If you dread the long wait for your flight or connection, perhaps it’s time to view the airport in a different light and try enjoying the experience. They might not be places we usually associate with fun, but modern airports can be very interesting and useful places if you think outside the box. Here are a few ways you can mine all the wonders an airport has to offer, so swap your stressful time in the terminal for one that features treats, inspiration and observation…
Early Check-In
First things first, let’s get the boring bit out of the way. We’re not going to pretend that all your time at the airport is going to be fun and games because there is one important task you really have to get out of the way first – making sure you’re properly checked-in on your flight. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend ages waiting in a queue.
If your airline offers online check-in prior to arrival then take advantage of this, and thoroughly research their baggage restrictions too – you don’t want to be held up because you’ve packed something in your hand luggage that you shouldn’t have, or have gone several kilos over your allowance. If you sort these things out before you even leave the house, then you’ve got all the more time to explore before boarding.
Book Online Airport Car Parking
Another time saving measure that will afford you more airport adventures is organising some cheap airport car parking in advance of your travels. By far the most convenient way of getting you and your luggage to the terminal, airport parking is no longer the expense it used to be, especially when you reserve your space online in advance. So once you’ve parked up your vehicle, you’ve got plenty of time to do the following…
Treat Yourself to Some Duty Free
One of the best things airports have going for them are the shops, and an increasing number of regional airports are now realising what a draw this is for potential flyers. Many of them are upping the shopping stakes with much better retail offerings, and if the shops and great prices are there are waiting, what’s stopping you putting a bit of holiday spending money aside to treat yourself before you get on the plane?
And even if you don’t plan on spending much, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of retail research – try out some different scents and when you do have a few spare quid, you’ll know what perfume to get next.
Do Some People Watching
Airports can be fascinating places to observe human nature with heightened emotions on full display, and if you’re a bit nosy by nature, why not sit back and do a spot of people watching before you board?
Catch Up on Your Reading and Writing
One of the things many people wish they had more time for is curling up with a good book, and a wait at the airport provides you with the ideal opportunity to lose yourself in that paperback for an hour or two. All you have to worry about is getting to your gate on time, so just keep an ear out for your tannoy announcement and your eyes on the page.
On a similar theme, this is also the ideal opportunity to make a start on your travel journal or any other writing you’re currently undertaking. Perhaps all that people watching can provide you with a bit of inspiration…
Charge Your Devices
While you doing any or all of the activities above, make sure you’ve got your digital devices plugged in and charging at the same time and you’ll have plenty of battery life left to last you while you’re on board.
Sleep
And if you’re just too knackered to do anything remotely strenuous, you can join all those other tired travellers dotted around airport terminals and catch up on a bit of sleep before you get on the plane and into a slightly less comfortable seat. Just make sure you don’t miss that flight in the process.
So you see, airports can be fun! Treat your wait as an adventure rather than a chore and your holiday could well be in for an early start this year.