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You probably never considered doing this at the airport — but you should

General

Image: INHYEOK PARK

Image: INHYEOK PARK

Make the most of your time at the airport

You probably never considered doing this at the airport — but you should

You've checked your bag, cleared security, and now you're facing a two-hour layover with nothing but an overpriced sandwich and your own thoughts for company. Don't worry, airports have come a long way, and there's more to do than you might think. Here are 10 ways to make the time fly (pun intended).

Many airports offer day passes to their lounges, and if you've never tried one, it's worth it. For a reasonable fee, you can enjoy comfortable seating, free snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and a much calmer atmosphere than the main terminal. Some lounges even have showers. It's the kind of experience that turns a tedious layover into something that almost feels like a treat.

Most people head straight for their gate and stay there for the duration. Don't be like most people. Wander around a bit, and you'd be surprised by what you find. Many major airports have art installations, local food vendors, and shops that actually reflect the city you're passing through. Think of it as a mini tour of a place you might not otherwise visit.

Airport food has a bad reputation, but it's gotten much better in recent years. Instead of grabbing something and rushing back to your gate, find a proper restaurant, sit down, and take your time. Order something you wouldn't normally try. Have a glass of wine if the mood strikes.

There's something deeply satisfying about browsing a bookstore with no particular agenda. Pick up a novel you've never heard of, flip through a travel magazine, or grab a puzzle book for the flight. Many airport bookstores carry a surprisingly good selection, and impulse-buying a book you end up loving is one of life's small but genuine joys.

Travel has a way of stirring up thoughts and feelings, and airports, with all their comings and goings, can be surprisingly inspiring places to put pen to paper. Jot down what you're looking forward to on the trip, what you're leaving behind, or whatever's on your mind. Remember, you don't have to be a writer to keep a travel journal.

You know that friend or sibling you've been meaning to catch up with for months? Call them. You've got time, you've got nowhere to be, and there's something about being in transit that makes conversation feel a little easier and more relaxed.

Find a comfortable seat with a good view of the foot traffic and just observe. You'll see reunions, tearful goodbyes, frazzled parents, seasoned business travelers, and the occasional person in full pajamas acting as if it's completely normal.

If you haven't already loaded your phone or tablet with something to watch, now's a great time to do it. Most streaming services allow you to download shows and movies for offline viewing. Think of the layover as a head start on your in-flight entertainment, and suddenly, two hours won’t seem so bad after all.

Airports are big—sometimes enormous—and walking the length of a terminal is better exercise than you might think. Put on a podcast or some music and just walk. It loosens you up before a long flight, gets your circulation going, and helps the time pass more quickly.

This one sounds too simple, but hear us out. In everyday life, how often do you actually give yourself permission to sit quietly and do nothing? No errands, no responsibilities, no one needing anything from you. An airport layover is, in a strange way, a rare pocket of guilt-free downtime. You might be surprised by how restorative it feels.

Safe travels, and may your layovers always be just long enough to enjoy them!