Traveling by plane is a common experience for passionate travelers. It’s one of the fastest ways to reach distant places. And no matter where you go, you’ll always find yourself at airports, which are the starting and ending points of any air journey. Sometimes, you’ll have to wait for your next flight. So, here’s a list of things you can do while lounging at the airport to make the most of your time!
If you’re returning home from a trip abroad, you probably have some foreign currency left. While you can easily exchange paper money at banks, coins are not as easily dealt with. The airport is your last, best chance to spend those coins. Buy some expensive fridge magnets, get a giant Toblerone, or visit an airport bar. Remember, the goal of a holiday isn’t to save money but to enjoy yourself, even at the airport.
Most airports offer Wi-Fi, so make the best use of it. If you’re about to embark on your trip, do some last-minute checks to ensure everything is ready. Look up restaurant reviews near your hotel, and post statuses and selfies to make your friends back home jealous. If you’re returning home or waiting during a layover, use this time to go through the pictures you’ve taken and post them online. Memories fade, so this is a great opportunity to share those moments. You can also read articles you’ve been putting off, turning your airport stay into an educational experience.
If your flight is delayed or canceled, or if you were bumped off due to overbooking, use the Wi-Fi to claim compensation. You can do it yourself, or through a flight compensation company that handles the process for a percentage of the compensation amount.
Take this time to do some cleaning up. Check your wallet for expired coupons and useless loyalty cards, and get rid of them. Spend any leftover foreign currency on a treat for yourself. If your phone isn’t dead (you did pack a charger, right?), clean it up too. Delete apps you don’t use, go through your photos, and clear out your downloads folder.
Airports aren’t just for routing passengers and cargo; they’re bustling with cafes, duty-free shops, and other attractions. Check out if the airport has any special places to visit. For instance, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has an annex of the Rijksmuseum where you can see great Dutch art. Singapore’s Changi Airport offers a children’s playground, arts and crafts workshops, free movies in screening rooms, an entertainment area with video games, and even a massive slide for some fun.
If you’re feeling inactive from sitting on a plane, get some exercise. Many airports have gyms, so if you have time, you can work out. Just make sure you have the right clothing. If there’s no gym, take a walk around the airport or use your carry-on for some impromptu weight-lifting.
Airports often have large windows overlooking the runways, perfect for plane spotting. Spend your time watching planes take off and land. Try to distinguish between different aircraft models like Boeings and Airbuses. See if you can identify an Airbus A320 from an A319. Become the expert among your friends in identifying different planes, from Boeing 737NGs to the rare Embraer models.