How To Pass Time at the Airport

You’ve checked your gate. You’ve checked your phone. You’ve rechecked the departures board … just to be safe. Sound familiar?

Airport time has a way of stretching on in what can feel like an endless continuum, unless you know how to use it.

With a little intention (and no prior planning required), any delay or layover can become a welcome opportunity to unwind, get organized or enjoy something unexpected.

Airports have adapted well to the notion that extended waiting times can wear on even the most patient traveler. Today’s terminals offer travelers stress-free activities to help ease the time spent waiting.

Here’s a handy guide to help you discover all the best things to do at the airport and what to do during a layover, no matter how much time you have to spare.

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Mindfulness, Wellness and Quiet Time

Look out for nap pods, quiet rooms (sometimes referred to as quiet zones or meditation rooms) and interfaith rooms, all complimentary amenities at select airports that offer the opportunity to escape the terminal buzz and enjoy a calm, Zen experience. The San Francisco International Airport even has two yoga rooms.

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For those who are sensitive to noise, crowds and the overstimulation of busy airports, sensory rooms are peaceful spaces that provide soft lighting, gentle sounds and other calming elements to support decompression and relaxation. You can find sensory rooms at airports such as New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International (pre‑ and post‑security), New York’s LaGuardia Airport (Terminal C) and Pittsburgh International Airport.

To help reduce travel anxiety, you may also want to consider downloading a guided meditation app. A short breathing session can help you reset and stay centered wherever you are.

Stay Active

Take a walk and use the terminals as a fitness loop; you’ll discover plenty of restaurants, shops and stalls that often showcase the best of the local character and charm.

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At airports like Singapore’s Changi Airport, a stroll through the terminal is the main attraction, as extravagant gardens, a waterfall and an on-site aquarium that helps turn idle time into sightseeing fun.

Discover Something Cool

From the mesmerizing musical water show at LaGuardia Airport to the mini movie theater at Oregon’s Portland International Airport, you never know what you might stumble upon while waiting for your flight.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Miami International Airport all offer curated art exhibitions to explore.

At JFK International Airport, you can travel back to the ’60s at the TWA Hotel, accessed via JetBlue Terminal 5. Enjoy the retro atmosphere with a cocktail in the Sunken Lounge, visit the TWA uniform exhibit and see what other fun things you can find!

Refresh and Rejuvenate

Airport spas are becoming increasingly common, with treatments that expand far beyond the ubiquitous massage chair. Many airport spas now provide a full range of wellness treatments, including facials, waxing and manicures and pedicures, designed to ease stress and help you feel pampered before your flight.

Eat, Sip and Repeat

Call it a culinary renaissance that has swapped fast food for fresh, inspired faire. Dining has now become one of the best airport activities.

Airports today have embraced gourmet dining experiences, enhancing everything from innovative grab-and-go options to full-service celebrity-chef restaurants. It’s not uncommon to be able to sample local flavors during a layover and enjoy craft beer and spirits.

Even if you’re only stopping through for a layover, you can still enjoy fresh pasta and gelato at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport or sample tapas at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Mountain Hub Gourmet at Hilton Munich Airport boasts a Michelin star, with regional specialties and thoughtful wine pairings on its four‑ and six‑course tasting menus.

Productive Things To Do at the Airport

If you’re thinking about what to do on a long layover instead of scrolling aimlessly on your phone, it can be rewarding to set some intention and turn that in-between time into a power hour.

Start by catching up on your work, texts and emails. You can also use this time to sort and organize your travel photos, clean up your inbox or back up your phone so all your memories and files are safe in the cloud.

A long layover or extended waiting time can be a great opportunity to keep your mind active in other ways, too. Play crosswords and games, read a book that’s been on your wish list or dive into a podcast, audiobook or language-learning app.

Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover?

You can leave the airport during a layover, but you want to make sure you have enough time to clear security and immigration again.

While using the extra hours for exploring is an ideal way to make a layover fun, consider airport proximity, visa rules and transit time, and plan to be back at least two hours ahead of your departure. Once that’s sorted, see if you can join a quick guided tour to make the most of your limited visit.

If you don’t want to carry your luggage around with you, airports feature left-luggage desks or, sometimes, automated lockers, both of which are available for a fee in the baggage claim area. You can also find showers and refresh stations in select private airport lounges or pay-per-use facilities.

With the right mindset, you might just turn a long stay at an airport into an unexpected highlight of your trip.

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What’s your favorite way to pass time at the airport? Share your tips in the comments below.