How to Kill Time in an Airport

Waiting long hours at an airport can be boring and frustrating. Why not improve your mood by seeking out the attractions the airport has to offer?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Athletic Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Ankle Weights
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Dissolve stress and increase energy by exercising in the airport gym. A growing number of airports now contain full-scale workout areas.

2. Power-walk around the entire airport if there is no gym. Store luggage in terminal lockers, lace up the walking shoes and get the blood pumping.

3. Surf the Web and answer e-mail at an Internet kiosk to make the time fly. Keep in mind that you'll be charged for the time you spend online.

4. Purchase souvenirs and presents for friends and family at the airport's gift shops and retail stores.

5. Get a shoeshine. Many larger airports feature hallway shine specialists to buff and polish your shoes.

6. Enjoy a drink in the airport bar if there is one. In U.S. airports, the day's big sporting event will probably be blaring on the television.

7. Bring a good book or a stack of your favorite magazines. Airport time can constitute some of the most peaceful reading time you will ever get.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your eye on a clock at all times, and check the departure screens regularly to ensure that you do not miss your flight.

[Angel90s]

on 1/19/2007 Utilize your carry-on laptop with its portable modem. Airports supply access to their internet signals "free". If you live close to an airport, you might be able to tap into that signal while at home.

[Angel90s]

on 1/19/2007 Of course, carry your laptop, which should have a remote modem, and watch the time just fly. You are sure to be able to access the internet free, while you are there. In fact, check out access, if you live within a mile of the airport and there are no buildings which obstruct your signal.

on 11/22/2005 Traveling with kids can be a handful, especially if the destination is overseas with layovers in different countries. Throw a few deflated balloons in your bag and find an area where they can run off some steam playing "catch". Also, some airports have playgrounds. This is worth a search and a walk if the layover is for any real length of time. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock.

on 11/22/2005 Watch the people walk by and see if any people look like movie stars. It passes the time quite well.

on 11/22/2005 Rather than use an e-ticket, use a paper ticket and comment on the long wait till your flight. Amazingly, often I've been given earlier flights. Take the chance on a layover, and you usually get the seat. People are often unaware of how many flights there are between airports.