How to survive a layover at an airport?

Are you tired of the layovers at the airports? They are usually associated with boredom and discomfort.

However, with a bit of foresight and creativity you can turn those into an opportunity to relax or be productive.

The airports offer a variety of options to kill your time while waiting for a flight.

You can also preplan some entertainment and comforts yourself without spending additional money.

Unpaid solutions

• Download your favourite movie or series on a mobile or laptop. Remember to charge the devices beforehand in order not to waste time waiting for the battery to power up.
• Bring your favourite book. If your eyes are too tired to read you can always access its audio version.
• Create a playlist. Choose your favourite songs, put the headphones on noise cancellation mode and relax without outside disturbances. Don’t forget to save it so you can also access it with the airplane mode on.
• Bring a neck pillow. It will be useful for a short nap both on board of the plane and at the airport bench.
• Pack your own lunch and have a water bottle. If you bring an empty one it’ll pass the security check regardless of its size. You can later refill it at the water fountains.
• Check the location of the airport – maybe you will have enough time for a short sightseeing trip to the city centre.
• Before settling on a place where you are going to sit / nap / rest, have a walk through the whole terminal. Many bigger airports offer relaxation zones with comfortable armchairs for sitting or even lying down.

Paid solutions

Airport lounges

Exploring the airport lounges is a great solution for longer layovers.

Airport lounges are special paid spots where you'll find comfy seats, Wi-Fi, free snacks, and drinks.

Some lounges even have fancier extras like showers, private rooms, and spas.

Most airlines sell memberships to these lounges for a certain price.

However, if you have a proper type of ticket, like a business or first-class ticket, you might get in for free.

If you are a frequent traveler you can still treat yourself to a lounge visit and buy a day pass.

You can usually get one online or at the airport on the day you're traveling.

Also, you might be able to enter the lounge for free with the right credit card. Many top-notch credit cards offer free lounge memberships.

Finally, if you have some miles saved up then some airlines let you use them to score day passes or lounge memberships. It might not be the best use of your miles, but still the option is available.

Nap cabs

Nap cabs are cozy pods you can rent at the airport for a quick nap without having to leave the terminal.

Inside, you'll find everything you need for a short sleeping session: a comfortable bed, pillow and duvet.

They also usually include a folding desk which you can use if you've got some work catch up on.

Plus, on the touchscreen located inside you can check your flight info and set an alarm to make sure you don't miss your boarding call.

Conclusions

Long layovers at airports can be more bearable if you properly prepare yourself and take advantage of the available solutions.

For those looking to make the most of their time without spending extra money, downloading entertainment, bringing comforts like books and neck pillows, and even exploring the airport's surroundings can help pass the time.

For the others, willing to invest a little money, airport lounges offer relaxation with amenities like comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and drinks.

Additionally, nap cabs provide a convenient option for travellers looking for a quick rest without leaving the terminal.

Regardless of opting for unpaid or paid solutions, there are various ways to make the most of your layovers and make them an overall enjoyable experience.