Fun Things to Do at an Airport During a Long Layover

Airport layovers can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can sometimes save money on your airline tickets by including a connecting flight. But on the other hand, you might have hours to kill while you wait for the next leg of your journey. The key to surviving an extended layover is taking advantage of all the airport amenities available. Instead of regarding your wait as a hassle, look at your layover as an opportunity to have time to yourself.

Physical activities to lift your mood

Long layovers and flights can sap your energy as you find yourself sitting in one place for hours on end. Physical activities can be a great way to break out of that monotony and get moving again. Not only are they good for your health, but they can also increase your dopamine levels, making you feel happier and more energetic for the rest of the journey. You’re probably going to sleep on the flight, so why not get active in the time in between?

Get Some Exercise

We all know it can be hard to stay in shape while traveling. If you’ve spent hours in a cramped space and are wondering what to do during a long layover, why not take advantage of your downtime to stretch, get your blood pumping, and your muscles moving? If available, you can visit an airport fitness center. These typically offer day passes for non-members. If a fitness center isn't available or you’re not looking to hit the gym, then you could:

• Channel your inner mall walker by spending 30 to 60 minutes taking brisk laps around the terminals.
• Lie your yoga mat in a quiet spot and practice your favorite flow.
• Find an area that isn't busy and do 20 minutes of circuit training using your favorite bodyweight exercises, such as lunges, squats, and jumping jacks.

After all that, why not grab a healthy juice or a high protein salad to end your exercise routine on a high? Eating this type of food can also prevent potential bloating as you board your flight after a long layover.

Get a Massage

Many airports have massage parlors and day spas nestled inside. Depending on the facilities available, you may be able to relax during a long layover by choosing between a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. Spa time can help you unwind and get rid of any pre-flight jitters, while also acting as a relaxing way to pass the extra time you have before catching your next flight.

Food and shopping

Feeling hunger pangs while traveling? Don’t worry; airports often offer extensive food courts for you to enjoy. You can usually find a variety of fast-food chains as well as bars and traditional restaurants. Once you’re full, it’s time to go shopping. If you’re traveling internationally, you can enjoy a variety of duty-free shopping aisles and outlets that offer everything from alcohol and sweets to fragrances and designer clothing at a great price. So, get out there and start exploring what the airport has to offer!

Grab a Meal

Airport food doesn't exactly enjoy the best reputation, but in recent years, the in-terminal restaurant scene has been stepping up its game. Today, many airports offer a variety of fresh options to tempt you when you're trying to figure out where to eat.

Food lovers waiting for a layover flight in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, or San Francisco can sample some of "Iron Chef" competitor Cat Cora's gourmet fare at the in-airport outposts of her restaurant, Cat Cora's Kitchen. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is home to French cafe, La Vie, while Boston Logan International Airport's Legal Sea Foods outpost invites travelers to take their fill of their favorite seafood.

Browse the Shops

A growing number of airports offer high-end shopping options, including jewelry and fashion stores. In fact, the airport retail market is expected to top $90 billion by 2023. Many airports are becoming hotspots for shoppers looking for something special, including:

• San Francisco International Airport, which offers an organic cosmetics shop, local goods, and gourmet sustenance.
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which is home to trendy shops such as Hugo Boss, Estée Lauder Beauty Boutique, and Dylan's Candy Bar.
  
• London's Heathrow Airport, which has more than 400,000 square feet of space inhabited by designer brands like Dior, Burberry, Gucci, and more.

If you’re lucky, you may have a layover in somewhere like Dubai, Qatar, or the UK where you can find a huge selection of products and some of the largest duty-free shopping outlets. Plan ahead — you could find gifts for your relatives or friends at a steep discount (which is great for everyone!)

Check Out Special Attractions

If you're waiting for a long layover flight at an airport that includes a major attraction, then you'll have plenty to fill your time. Some airports with standout in-airport activities include:

• Singapore International Airport, which features a lush butterfly garden, movie theater, and the tallest water slide in the country.
• Nashville International Airport, which regularly hosts live concerts on four stages for travelers and locals alike.
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, offering city tours with the Floating Dutchman that start and conclude at the airport.
• When in New York, check out the futuristic TWA flight center at JFK to view a stunning architectural design inspired by the style of cutting-edge flight systems.
• Palm Beach International Airport, which provides a putting green where you can practice your swing while you wait for your flight.

Whip out the Entertainment

Sometimes travel can be too tiring, and you don’t really want to get up and explore things to do in a layover. The good news is that almost all airports offer free WIFI, so you can watch your favorite movies or catch up on a TV show on your mobile or tablet. If the kids are being a bother, why not let them play some games on their handheld console or cell phone? Don’t worry about your battery life as you’ll find chargers all around airport waiting areas.

Pro tip: If you’re currently watching something and plan to binge it while traveling internationally, try to download it to your device ahead of time as some streaming services restrict their offerings abroad.

What are some of your favorite things to do during a layover? Share your advice with us on Twitter.

Also check out some of our tips on how to speed up airport travel for more efficient trips!