever the reason, waiting around at airports can be tiresome and boring. There’s only so much eating, shopping and people watching you can do after all. Nevertheless, it so happens that there’s still plenty you can do to banish your boredom and make it most of all that extra time on your hands. With this in mind, here are 7 IDEAL ways to kill time at the airport.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
If you’re waiting to jet off on an exciting holiday, why not use that extra airport waiting time to plan out your trip? Make the most of the free airport WiFi and put together a daily itinerary of where to go, how to get there and what to see so that when you do eventually get to your destination, you’ll have everything sorted and won’t be wasting anymore precious time planning the finer details of your vacation.
READ A BOOK
Here at IDEAL we never never travel without a trusty e-reader; it’s a lifesaver when it comes to long commutes on trains, planes and automobiles and the same goes for long waiting times at the airport too. If you don’t happen to have one on you, most airports have at least some basic bookshop so get over there and take your pick.
Read: 5 IDEAL Tips For Choosing Your Next Holiday Book
CATCH UP ON SOME WORK
Many business people actually manage to get a lot of work done while waiting around at airports. Whether it’s prepping for that meeting or presentation or catching up on your emails, at least you’ll be putting all that free time to good use. Many students travellers also wisely use airport waiting time to study or work on assignments.
STRETCH THOSE LEGS
Sitting on flights for long hours can result in sore muscles and jetlag so make the most of the time you have to stretch your legs and burn some extra calories. Consider taking a walk around the terminals which can be up to 5 km long in some places while some airports even have free gyms and fitness centres for passengers to use such as San Francisco International Airport’s 2 free yoga rooms and the meditation centre at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
FIND TRUE LOVE
Airports have long been the setting of many a romcom, with people rushing to the airport to stop their soulmate from stepping on that plane. Why not make it the setting of your own love story too?
There are loads of interesting people to meet at airports and chances are they’ll also be looking for ways to kill time until their flight takes off. Why not strike up a conversation with a random stranger?
Sure maybe they won’t turn out to be the One but you might just make a new international friend and worst case scenario, you’ll have a funny story to tell to your friends back home. Apps like Tinder can also help if you’re looking for something more on the fun side. Quickie in the airport bathroom anyone?
Read: 6 IDEAL packing tips that will make your life easier
PLAY SOME GAMES
Forget social media stalking and give your brain some much needed exercise by engaging in some fun games on your mobile. Just don’t forget to keep a trusty power bank handy for when your smartphone needs more juice!
GET SOME AIR
If you’ve got a really long wait, it might be worth your while to venture beyond the building and into the nearby town for a bit. Some international airports such as those in Japan, SIngapore and South Korea even offer free city tours for those waiting for their flights. This way you can see some sights and do some exploring while you wait.