Fortunately, with the proper attitude and some resourcefulness, you can make the most of this time. Read on to find out how to turn the frustration of an airport delay into a positive experience.
cool down
Hearing the announcement that your flight has been delayed may put you in a foul mood. To quell this anger, sit down, take a load off and assess the situation. Where am I? What time is it? (This is often not as obvious as it sounds, especially if you've been traveling for hours or days.) How long is the delay? What can I do?Go to the men's room, wash your face and change into some comfortable clothes if possible. Refresh yourself and you'll be prepared to deal with the situation.
If you haven't checked your suitcase all the way to your destination already, find a storage booth. However, due to recent security measures, some airports no longer offer storage booths. Find out if the one you're in does.
hit the duty-free shop
Visit the duty-free shop and kill some time. If you forgot to buy souvenirs for friends and family, now is a good time to make up for it. Look for something original.You might also find certain foods or products that aren't sold in your hometown; stock up on these goods.
tour the shops
Most airports have fashion and electronics stores. Take the opportunity to buy gifts for upcoming birthdays or anniversaries or look for cool items for yourself. Remember, though, that items may be pricey.take solace in the written word
Instead of dropping a lot of dough at the airport, why not stimulate your mind with a good book? In today's busy world, many are hard pressed to find time to read a good novel. Airports usually have at least one bookstore with a decent selection.If you prefer light reading and variety, purchase a few magazines instead. Go with an assortment. Or buy a newspaper to catch up on the latest in politics, business and sports. In general, you can find several top newspapers like the New York Times and London Times in most airport convenience stores.
With reading material in hand, find a secluded spot and relax. If you've chosen something interesting, time will fly by.
go surfing
Keeping up with the times, most airports now feature high-tech workstations where people can access the Internet. Though the hourly or by-the-minute fees may be high, don't let money get in the way of distracting yourself during the delay. You can clear out your Inbox, visit AskMen.com, check the markets, or simply surf.If you need the typical PC applications to go along with the Net, search for an Internet caf. This way, you can grab a drink and get business-related work done at the same time. Of course, if you have a notebook computer, you can do all this from the comfort of anywhere in the airport.
chill out
First class passengers who have to sit through delays are treated the best. They have full access to VIP lounges and are given complementary snacks and drinks. Those who don't have the pleasure of flying in luxury can still benefit from these perks though. Often, carriers offer access to their lounges to non-first class flyers for a fee. If you're dying for a comfortable chair and some good eating, it's worth the price.Cool, relaxing spots have sprouted up in modern airports in the past few years. You can find a nice place to unwind without paying an entrance fee. You can socialize with other travelers, especially women stuck in the same delay. Sit by the bar, order a drink and let the conversation flow.
grab a bite
Forget about airplane flood -- there are plenty of quality restaurants housed in airports to please even the pickiest eater. From fast food joints to gourmet establishments, you'll have plenty to choose from to satisfy your hunger. The ideal situation would be to bring that sweet young thing you met at the airport lounge to dinner -- this would kill time in more ways than one.Even if you're alone, having a meal is a great way to relax and get your mind off the delay. Bring a book, sit in a quiet booth and forget about your problems for a while.
take a tour
The ultimate way to kill time during a delay or long stopover is to leave the airport altogether. Make arrangements to tour the city. If you're in London, for example, for only a couple of British pounds, you can take the tube (the underground train) all the way from Heathrow to London's historic downtown. Check out Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and other sites.Even if you're not in an exciting tourist destination like London or New York, touring is time well spent -- if the delay is long enough. Pick up a brochure from the airport and ask a cab driver to take you to the most central spot in the city. If there are no sites to see, go to a restaurant or simply stretch your legs along the main streets.
check out the airport's highlights
When there isn't enough time to leave the airport, see what cool things it has to offer inside . To accommodate travelers, airports have set-up impressive features to entertain.For instance, O'Hare International in Chicago, Sea-Tac in Seattle and Newark International all offer full service spa facilities. Since stress levels in airports often are high, the massage parlors here get a steady stream of passengers. Vancouver International Airport offers a health club as well as a spa. You can work out and stretch your travel-weary muscles before getting on the plane.
There's a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in LAX, a full playground in Boston's Logan Airport that delights both kids and adults, and a movie theatre and swimming pool at Singapore's Changi Airport. Look hard enough and you'll find something interesting in every major airport.
get some shut eye
Finally, if the stress of traveling and waiting is too much for you, head to the airport hotel. To accommodate those stuck in a substantial delay, the carrier will often put you up in a room. Even if they don't, this is a great way to escape the bustling crowds. Book a room, call the main desk for a wake up call and collapse on the hotel bed. When all else fails, sleep is the best remedy.for the next time
In preparation for a delay the next time you travel, consider packing the following things:With these items, your time spent waiting will fly by.
no longer black holes
Airports can accommodate your every need. Instead of panicking when a stopover is extended or a delay is announced, be cool and productive.Resources:
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