The Best Ways to Pass Time at the Airport

Lisa Waugh
Updated September 28, 2017
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4.9K votes
499 voters
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Ah, passing time at airports. There’s an art to it. If you come prepared, your time in the airport won’t be as terrible as waiting around can sometimes be. Depending on what you’re traveling for, and how long you have between flights, you can load up your down time with many activities that will make the time fly.  
 
Pro travelers who know how to kill time at the airport are probably less stressed than the people around them. They’re relaxed and ready to go with the flow, realizing that they are at the mercy of the unique environment that is the airport.  
 
Any family or friends you haven't spoken to in a while? Your mom, your aunt, your best friend from college? Give them a call. You can also get caught up on work calls and leave messages.  
 
Try a new podcast! There are a ton of excellent podcasts that will pull you in. You can listen to podcasts in a bar, in a restaurant, or while you’re sitting on the floor enjoying a Cinnabon. Just make sure to sit near an outlet because rolling that much data will drain your phone. But if you bring a second device for this purpose, you’re set.
 
Have restless kids? Make up an airport scavenger hunt. Plant treats and silly items around the terminal and make use of the time, tiring out those little ones so they’ll sleep on the plane. Or, have story time. If you travel a lot, stock up on used books; they don’t need power, you can read through take off and landing, and it’s not a big deal if you leave them behind for another traveler.  
 

  • Play Games on Your Phone or Device
    1
    257 votes

    Play Games on Your Phone or Device

  • Listen to Music
    2
    274 votes

    Listen to Music

  • Eat
    3
    236 votes
  • Read a Book
    4
    305 votes

    Read a Book

  • Drink
    5
    247 votes
  • Watch the Planes
    6
    251 votes

    Watch the Planes

  • Binge Watch a New TV Show
    7
    186 votes

    Binge Watch a New TV Show

  • Nap
    8
    214 votes

    Nap

  • Catch Up on the News
    9
    217 votes

    Catch Up on the News

  • Work on a Crossword or Sudoku
    10
    229 votes

    Work on a Crossword or Sudoku

  • Shop for Gifts
    11
    197 votes

    Shop for Gifts

  • Take Full Advantage of the First Class Lounge
    12
    172 votes

    Take Full Advantage of the First Class Lounge

  • Call Family Members
    13
    143 votes

    Call Family Members

  • Listen to Podcasts
    14
    157 votes

    Listen to Podcasts

  • Try New Apps
    15
    145 votes

    Try New Apps

  • Talk to Your Fellow Travelers
    16
    164 votes

    Talk to Your Fellow Travelers

  • Catch Up on Work
    17
    119 votes

    Catch Up on Work

  • Go Nuts in the Duty Free Shop
    18
    133 votes

    Go Nuts in the Duty Free Shop

  • Play the Celebrity Look-a-Like Spotting Game
    19
    119 votes

    Play the Celebrity Look-a-Like Spotting Game

  • Get a Massage
    20
    125 votes

    Get a Massage

  • Draw, Sketch or Paint
    21
    54 votes

    Draw, Sketch or Paint

  • Find a Corner and Stretch
    22
    94 votes

    Find a Corner and Stretch

  • Update Your Profile Picture
    23
    112 votes

    Update Your Profile Picture

  • Get Romantic
    24
    127 votes

    Get Romantic

  • Spot Celebrities
    25
    81 votes

    Spot Celebrities

  • Play Board Games
    26
    102 votes

    Play Board Games

  • Check on Your Fantasy Sports Team
    27
    101 votes

    Check on Your Fantasy Sports Team

  • Have Story Time with the Kids
    28
    93 votes

    Have Story Time with the Kids

  • Play Cards with a Stranger
    29
    100 votes

    Play Cards with a Stranger

  • Do a Scavenger Hunt
    30
    91 votes

    Do a Scavenger Hunt