Longest Layover Ever? The 10-Minute Cure

For even the most careful travel planner, long layovers are sometimes unavoidable. And even if you don’t have a scheduled wait, unexpected delays are a fact of life.

Airport delays may be out of your control, but what you choose to do with the time is often within your power. In less than 10 minutes, you can prepare for a delay even before you leave the house. So if and when you do find yourself stuck at the airport, you’ll have enough to do and see to make your time on the ground fly by.

The 10-Minute Prep

• Pack an extra book or magazine, a puzzle book or game, and load up your mp3 player with podcasts. I find Car Talk to be a great mood lightener during layovers and delays, since it’s hard to stay grumpy amid so much laughter.

Check out the airport website and note:

• Internet Access: If you’re bringing a laptop with you, pinpoint Wi-Fi access or airport hotspots.
• In-airport activities or services: Many airports offer museum or art exhibitions, and spa shops offering services such as chair massages, reflexology, and manicures are popping up in airports around the country.
• Promising food: At many airports, local restaurants open branches, offering a chance to sample local favorites. You could also check for healthy options, or sit-down establishments in case you want to wait out the delay over a plate of food and a drink.

What are your ideas for spending long waits at the airport? Share them in the comments section below!