Trifter

Long airport layovers can be a real endurance test but they need not be painful experiences. Winter time often is the source of unexpected layovers. One disadvantage of cheap flights is they often require many lengthy layovers along your travel route. Luckily, on my last opportunity to sit in the airport overnight waiting for a connecting flight in an airport closed by snow, the airline we were flying offered us the opportunity to reroute before the flight took off.  If you plan ahead to take advantage of these ten airport layover tips, your layover might not be as painful.

Airport Hotels

If your flight is a lengthy trip crossing many time zones and you can split it into two legs, taking advantage of an airport hotel room to take a bath and a nap can make your travel far less of an endurance challenge. Be sure to have cosmetics and a change of clothing in your carryon.

Use a Service-Oriented Airline

One of the advantage of flying a service-oriented airline is they will aid you in the event of snow closed airports. Sometimes saving ten bucks on your flight isn’t worth the pain. We also flew first-class on one free mileage flight and found a much cozier lounge with snacks at our disposal. Consider this benefit before booking your flight.

Bring Changes of Clothing

One winter we flew into Chicago airport and found they had all their doors open, letting in the 10F air inside. We were on our way to Florida and for once I left my coat home. I shopped for a blanket because I was so cold, without any luck. If you plan for the weather along your route you will find your travel much more pleasurable. Alternatively, I arrived in Boston when it was 100F and was able to slip into a pair of shorts and tee shirt in the bathroom.

Plan Your Meals

Plan ahead so that you can use your time during a layover dining at one of the restaurants. It helps pass the time. Make sure that if your layover is before or after closing time that you bring along drinks and snacks.

Exercise

Use your time in the airport stretching your legs. Many airports offer outdoor gardens. Typically, my husband and I walk up and down the halls as often as we can.

Bring a Clock or Alarm

If you brink a clock or alarm, you will find that you can spend more time in the cozier lounges suitable for napping. Make sure that 45 minutes before your flight you go to the departure area.

Find a Cart or Use Rolling Carry On Baggage

I found my back and neck shoulders aching after flights and quickly learned to use carry on baggage on wheels. My husband and I often stick a backpack in our carry on baggage so that we can keep just what we need during the flight near our feet.

Bring Local Cash

Many times the vending machines will only take the local currency. By using a wallet and coin purse containing the local currency, we are able to buy food and drink.

Bring Entertainment

Bring plenty of books, games, crafts, cards to last your entire trip.

Locate an Electrical Outlet

Many of the airports offer electrical outlets for use with your laptops. A laptop can provide entertainment. Make sure you understand how to set up your WiiFi before using one of the free airport services. I used one once that required me to reload the software because it had changed all of my settings.