How to Have Fun on Your Long Airport Layover
by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Are you dreading your upcoming long airport layover on an already lengthy trip? Wondering what to do during a long layover? You’re not alone, which is why I recommend the following strategies to maximize your time during your extended layover and hopefully have fun while you’re at it. These airport tips and long haul flight tips are geared towards international layovers, but you can take advantage of them on domestic routes as well.
1. Leave the Airport
This is the simplest and most fun way to pass the time during your extended layover. Depending on your flight path, some airports offer layover tours of the closest city (typically with a 4+ hour layover). Or, if the flight you’re considering has a 4-hour layover anyway, why not plan ahead and make it 10 hours instead? That way, you’ll have enough time to visit more than one attraction in the city. Drop off your carry-on luggage in secure lockers or “left luggage” storage at the airport. If you are traveling internationally, remember to check whether you need any type of travel documents with you, such as a transit visa to enter the country. Be sure and note that when you return to the airport you will have to re-enter airport security, so plan your time accordingly.
Give it a try: Layover tours work best when the downtown area is near the airport and accessible by public transportation, although hiring a private guide is also an option. Airline hub cities are great opportunities to create your own extended layover because there are multiple flights in and out allowing you to choose the length of your layover.
Related: Why you will love using Global Game Plan as your personal travel planner
2. Relax offline
Some airports include businesses that offer massages, salon services (now you have time to get that mani/pedi you’ve been procrastinating) and nap pods or capsules (i.e. in-airport hotel-like rooms) that can be reserved for short periods of time. Research your specific airport (in advance if possible) so you can optimize your time doing relaxing (and fun!) things at the airport. You may even want to decide on your layover airport based on the airports where you can take advantage of opportunities for relaxation, peace, and quiet. For a more budget-friendly option, read this essential guide to sleeping in the airport.
Give it a try: YotelAir Hotels (offering beds, shower facilities and free Wi-Fi) are located in the following airports: London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Istanbul, and Singapore. This is an amazing amenity that you can use for your entire layover, or use it to freshen up after a long flight before leaving the airport on a layover tour.
3. Use the airline lounges and clubs
If you’re a frequent flyer or airline credit card holder you may already be familiar with these options, but it’s worth checking out even if you’re not. There may be some circumstances where you can access the lounge. For example, Delta provides complimentary Sky Club access to Gold status and above flyers on international trips. Consider how valuable free Wi-Fi, food and drink, a quiet place to sit in a comfortable chair, and possibly a hot shower is to you on a long trip. It may even be worth a reasonable fee to have access to these private amenities.
Give it a try: Research some information about how to gain airport lounge access and check your credit card amenities, Groupon, your airport layover website, and google some options for a day pass--you may be in luck.
4. Take advantage of the airport amenities and attractions
Airport amenities are your new best friend! We’re not just talking about typical things to do at the airport like shops and dining options, but everything from museums and movie theaters to golf simulations and swimming pools. Research your airport to see what unique and interesting activities are available, not just to pass the time but to actually have fun during this travel break.
Give it a try: Slot machines are everywhere in the Las Vegas airport and you can probably find a video arcade on your walk from point A to B in many airports, but don’t be shy about taking the tram to another terminal to find the best amenities. If you have an airport layover with kids, try these family-friendly airports for a smoother, more fun layover.
5. Create an overnight layover (on purpose)
Long trips can be exhausting so an overnight layover is a great way to get a good night’s sleep, shake off some jet lag, and just fly out the next day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can skip the sleep and party it up in an international city you wouldn’t otherwise get to visit. Or use this opportunity to make two trips out of one and take in some sights. For the most convenience on a one-night stopover, select an airport hotel or one that’s nearby. You may want to choose one with well-insulated hotel room walls to help block the airplane noise and that offers a free shuttle back to the airport.
Give it a try: This is one of my favorite long haul flight tips…Icelandair offers a stopover program where you can sleep overnight (for one or more nights) on your journey with no additional airfare charge. Read the ultimate guide to airline stopover programs to find out the other popular airports and airlines that offer this option.
Related: What to Consider When Choosing Your Travel Destination
6. Kick-it old school!
If you’re not flying through one of the 10 Most Exciting Airports in the World, or you can’t (or don’t want to) leave the airport, then go back to the old standards and buy some travel souvenirs, a new magazine or a book, grab a beer and check out the game, watch the planes go by on an observation deck, people watch or talk with a fellow traveler, charge your electronics or catch up on some phone calls.
Give it a try: Many airports now offer a variety of high-quality, local food options that you can find by reading the Eater Airport Dining Guides or looking on an individual airport’s website.
Additional helpful airport tips:
Traveling domestically with your pet? Try these pet-friendly airports in the US.
Find more airport layover ideas or activities at your travel destination on Pinterest. You should check it out even if you don’t have a layover at a domestic or international airport – Pinterest is a great resource for travel inspiration and planning ideas.
Try these products for a smoother airplane experience: compression socks, noise-cancelling headphones and a mini travel fan. Read our gift guide to find additional useful travel gifts or see a full list of our recommended travel products.
Check out the Global Game Plan website where we help make travel easier for you. We can also help find a new travel camera, plan your trip activities during your layover or at your final destinations. Contact us today!