How To Survive a Long Layover At The Airport: 19 Top Tips
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Wondering what to do on a long layover? We’ve got you covered!
A long layover can knock the stuffing out of you, especially after long flights. After crossing time zones, your body will likely be confused about whether to sleep, eat, or just “power through”.
But if you’re looking for tips on how to survive a long layover, there are ways to make that extended airport time more comfortable and enjoyable.
Whether you intentionally booked a long layover flight to allow plenty of time to make your connecting flight or the long layover was a budget-friendly option, you’re probably wondering what to do during long layovers.
No time to read the whole post? Get the most comprehensive airport lounge access for airport lounges worldwide here.
Over the years, I’ve had plenty of international flights with long layovers, mainly when I lived on the island of Jersey. (I always had to factor in extra airport time, as Jersey airport is prone to fog!) So, I’ve learned what to do during long layovers and domestic layovers—and what not to do!
This guide’s 15 useful tips on surviving a long layover provide clear information on how to make the most of your time at the airport. From discovering hidden gems within terminals to finding comfortable lounges or even venturing outside for a taste of local culture, get ready to turn those dreaded layovers into memorable experiences.
If you’re well-prepared and use the long layover tips in this post, you can transform your long layover experience from something to be endured into something you can enjoy.
How To Survive A Long Layover
1. Use The Lounge
If you’ve booked a long layover flight, it’s well worth treating yourself to the use of an exclusive airport lounge. I use them whenever I travel, and it’s worth the small extra cost – especially on long layovers!
While the facilities in each airport lounge are likely to vary, you’ll likely benefit from:
- Free unlimited drinks, including alcohol, juices, teas and coffee
- Free food: unlimited buffet meals and snacks
- Free wifi
- Quality bathrooms
- Varied, comfortable seating with plenty of charging stations for your tech and power banks
Some lounges even have showers in the bathrooms where you can freshen up between flights and comfy couches to sleep on. Others have a great view of the runway ✈️.
Top Tip: You may automatically qualify for free lounge access thanks to your credit card or airline rewards programme or access at a discounted rate. Alternatively, you can still benefit from using the swanky lounge with a day pass, courtesy of your Priority Pass membership.
2. Linger Over A Meal
Let’s face it: Airports haven’t had the best reputation for food – and you shouldn’t expect a gourmet experience. But airport food is generally (with some notable exceptions) so much better than it was when I first started travelling! And it’s usually better than airplane food!
On recent long layover flights to New York and Houston airports, I was super impressed with the variety and quality of the food outlets, with everything from self-service “grab and go” options to restaurants offering a wide choice of world cuisines and local food. Some regional airports, however, still need to up their food game!
Going for a meal is one of the best ways to kill time during a long layover. I recommend picking a restaurant or cafe where you can be seated to enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. Treat yourself to a pudding or a coffee so you can linger for longer.
Top Tip: You might want to stick to familiar food – tummy troubles on the plane are no fun. Take it from someone who knows 🤮
3. Listen To A Good Audiobook
Concentrating on reading a book can be tricky in a loud and busy airport, but listening to a good audiobook is the perfect way to enjoy a great story! Just pop in those headphones and let the narrator take you on a journey!
Amazon always has great audiobook deals and useful Kindle Unlimited membership plans to suit your needs.
4. Stretch Your Legs
One of the best things about long layovers is that you can stand up and go for a walk! After being cooped up on a plane for hours, your body will be so grateful for this great opportunity for some exercise!
While you won’t be able to sprint around the terminal, some international airports offer gyms and workout centres for passengers to use.
Personally, I’ll skip the gym, as I never have enough space in my hand luggage to include a gym kit. I know that airport gyms are a great benefit for some – and some offer pre-bookable showers, free towels and gym kit hire!
Whatever exercise you get will help you relax and be less fidgety on your next flight – especially if (like me) you suffer from restless leg syndrome!
Even 20 minutes of light exercise can make it much easier to get some sleep on a plane and to cope with jetlag when you arrive at your destination.
5. Catch Up On Emails
If you have a VPN, a long layover can also be a great time to catch up on any work you’ve been putting off, like organising your inbox or deleting all those old/spam messages that pile up so fast.
You could also use some of the time to catch up on emails or make calls.
Top Tip: Carve out a specific amount of time for this task to make it feel less like a chore and so you feel rested before your connecting flight 🙂
📌 DO NOT connect to any public WiFi without a VPN! It’s the best way to give cybercriminals free access to your online information! You NEED a reliable VPN from a trusted provider when you’re travelling!
