Chrissy We all know being stuck at the airport is no fun. But, as you eagerly await your next flight I have listed plenty of things to do at the airport to keep you entertained. Whether you have an unexpected layover, a delayed flight, or a quick layover there are many things in an airport to pass time.
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Enjoy travel hacks? Check out these other posts to help your travels have a smooth landing:
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- Long Flight Tips For Economy
- What’s In My Travel Makeup Bag
THINGS TO DO AT THE AIRPORT TO STAY OCCUPIED
No reason for you to be bored waiting to catch the next flight. Here is one awesome list I compiled for how to keep yourself entertained at the airport.
1| RESEARCH RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU ARE GOING
While you are waiting for a flight do some research and check out the grub where you are staying. This is a great way to kill time at an airport and super fun! Find all the local hotspots and where to dine on some true authentic cuisine. Might as well make some reservations too if able.
2| SLEEP
Um, I don’t know about you, but since adulting, I could always catch up on some zzz’s. Although, catching a nap by the gate isn’t ideal or the most comfortable, most airports have a cozy spot to lay your head. Check the airport for lounges or Minute Suites you can book for an hour or two. Most of these places offer a bed or at least a sofa to stretch your legs.
Just don’t forget to set your alarm so you’re not stuck at the airport longer than you need to be.
3| READ A BOOK OR KINDLE
Another way to kill time at an airport is reading a book. Pack a book or Kindle in your carry-on. If our prefer not to pack one more thing with you the plane, there are plenty of free reading apps to download on your phone.
Check out the few I have listed below:
- Aldiko– Free classics are available with this application. If browsing you don’t see anything that flips your face, you can purchase new reads.
- Bookfunnel– Short stories and novels written by new authors. Oodles Ebook Reader– You are bound to find a good read in this application that entails over 50,000 reads. Also available in 10 languages.
- Overdrive– This app allows to you connect to your local library and have access to its database. Select from audiobooks, videos, or ebooks.
4| ORGANIZE YOUR PLAYLIST
Another thing you can do when you are bored in an airport is organized your music playlist. I don’t know about you all, but my playlist is a hot mess. Take this time to take care of the tedious tasks of organizing your playlist. Get some new tunes in there too!
5| CHAT WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY
Keep yourself entertained and call that nosey family member. You may have avoided their calls, but since you are waiting for a flight play catch up. That lengthy phone call will eliminate most of your time waiting at the airport. Not feeling so brave? I don’t blame you pal. Give your friends a call and brag about everything you have planned for your upcoming trip.
6| WATCH A MOVIE
Pull out the phone or laptop and watch a movie or two you have been dying to see but haven’t had time.
7| EXPLORE THE AIRPORT
Check out the airport and see how long it will take you to get from one end to the other. Have you ever noticed some terminals are a lot cooler than others?
8| GRAB A DRINK
Find a nice bar and sip on a cocktail. Go ahead and order your favorite, or two, or three! While there, get chatty with your neighbor. Find out where they are going. If you’re a bit timid, pull out a book and sip on your adult beverage.
9| EXERCISE
Take advantage of the time and stretch those legs before boarding the plane for a flight. Some airports have a gym so go squeeze in one last workout before vacation.
10| DO SOME WORK
Tie up those loose ends with your job and reply to last-minute emails.
READ MORE: 66 Effortless Traveling Hacks
11| LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Keep yourself entertained at the airport and learn the language for where you are visiting. Some very common phrases to pick up and that are super helpful are thank you, excuse me, please, how are you, good morning/night, check please, hello, and bye.
Locals tend to appreciate this kind gesture from tourists and are more eager to help. Check out some phone apps I used and absolutely love.
- Michel Thomas Method– If you’re looking to learn a few quick simple and common phrases this is your app. It is fun and very interactive like you are in the classroom with the students you are listening to.
- Duolingo– This is another great application to learn another language. It is set up as a game, so this is great for you are bored at the airport.
- Rosetta Stone– You can get up to 30-minutes of course content for free! When done review all the information so you are speaking like a pro before you arrive.
12| GO FOR A MASSAGE
Splurge while you’re at the airport and get a massage so you arrive to your destination recharged. It’s also a great way to relax before hopping on your next flight.
