Nobody wants to extend their travel with a long layover. However, it’s often much more affordable to fly if you’re willing to put up with having to make a connection and spend some extra time at the airport. The good news is that with a little creativity, you can make the most out of this delay and make it part of your overall travel experience. What you can do with your layover largely depends on the airport where you’re transiting and the amount of time that you have to explore.
Here is a list of ideas to get you started as you harness this opportunity to make the best use of your time.
Two-Hour Layover
With only two hours, you’re more limited in how you can use your time. Depending on the length of your flights, you may want to use this chance to grab a bite to eat. Look for restaurants and bars in the airport that are reflective of the area’s local flavors and culture. This is also a good time to find an electrical outlet to recharge all of your devices before you take flight again. After stretching your legs and visiting the restroom, it’ll almost be time to head to your next flight. Make sure to leave plenty of time if your next gate is in a different part of the airport, especially if you have to exit security and re-enter it again.
Three-Hour Layover
With a little more time to play with on your layover, you may want to consider your entertainment options. Many airports have complimentary art galleries scattered throughout the terminal and concourse buildings. Most major airports also feature spa services, allowing you to get a massage, a manicure or pedicure, or even a facial. This is a great way to unwind and recharge before your next flight. When traveling with kids, you may get lucky to find that the airport has a children’s play area so that your young ones can burn off some energy.
Five-Hour Layover or More
Once your layover begins to approach this amount of time, it may be worth your money to purchase access to a premium lounge. This will give you a more comfortable place to relax. Common amenities at these types of lounges include complimentary food and drinks, high-speed internet access, and business services. Many major airports also feature on-site hotels. With a fair bit of time at their disposal, some savvy travelers enjoy checking into a day room to get some rest or freshen up with a shower. If you feel like working up a sweat, you should check to see if the airport has a dedicated workout facility. Being able to get your heart rate up will leave you feeling energized for the rest of your travels.
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Eight-Hour Layover or More
At this point, you should be able to actually leave the airport grounds to explore the area. This is especially fun if your flight deals leave at a city that you have never seen. If you choose this option, it’s imperative that you do your research before you land. Some airports are centrally located near the downtown area or city center, making it easier to have a little adventure. For example, if traveling through Minneapolis, you are nearly directly across the street from the Mall of America. Conversely, Denver’s airport is not conveniently located to the city’s best attractions.
In addition to the proximity to the city center, you’ll also want to research the availability of public transportation. Visitors that face a layover in Copenhagen, Denmark, enjoy the convenience of being able to hop on a train from the airport and be in the city center in less than 15 minutes.
As with all travel arrangements, doing your research before departure and having a loose plan will yield a more enjoyable experience.
Do you have any tips on how to spend a long layover? Share them with us in the comments!
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