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Stuck at an Airport?
For the first time ever, I was stuck at an airport when US Airlines missed connections by ten minutes, did not hold up the outgoing flight (which was one of their own connecting flights), and make no accommodations for travellers other than to offer a 50% discount on local hotels as we landed at 10 p.m. Because of hour, everything at the airport was closing.
(Note: I’ll never fly them again as a result of the way they treated their own passengers and as a result of them blaming everything on everyone else. The weather was excellent, so that had nothing to do with their missed connections. (The creative person on the right "barricaded" himself in, along with the flowers he was bringing home as we were told the airport wasn’t necessarily safe for sleeping.)
As a result of never being stuck, I didn’t have back-up ideas other than reading, browing through airport shops, or seeing about a local tour. However, it was 10 p.m., airport shops were closed, local tours were out of the questions, and the budget was too tight for lodging. CheapOAir has a list of ideas for stuck travelers, listed below. Some of their suggestions are on my list, but, again, it all depends on timing.
Things To Do When Stuck At An Airport: Ideas from CheapOAir
Increased tourism means more inbound and outbound flights. Some airlines think delays are a part of the “travel experience,” whereas it seems that they need to schedule more appropriately unless impossible due to weather. Due to security measures, especially on international flights, travelers need to check-in 2-3 hours prior to departure. In this instance, layovers and delays aren’t always avoidable. Even though you plan everything down to the last detail, you can’t control the weather, routine inspections and other delays that come up. Essentially, you might find yourself stuck at the airport.
Shop at the Airport: 
Yes, you read it right, shop! This is probably one of the best ways to kill time. If you’re at an international airport, explore duty free shops. Check-out the various things on display. These shops offer great stuff at reasonable prices. My daughter does her holiday shopping while on vacation. Layovers provide excellent opportunities to buy gifts for your friends and relatives. Additionally, buying from duty free shops is a safe bet that you’re purchasing quality products.
Explore the City: This is my favorite . . . At times, the layover timing is sufficient to allow time for a local tour. (ALWAYS be aware of traffic and traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck in rush-hour traffic if you decide to leave the aiport to see surrounding sights!) Major airports have helpdesks who can give you ideas. Again, be mindful of the time. If your flight leaves in 3-hours, you probably shouldn’t leave the airport. However, if you’re set to take-off in 5 or more hours, that might be time to get out and do some sightseeing or walking.
Always Have a Camera With You for those “A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words” moments: Wandering airports provides excellent opportunity for self-amusement if have any proclivity photography. Airport shop windows are quite colorful (such as the one above right which was in an airport in Jamaica). Or you can take shots such as this thing on the right . . . do you know what that is? Because of today’s small, excellent cameras such as the Nikon COOLPIX 14 MP Digital, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens or, my current favorite, the 16.1 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)
Also, I’m now interested in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Orange)
Surf the Net to Check Email: If you’re behind on emails and to let family and friends know of your changing arrival time, this is a great time to catch up. During your travel you might miss important e-mails, so it’s a good time to catch up. Many airports have free WIFI and if you’ve got your laptop, why not? In case you don’t have one, some airport bars and restaurants have computers for your use. Nothing passes time faster than surfing the net and playing online games.
Hungry? Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Many airports offer selections from noted chain restaurants, regional cuisines and local fare. When travelling from home abroad or from abroad back to home, you can take this opportunity to indulge in regional delicacies.
Reading, Books and Magazines:
Always bring reading material with you. It’s a great time to download Best Sellers for your Kindle Fire
Take a Shower: Most air terminals now offer shower facilities. With increased air travel, airports offer so many modern amenities.
Listen to music: Sure it might sound obvious, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. 
While waiting, you can divert your mind from the frenetic pace at the airport by listening to your favorite songs on your iPod shuffle or MP4 player, or on your cell phone.
Frequent Flyer Clubs:Before leaving home, join any airline clubs you’re eligible for when booking flights. Most of the airlines these days have lounges at all major airports. Access to a lounge means sitting in comfort, sipping coffee and reading your favorite sections from the newspaper. It’s always a better choice than waiting for the plane at the gate. Again, timing can be an issue. Be prepared to have such clubs closed if you are stuck after 10 p.m.
Sleep: Many airports have hotels adjacent to them. If you know your flight is going to be delayed for 12-24 hours, check-in at an airport hotel. Relax and go to sleep. Wake up fresh and ready to board your flight.
Even the savviest traveler can’t control an airport delay. We hope that the tips from CheapOAir experts go a long way in helping you spend your time stuck at the airport more relaxing, enjoyable and fun.
Tags: stuck at the airport?, things to do on flight delays, travel tips
