How to Pass the Time During a Long Layover

A layover in a large, bustling airport can be invigorating and feel like a second vacation with shops, world-class restaurants and sometimes even movie theaters. A long stopover in a small, desolate airport, however, can feel like doing time in travel prison. If you face a break between flights of four hours or longer, here are a few ways to kill time before your next boarding call.

Stretch Your Legs

Give your limbs some exercise and an active break after sitting on a plane for hours at a time. Toss your luggage on a baggage trolley and wheel it through the halls of the terminal, lettings your arms and back rest, too.

Pony Up at the Bar

If stranded during a daytime or evening layover, treat yourself for your patience with a refreshing mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail. Strike up a conversation with fellow layover victims and maybe even make a new friend or two.

Read, Write or Watch Netflix

The most obvious time-killing activities are also the most commonly performed throughout airports large and small. Getting lost in a written or live-action story distracts from the hours-long wait and helps time fly by. Some airports have limited WiFi allowance, so downloading television shows and movies ahead of time should be considered.