13| GO SHOPPING
Shopping at the airport can be a little pricey, but there are some stores that may appease your wallet. Browse the airport for stores that you wouldn’t see back home. Don’t forget to check out the duty-free stores and stock up on some goodies.
14| CHECK FOR AN UPGRADE
Hey hey, try and get an upgrade. Ask the agent for a different seat or vouchers to use on the plane or while waiting at the airport.
15| UPDATE YOUR PHOTO ALBUM
Who else as a bazillion photos on their phone like me? Go through delete the ones you can live without and take up space.
16| FRESHEN UP
While waiting for your flight, go freshen yourself up a bit. Remove that cabin air from your flight and get all sexy again before heading to the bar. Check out my post on all the carry-on essentials you need for long flights to feel revived.
17| PEOPLE WATCH
Find a cozy little nook at the gate or a restaurant and people-watch. Try and guess what they are saying or where they are going.
18| PLAN YOUR TRIP
Check out additional activities for your trip. Book some super fun excursions such as dolphin watching, cooking classes, or walking tours. Some of my favorites to book from are Triple and Showaround. It’s a great way to experience the city from a local.
19| LISTEN TO A PODCAST
Another fun thing to do at the airport to avoid boredom is to listen to your favorite podcasts. Browse new ones to get while waiting at the airport.
20| CHECK THE WEATHER
Check the weather where you are going and where you live. Brag to your family and friends if you’re heading to sunny skies, blue water, and palm trees.
READ MORE: How To Survive Dreaded Long Flights In Economy
21| PLAY GAMES ON YOUR PHONE
Play some of your favorite games on your phone.
22| RESPOND TO EMAILS
Check your emails and clean out your inbox. It’s time to remove all those unread messages located on your mail app on your phone.
23| LISTEN TO MUSIC
Just chill and listen to some of your favorite tunes.
24| CLEAN YOUR PURSE OR WALLET
Take the time to clean out your purse or wallet. No one likes to do it, but it’s a great way to time to kill at the airport. Of course, don’t flaunt your money, just get rid of all those old receipts, old gum, or whatever else didn’t think was still inside.
25| CHECK OUT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Get on your social media and engage with your friends. Check out their photos and show them some love.
26| EDIT YOUR PHOTOS
Another fun thing to do while at the airport is to edit all those photos.
27| GRAB A BITE TO EAT
Find a delicious restaurant in the airport and chow down on some grub. Don’t go with something you’re familiar with, try something new and different. Go for a restaurant with the local cuisine.
28| CHAT IT UP AT THE BAR OR RESTAURANT
Strike up a conversation with other people at the airport. They are more than likely waiting for the plane like you. Get chatty with your neighbor at the bar. Find out where they are going or where they have been. It is a great way to connect with other like-minded people who may enjoy traveling like you. Who knows, you may end up meeting your best friend!
29| WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL
Documenting in your journal about your upcoming trip or anything fascinating that’s happened in your life is one of the other things you can do at the airport.
30| GET A MANI-PEDI
One of my favorite things to do at the airport is get a mani-pedi. I like to get my toes and nails all dazzled up if I didn’t get time prior to my trip.
FINAL TIP FOR THINGS TO DO AT THE AIRPORT
If you’re a frequent flyer, invest in an awesome travel credit card. With my American Express Platinum Credit Card layovers have become a breeze. Make sure your card has Priority Pass entry though. You will be able to visit lounges in 500+ cities. I have accessed lounges in Mauritius, Brussels, Zurich, Paris, Vienna, and many more. They have comfy couches, showers, WiFi, free food (and it is good), and unlimited alcoholic beverages for free!
This card has been a game-changer for me since traveling. TSA Pre-check is included which makes going through the security lines super quick. You don’t need to take off your shoes and everything stays in your carry-on. What is even more amazing is the lines are ridiculously short. Global Entry is another added bonus with a good travel credit card. No more waiting in those long lines in customs.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS AT THE AIRPORT YOU DO
Did I miss something on my list of things to do at the airport while waiting? Tell me in the comments below things you do at the airport to keep yourself entertained.
