Having a layover doesn’t always mean sitting around aimlessly at the airport. Whether you’re stuck with a couple of hours or facing a long layover, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time. From catching up on sleep to exploring a new city, a layover can become an opportunity to relax, be productive, or even have a little adventure. Here are some of the best activities to consider during your next stopover.
Sleep or Rest
If you’re feeling exhausted during a long layover, catching up on sleep is one of the best ways to recharge before your next flight. For added comfort, consider booking a room at an airport hotel, which allows for restful sleep in a quiet space. Another increasingly popular option is airport sleeping pods, now available in many major airports around the world, offering a compact yet comfortable place to nap.
For those not looking to spend money on a hotel or pod, websites like “Sleeping in Airports” offer helpful tips on the best spots to rest within terminals. Some of the top-rated airports for sleep include Singapore and Seoul, while Paris and JFK are considered some of the least comfortable. Regardless of where you are, resting during a layover can help you feel more refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Take a City Tour
If your layover lasts half a day or longer, consider stepping outside the airport and exploring the city. Many airports provide information booths with details on local tours, public transportation options, and how to reach the city center quickly. Some airports, like Singapore Changi, even offer free half-day city tours for travelers with extended stopovers. However, if delays cause you to miss your connecting flight, you might be eligible for missed connecting flight compensation, depending on the circumstances and airline policies.
Before leaving the airport, ensure that you have the necessary paperwork. Depending on the country, you might need a visa to leave the airport and explore. Always double-check visa requirements ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to have a long layover in a foreign country. For the adventurous traveler, this can be a fantastic opportunity to experience a new place, even if only for a few hours.
Visit Art Galleries
Airports aren’t just hubs for travel; many have transformed into cultural spaces with impressive art installations and galleries. If you enjoy art, spending time at one of these galleries can be a great way to add some creativity to your layover. Simply check the airport map or visit the airport’s website to see if there’s an art gallery on-site.
Some of the best airports for art lovers include Amsterdam’s Schiphol, San Francisco International, and London Heathrow, which regularly showcases a variety of exhibits. Other airports known for their artistic displays are Helsinki, Beijing, Atlanta, Edinburgh, Singapore, and Jacksonville. These spaces often feature local and international artists, providing a unique experience to explore while waiting for your next flight.
Use Free Wi-Fi
Many major airports now offer free Wi-Fi throughout their terminals, making it easy to stay connected during your layover. Whether you want to stream videos, catch up on your favorite blogs, or squeeze in some work, having access to the internet can help pass the time productively. Some airports may require you to sign up or register for access, but once connected, you can use the time to either relax or get things done before your next flight.
Window Shopping
International airports are home to a wide range of luxury shops and boutiques, offering a great opportunity for window shopping during your layover. Whether you’re browsing high-end fashion or just enjoying the ambiance, exploring airport stores can be a fun, free way to pass the time. Some of the best airports for window shopping include:
- Hong Kong: The Airport Skymart is filled with a wide variety of stores.
- Dubai: Open 24/7, you can shop anytime.
- Singapore: Changi Airport boasts 160 shops to explore.
- Paris: Perfect for a last-minute luxury purchase before heading home.
- London Heathrow (Terminal 5): A top-tier shopping destination.
If you’re browsing without buying, it’s a great way to experience the luxury of these spaces without spending a dime.
Relax in a Lounge
One of the best ways to make the most of a long layover is by relaxing in an airport lounge. Many airports offer lounges that provide comfortable seating, quiet environments, complimentary snacks, and even showers to freshen up before your next flight. Some lounges are exclusive to certain airlines or membership holders, but many also offer access for a fee or through credit card perks. Spending time in a lounge can help you recharge in a more peaceful setting, making it a great way to escape the usual hustle and bustle of the terminal.
Eat and Drink
Sampling local or international cuisine can turn an ordinary layover into an enjoyable culinary experience. Many airports house a variety of dining options, from quick bites to high-end restaurants. Whether you want to grab a coffee, indulge in a gourmet meal, or try a local specialty, there’s usually something to suit every traveler’s tastes. If you’re facing a long layover, taking the time to enjoy a meal can be both satisfying and a great way to break up the hours spent waiting for your next flight.
Make New Friends
Airports are not just transit hubs; they can also be social spaces where travelers from all over the world cross paths. Striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler during a long layover can lead to interesting stories and even lasting connections. Whether it’s at a café, in a lounge, or while waiting at the gate, chatting with a stranger can help pass the time and make your layover more enjoyable. Who knows, you might meet someone with similar travel plans or even make a new friend.
Explore the Area
One of the perks of having an extended layover is the chance to explore a new city, even if it wasn’t part of your original itinerary. If your layover is long enough, take advantage of the opportunity to leave the airport and see what the local area has to offer. Some travelers plan their itineraries specifically to allow for stopovers in interesting cities. Whether it’s a quick tour of the city center or a visit to a famous landmark, exploring the area can turn a long layover into an unexpected adventure. Just make sure to check visa requirements and allow enough time to return to the airport before your next flight!
Conclusion
A layover offers more than just idle waiting time. Whether you choose to rest, explore the airport, or venture out into the city, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. With a little planning, a stopover can become an opportunity to relax, explore, or even create new experiences before your next flight.