9 Tips to Survive Long Layovers

Here we will go over nine tips for surviving long layovers.

Survive Long Layovers, Sitting in a crowded plane for hours with virtually no leg room or decent entertainment can be miserable. So, you are probably not too excited when you find out there will be a long layover, extending your travel time.

Luckily, there are ways to take advantage of your layover time that will send you back on the plane relaxed and happy. So let’s jump right in!

1) Pack Your Carry-On Accordingly

When you shop around for plane tickets, the website will inform you of any layover information, including the length between flights, landing time, departure time, and the city in which you will be dropped off.

Use this information to pack your carry-on accordingly. For example, consider the weather conditions, how much cash to have on hand, and leave room in your bag for anything you purchased during the layover.

An additional few things to pack would be a change of clothes and a phone charger.

2) Explore the City for Survive Long Layovers

You are on a trip, so you might as well go out and make the most of your vacation.

Many cities have shops, parks, sights, and atmospheres that you can’t find anywhere else.

Consider looking into popular tourist spots and local businesses with handmade goods or souvenirs.

3) Have a Meal

Plane food isn’t the greatest, so a layover is a great time to go out and have a decent meal while you can.

Research the best restaurants in the area or look for unique places that offer menu items you would not usually be able to find in your hometown.

Remember to eat meals that agree with your stomach; otherwise, the next flight may be pretty uncomfortable.

4) Go to the Gym

You have been sitting on a plane for hours, so you probably need to release some energy and get a good stretch.

Almost every town will have a gym that allows you to pay for a day pass. If not, look into whether or not your gym membership extends to out-of-area locations.

A bonus would be finding a gym with a sauna, massage chairs, or showers so you can get back on the plane feeling your best.

5) Do Some Work

If your trip is corporate or you have some things to catch up on, you can use your layover to get some work done.

The airport will have a lobby with internet access or even a work area where you can set up your computer and focus.

However, if you feel like going out into the city, you can go to a local coffee shop that offers free wi-fi and set up there.

This is also an excellent time to contact your boss or loved ones to update them on your trip and ETA.

6) Get a Hotel

For layovers that are over 6 hours, having a hotel booked and ready for you may be a good idea.

At the hotel, you can:

  • Relax
  • Get some sleep
  • Exercise
  • Swim
  • Watch TV
  • Order some food
  • Have a comfy place to wait it out

Book your hotel while you book your flight to ensure that you have a room available and if you plan to take a nap, don’t forget to set your alarm, so you make it back to the plane in time.

7) Entertain Yourself

Since you have time to kill, consider looking into entertainment options in the area like:

  • Casinos
  • Arcades
  • Movie Theatres
  • Bingo Halls
  • Mini-Golf
  • Bowling
  • Skating

If tickets or passes are not available when you get there, you will be left with nothing to do, so it may be a good idea to schedule ahead of time.

8) Treat Yourself

You can use your layover time for some self-pampering to get you ready for your primary destination or to unwind after sitting for hours.

Some ways to treat yourself are:

  • Getting a mani-pedi
  • Booking a massage
  • Going tanning
  • Getting your hair styled
  • Going shopping

If you are already planning on doing these things before your trip, you can do them during your layover to use your time wisely.

9) Go to an Event

Since you will know precisely where your layover will take place, you can look into events or attractions in the area and use the extra time to have some fun.

Consider looking into:

  • Museums
  • Festivals
  • Live performances
  • Amusements parks
  • Sightseeing destinations
  • Seminars
  • Trade shows

Instead of stressing about how much time your layover is wasting, make it a part of your trip and enjoy the additional city that you get the chance to enjoy.

Long flights and long layovers can be brutal; however, they don’t necessarily have you be.

Instead of sitting in a crowded airport lobby for hours, consider going to a hotel for some rest, going to the movies or an arcade, pampering yourself with a massage, doing some work at a coffee shop, or getting a good meal at a local restaurant.