READ MORE:
- How To Survive Dreaded Long Flights In Economy
- How To Take Care Of Your Skin While Traveling So You Stay Looking Fabulous
- The 30 Carry-On Essentials You Need To Pack
- Stay Looking Fabulous On Vacation
- 66 Effortless Traveling Hacks
- What To Pack In Your Travel Makeup Bag
- Gifts For Travel Lovers
Also, if you added some more fun activities and places to see while waiting at the airport learn how to organize your trip using my step-by-step guide on how to use Google Maps planner.
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This is a great post! When I’m at the airport I usually try and walk around as much as possible prior to the flight. I then often call family/friends while having a drink in an airport bar. When I’m doing long haul flights (I do these a lot as I am Australian and live in Canada) I often book the showers available at some airports to freshen up on stop overs.
It’s always nice to freshen up. I usually do the same in one of the lounges. It’s nice to get that cabin air off.
Organise your playlist and write in your journal are PERFECT recommendations! I never thought of those two before. I usually just pop a squat in a restaurant and eat and drink wine haha! Lovely post.
Hey, eating and drinking is always a good idea 😉
I’m always too busy trying to figure out transport and accommodation before I board my plane to the next destination – haha! Oh the good ol’ days huh?!
Oh, I know right? I miss the airport so much right now!
Great ideas! I always bring plenty of stuff to do when I’m headed to the airport–it’s nice to keep occupied! :]
Yes it is really nice to stay busy at the airport!
I really enjoyed this list. Editing photos and working on language skills never crossed my mind! One of my favorite airport pastimes is shopping, though. Saving this for later.
Thank you so much! I love shopping too at the airport! Check out those apps, they are great!
These are awesome ways to pass the time in most places! Great list, and I especially love your credit card recommendation. I’ve been researching the best travel card to get so will definitely check out the Amex Platinum.
Thank you. I love that credit card. There are so many perks! I haven’t been in a lounge I didn’t love.
These are some great ideas! I love hitting up the airport lounge if there is one I can get into. I always try to get some work done as well.
I love airport lounges. And squeezing in a little work is always good!
Some good ideas here. I am always looking for ways to kill some time in the airport 🙂
Yes it seems like it takes forever waiting for that flight!
Awesome list, I would never think about going for a massage but most of the time I’m checking the weather and social media. Thanks for the other ideas, some of them I would never think about.
Oh a massage is a great way to relax before getting on that plane again!
Thanks for this great guide! I love this inspiration! I normally spend my time at the airport alternating between panicking I’ll miss the flight I’m 3 hours early for and eating like I’m never going to see food again! I’ll try out some of these tips next time!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
You’re too funny! I get paranoid too missing my flight. Thanks for the compliment!
This is such a great list! I usually just end up watching stuff on my tablet and eating haha. I think waiting around can be so tiring sometimes so this list is really helpful in making you feel a bit more productive during those times.
You’re so right! It can be tiring waiting at the airport. Thank you so much!
I love this list of things to do! I’m always looking for ways to make the most of my time and lounge passes, it’s such a weird luxury to actually take a shower in an airport–I feel like a new woman after getting freshened up, and I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who cleans out my purse while waiting.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I love the lounges when I am at the airport. And, hey if you have the time why not clean out the purse!
I actually love spending time at the airport and getting food and coffee and just exploring the place! Thanks for the other tips.
I wish I loved hanging around the airport. But, now I do appreciate it more!
I love these ideas! I usually people watch, work, or plan last minute details. Will save for future trips ?
People watching is always fun!
Great suggestions. I spend so many hours at airports when travelling for business… anything under a five hour wait is considered a quick coffee break. I tend to use the time to catch up on work or write blog posts. And go through bucket loads of coffee whilst doing so 😉 it’s only when I travel with my husband, that I actually bother to explore the airport (as he gets so excited to travel and wants to see it all and browse and shop)
So great you are able to keep yourself busy. I usually try to leave, but when I only have 3 hours it isn’t worth the risk. That is great your husband gets excited.
So many great ideas! Never even thought about them, when I was bored… Thanks!x
No problem! You won’t go bored now!
great list of things to do at the airport. i really love these tips and added for the next time travelling. thanks for sharing this amazing article and tips about things to do at the airport.
So glad you enjoyed the tips. Thank you so much for reading!