How to Pass Time at an Airport

Co-authored by Amy Tan

Last Updated: May 17, 2022 References

A long layover or delayed flight doesn’t have to be a painful experience if you know how to make good use of your time at the airport. Ask an information desk what unique amenities your airport offers, or grab your carry-ons and explore for yourself. A boring layover can present opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and even productive work.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Relaxing Before Your Flight

1
Head for an airport lounge. Lounges are usually available to First Class or frequent-flyer passengers for free, but all passengers now have access to them after paying a fee. They offer comfortable seating, newspapers and magazines, food and Wi-Fi access, and some have showers or screen films as well. Access differs between airlines, so ask at the front desk of the lounge to see if you qualify for, or can purchase entry. ^{[1]
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2
Sleep in the terminal. Find a comfortable chair and catch some shut-eye for a while. Bring along or purchase noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow and an eye mask to upgrade your sleeping experience, but make sure to set an alarm on your phone or ask someone to wake you up before your flight to avoid oversleeping, and potentially missing your flight.
- Some airports offer cots to passengers with delayed or cancelled flights. Ask the staff what your airport’s policy is. ^{[2]
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3
Grab a bite to eat. Airports offer quick takeout options if you’re in a time crunch, or nicer sit-down restaurants if you have a longer layover. Check out an airport map or ask an employee what your food options are if nothing looks good in your terminal.
- Some airlines will give you meal vouchers to use in the airport or outside it if your flight is delayed or if you have a long layover (usually six hours or more). Inquire at the ticket counter even if your airline doesn’t offer them in its official policy, or if your layover is slightly shorter. Some airline personnel might offer them anyways, and it never hurts to ask.^{[3]
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4
Walk around the airport. Stretch out your legs before a long flight and go for a stroll. Some airports, like Dallas/Fort Worth in Texas and Phoenix Sky Harbor in Arizona, have walking paths that wind right through the terminals. ^{[4]
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5
Go to a chapel or meditate in a “quiet room.” Take advantage of these quiet spaces to pray, meditate, or simply relax away from the bustle and stress of the terminal. Some larger airports, such as London Heathrow Airport in England, also have chaplains or faith representatives on call. ^{[5]
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6
Start up a conversation. You can meet people in an airport you’d never cross paths with otherwise, so take advantage of it if you’re feeling chatty. Start off with a simple, “Where are you headed to today?” and take it from there.
- Some people prefer not to make conversation when they travel, so don’t be offended if someone isn’t interested in talking with you, and don’t try and force a conversation on someone who doesn’t want one. But remember, it certainly doesn't hurt to say hello.
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Visit a spa. Some airports offer full beauty treatments, manicures and pedicures, or massages to help you relax before or after a long flight. Check out what your airport offers before you arrive. ^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Entertaining Yourself

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Read a new book. Most airports sell books at newsstands or even have small bookstores. Take advantage of your free time to read a current best-seller or a classic you haven't gotten around to reading yet.
2
Play a game. Most popular board games come in portable varieties to play on-the-go, or simply bring along a book of crosswords or sudoku to pass the time. Bring along a deck of cards to play solitaire or a game with other travelers.
3
Knit or crochet. Keep your fingers busy and bring along a small knitting, crochet or needlepoint project. Print out a paper copy of your pattern or choose one that’s easy to memorize.
- Knitting and crochet needles and scissors smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) are allowed in your carry-on bag per TSA regulations, but thread cutters or needlepoint tools that contain blades will need to be in your checked luggage.
4
People-watch by observing your fellow travelers. Airports bring together people of all different backgrounds, and it can be entertaining to simply sit and watch for a while. Entertain yourself by imagining where they could be going, or what their life story might be. ^{[7]
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Use your mobile phone, iPad, or handheld games console. Listen to music, watch a film you've downloaded, play a game, or take photographs of the planes. Pre-load your device with videos or activities beforehand to avoid using up data and set up by a charger so you don’t run down your battery.
6
Explore the airport for unique entertainment options. Research the airport beforehand to see what entertainment options are available. Vancouver International Airport has an aquarium, Singapore Changi Airport offers indoor gardens, and Austin-Bergstrom boasts live music. Many other airports offer small exhibits. Find out if your destination has an interesting attraction and plan your route to see it.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Being Productive

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Hook up to the WiFi. Almost all major airports offer WiFi of some kind, although you might have to pay for access to faster or longer-lasting connections. Look up what access is offered at your airport beforehand so you know what to expect at the terminal.^{[9]
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2
Work remotely. Bring work or study materials to make good use of your free time. Set up shop in a food court if you want to work on a table, or find a gate that’s not in use for a quieter spot to concentrate.
3
Get some exercise. Some airports offer small fitness centers, and airports in San Francisco and Dallas/Fort Worth even have yoga rooms. ^{[10]
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Research source} If a gym isn’t available, do a few simple exercises like pushups, jumping jacks, or squats for a quick pre-flight workout in the terminal. ^{[11]
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- Make sure your airport gym also has a shower before you start working up a sweat.
4
Shop in the terminal. Most airports will have at least a couple small gift shops, and the bigger ones boast huge malls. Buy last-minute gifts or treat yourself to some new clothes or a book, but make sure your purchases can fit in your carry-on luggage, or ask if the store can ship them to you.^{[12]
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- Keep an eye out for duty-free shops in international terminals.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can you do at an airport?

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.

Amy Tan

Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Answer

Major airports offer many things to do during a layover, including shopping, bookstores, restaurants, bars, nap pods, and workstations. Airport lounges are a great place to relax, grab a bite, get Wi-Fi, and freshen up with a shower. For a very long layover, you can even go explore the town or get a hotel room for the night.
Question

How do I keep a small child occupied and behaving well on a plane?

Community Answer

It depends on his age. If you're able to talk with the child about topics that interest them, you may be able to distract them and keep them occupied during the flight.
Question

I'm going on a plane trip for the first time - what electronic devices are allowed on an airplane?

Community Answer

Check the airline's website for a full list. You can usually use pretty much anything, you just have to turn it off during takeoff and landing.