How to Survive an Unexpected Airport Layover

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By woodsusa
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Avoid stress during an unexpected airport layover

Traveling can be stressful, but add an unexpected layover at a busy airport and it can be a downright nightmare. Whether you are travelling solo or with your whole family, here are some tips on dealing with the dreaded unexpected airport layover.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Reading material
Games
Snacks

Step 1

The first and best thing to do during an unexpected layover is to stay informed! Keep near your departure gate if possible and keep checking for any updates. Sometimes flights can be moved up as well as back unexpectedly, and if you are not paying attention you could end up missing your flight altogether. Some airlines offer a texting service to send the latest flight information directly to your cell phone. The best way to keep informed is to keep checking the monitors at the gate displaying the departure information. Forewarned is forearmed!
Step 2

If you are traveling with small children remember the snacks and drinks. And know where the nearest restroom is...they will need to go after eating and drinking. Try and make it fun for them by letting them pick their snacks, or spend a few dollars and grab something different from one of the airport kiosks. Hunger only makes you more stressed, so make sure you eat frequently too!
Step 3

It's a good idea to always travel with something to read. Whether it's a magazine or book or even a newspaper it's a great distraction. It's always fun to grab the local paper at an airport you've never been in, and you can think of it as an added souvenir! Most airports have bookstores or newsagents, so if you forget your own novel you can grab one on the go!
Step 4

Modern technology means games on the go, and these are great for kids and grownups alike! Portable gaming consoles are a great way to kill time, but make sure you bring plenty of extra batteries as you may find it difficult to locate an outlet to recharge. If you carry a laptop you may be able to find a wireless 'hotspot'. Just be careful about security as hackers can easily get into your information in these public access points. Laptops are good for getting a little extra work done (writing eHow articles!) or just playing a few hands of good old solitaire. Just remember to check your departure information every now and again!
Step 5

If you bring toys for children, make sure that they are easily contained and not too noisy. While some toys can be fun, noisy ones can be a real nuisance to other travellers that are already stressed enough from being stuck in an extended layover. And games with loads of pieces are a no-no, since you'll probably lose a few pieces along the way. Good toys are dolls and cars and anything that can keep your child's interest for more than a few minutes at a time.
Step 6

The best way to deal with an unexpected and possibly long layover is to just try and have patience. Remember everyone else travelling on your flight is in the same boat, and you'll likely find it easier to deal with. You may even find that you can strike up a conversation with a fellow passenger and pass the time talking about your destination. It could even be a great way to get some good sightseeing tips! Happy flying!

Comments

Elander said

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on 1/7/2009 Very good, timely advice. 5*

Rachellewms said

on 12/29/2008 Excellent tips for surviving an airport layover - especially the part about always bringing reading materials. Thanks for sharing :)

sneedc said

on 12/29/2008 Might as well make the best of any situation, right? Layovers can be good bonding times if with someone, if alone....good time to make new friends at the airport bar! lol. I got a voucher to stay over night when my connecting flight was canceled (IN NYC no less!) EEKS at Laguardia. FUN TIMES!