6 Smart Ways To Make Your Next Airport Layover More Bearable
Whether it was one you knew was coming, or caused by unexpected circumstances like delays airport layovers can be tricky. After all, you’d nearly always be somewhere else and just want your trip to go as quickly as possible. Yet, there you are stuck in the in-between of the airport unable to proceed with your journey or leave to explore a new location. The good news is you can make your next layover more bearable by using the 10 suggestions below. Read on to find out what they are.
Dive into your bag of tricks
First of all, to make your next airport layover more bearable you’ll need to dig into your bag of tricks. By bag of tricks, we mean your carry-on bag which if you have packed it in advance well will hold almost everything you need for a comfortable airport layover.
The first thing you’ll want in your bag is a sleep mask, which you can use to block out the hard overhead airport lighting if you want to nap. The travel pillow that kept you comfy on the plane will also help you grab some sleep on your layover, and it never hurts to add some extra socks to keep your feet warm either.
You’ll want to use your headphones from your bag as well as they will allow you to get a break from all the noise, and hustle and bustle of the airport.
Lastly, if you have packed your carry-on well you will have a lightweight waterproof jacket and a wool wrap. Not only are these supremely comfortable and practical items of clothing for your destination and to use on the plane, but you can also use them as a pillow and blanket for your layover as well to keep you warm and comfortable as you snooze.
Get some sleep
While we are on the subject of sleep, this is how many people choose to use their layover time. The good news is that some great tactics will help you get as much rest as possible, even in an airport.
The first of these is that you can in some airports rent sleep pods, which cancel out the noise from outside, provide a dimmed environment and are secure. These are perfect for taking any length of nap and can be rented by the hour, and in our opinion are well worth the investment.
If there are no sleep pods available at the airport you find yourself in for your layover then renting some space in an airport lounge is the next best thing. There you will find much more comfortable seating, usually in a quiet space and some lounges even have specially designed nap chairs, which will help you get some sleep and spend your layover time wisely. Just be sure to set several alarms as you won’t want to oversleep and miss your flight.
2. Beat boredom
If you are someone who just can’t sleep in an airport, or if you have had your fill of sleep on the plane, you will need to engage in some other activities to beat the boredom that can come along with a layover.
Happily, there are plenty of options you can choose from including listening to podcasts, audiobooks and music. You may be able to download these from your music service provider like Spotify, or from apps for each type of content like Apple Music, the iPod App, and Audible. Films and TV content are another good suggestion although you will have to be careful that they don’t drain your battery completely!
Lastly, another great option is to get some gaming time in during your layover. If you have a portable console packed in your carry-on like the Nintendo Switch you can use this and play from your last save point in your game. Alternatively, if you have access to the Internet, then why not play one of the many free fun browser games like Solitaire that are available? Indeed, Solitaire is a great choice because it's an easy game to pick up and a hard one to master so it will provide you with plenty of challenge, even for the longest layovers.
3. Get refuelled
While the plane is getting refuelled, it's a good idea that you do the same. Fortunately, there is no better place to do this than in an airport because they nearly always have some 24-hour food services. Although you may need to go to another terminal to access them!
If you can, try and get some hot food, and where possible stock up on snacks and water that you will be able to take on the plane, especially if you have a long journey ahead. Just remember to buy any consumables to eat or drink at the place after you have been through security, so you don't end up wasting your money and throwing things away.
4. Charge your devices
Just as you’ll need to fuel up during your layover, it's smart to refuel your devices too. Indeed being on a long layover with no phone, laptop or headphones feels almost unbearable so take the chance to charge things up while you can.
You’ll often find that restaurants and coffee bars will have USB charging points freely accessible to airport users. You don’t even normally have to buy anything to use them. If in doubt check with airport staff as they will be able to steer you in the right direction. Just be sure to stay with your devices at all times to keep them secure.
5. Stay safe
Last of all, it's important to make sure that you stay safe when you are on an airport layover. This is because you can be very vulnerable when trying to rest, or in an unfamiliar location. What this means is you will need to keep an eye on your valuables and electronics. The best way to do this is to keep them in a backpack when you're not using them and then use the backpack as a pillow as you nap.
If you are travelling as a family make sure that one parent or guardian is present at all times, even on bathroom breaks, and when the kids go shopping or to get some food. If you are travelling alone, it's best to rest in pods or lounges, rather than quiet corners of the airport as there are likely to be more staff and other travellers around.
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