Delays and layovers can leave you scrolling through your phone, wasting time while you wait for your plane. However, there are plenty of ways of making this unavoidable time enjoyable and stress-free.
If you’ve got a layover in your next flight journey or just discovered your flight will be delayed by a couple of hours, check out our ideas for some airport inspiration.
Play Mobile Games
Mobile games are a great way to pass the time. You can challenge yourself with puzzle games like solitaire and chess against online opponents or play a realistically simulated pool match. If you’re sports-mad, you can check your fantasy football team and climb the leaderboard.
Nostalgic arcade games online, like Jackpot Champion and Super Spins, will keep you entertained and offer you the chance to win prizes. Consider downloading offline games in case the Wi-Fi is spotty, or make sure you have data at the airport.
Start Journaling
Journaling involves regularly writing down your experiences, thoughts and feelings in a physical notebook or digitally. Use the downtime at the airport to reflect on your trip and plan your next adventure.
If you prefer typing over handwriting, apps like Day One or Notion can be good digital alternatives. You can also keep receipts, leaflets, and cards and stick them as keepsakes to create a junk journal of your time abroad. Journaling can provide a healthy emotional outlet, giving you a deeper self-awareness.
Read a Book or Listen to an Audiobook
Delving into a good book will make waiting around go by quickly. Whether you’re learning helpful organisation and work tips from a self-improvement book, on the edge of your seat with a gripping thriller, or educating yourself with a history of the world, it will take your mind off your busy surroundings.
Packing a lightweight Kindle in your hand luggage is an easy way to access dozens of titles. If you prefer to listen to narration, audiobooks from Audible and Spotify allow the story to unfold in your ears.
Watch Movies or Shows
Download films and television series episodes from Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video to catch up on while you wait. By downloading them, you’ll avoid having to rely on slow, unsecured public Wi-Fi connections.
Remember to take your noise-cancelling headphones to filter out the chaos of the airport. They’ll close you off and immerse you in the story. If they’ve got a wired connection, you can even connect them to the in-flight entertainment system. Wireless earbuds can work just as well and slip easily into a jacket pocket.
People-Watch & Observe Your Surroundings
People-watching in an airport can help you focus on the present moment, reduce stress and nerves about your flight, and prevent you from dwelling on the past. You’ll appreciate where you are and gain insights into how people interact.
You could even sketch some scenes in your journal, like people queuing to board a flight or asking for help from staff. Imagine their stories as you jot them down to empathise with them and gain a deeper understanding of their motivations.