A VPN protects you by making it harder for third parties, including hackers, fraudsters and government entities, to monitor your online behaviour and collect personal data.
6. Freshen Up
It’s amazing how much better you can feel, even after a quick freshen-up and change of clothes – especially after a long flight. If you can use the showers in the executive lounge with your Priority Pass membership, that’s the perfect option.
Otherwise, pop a few extra items into your minimalist toiletries bag to help you feel refreshed. For long layovers, I like to carry a small pack of baby wipes, a great moisturiser and eye cream.
7. Hit The Tax-Free Shops!
Well, hello, duty-free shopping! On a long layover, you’ll have the luxury of time to browse for the best deals, smell the fragrances and maybe even bag yourself a few little luxuries.
8. Stock Up On Essentials
If you love travelling with hand luggage only, one of the best things to do on your long layover is to stock up on those liquids, creams and gels you couldn’t pack in your carry-on bag and take through security!
9. Treat Yourself To A Good Book at the Book Shop
Choosing a new book or magazine is another solution to the question of how to survive a long layover. Alternatively, save that great read for your flight, as it’s one of the best ways to pass time on an airplane.
Has something been on your must-read list for ages, or has your favourite author just released a new book? Drop by the departures bookstore and pick up your engrossing read.
10. Go And Explore Outside the Airport
It can feel like you’re stuck in the airport between flights, but once you’ve cleared customs, you can get out and explore – if you have enough time!
If you’re flying into London Heathrow and want to know what to do during a layover where you can leave the airport, this bespoke layover tour of London with a private driver might be just the ticket as it’s tailored to the length of your layover!
11. Stay In Touch
Do you have a chatty friend you love to call for a long chat? Your long layover is the perfect time to find a comfy seat and call them. But check the time difference before you call – you might not get the friendly chat you want if you wake them up in the wee small hours!
Top Tip: If you’re travelling internationally, make sure you check that you won’t get hit with huge roaming charges before making any long phone calls!
12. People Watch (without any creepy staring)
Airports provide an endless source of interest for travellers interested in human behaviour, culture and fashion, and a long layover is the perfect time for this.
Grab yourself a coffee and a seat where you can simply observe the ebb and flow of people in the airport building. It’s often surprising what you can see when you really look!
13. Take Photographs
Airports can be a rich source of inspiration for photographers. Provided you follow instructions and best practice, you can while away the hours getting great shots and not worry about your long layover:
- Do not take photographs in military or sensitive areas or where signage indicates that cameras cannot be used
- Do not take pictures of people without their consent
14. Watch a Movie
Another way to kill a few hours on a long layover is to watch a great movie.
Top Tip: Pre-download your favourite film(s) to your device before you leave for the airport. You’ll be well set up then in case the internet connection at the airport is shockingly slow (it happens all too often).
15. Get a Hotel Room
If you’re facing an overnight layover or a long airport layover before heading to your final destination, you might want to consider booking a hotel room at an airport hotel – preferably within walking distance of the airport terminal, like the Sofitel Hotel at London Gatwick Airport.
Even if you don’t manage a full night’s sleep, a couple of hours of much-needed rest in a transit hotel (wearing a cooling eye mask) can help you deal with any jet lag from your first flight.
16. Write Your Journal
I always pack a fresh new journal when I travel, as I love to unwind and reflect at the end of each day on what I’ve seen and done. Over the years, I’ve built up quite a collection of these travel journals, which are fun to revisit now and then.
If you’re new to journalling, I can recommend it as a very relaxing experience.
What NOT To Do On A Long Layover
17. Drink the Bar Dry 🍺🥂
Yes, you might be bored witless, but spending long hours drinking in the bar is not a good thing to do. In fact, it could be a ticket to trouble.
- You could compromise your safety and security, and risk missing your flight if you’re not 100% alert
- You also risk being denied boarding by the gate staff if they believe you’ve had too much to drink
- If you are allowed to board, you’re likely to get a stinker of a hangover, as flying makes you dehydrated!
18. Fall Asleep 💤
While you might be incredibly tired, curling up on airport benches and dozing off is not good. . As with having too many drinks at the bar, you could risk your personal safety and the security of your belongings, and you risk missing your flight if you oversleep!
Take a shower, go for a walk, or hydrate your body with water or fresh juices – you can snooze after you’ve boarded your flight 💤
19. Forget To Switch To Local Time⏰
I get it; most of us use the clock on our mobile phones or Apple Watches these days.
But, if you don’t, one of the most important long flight layover tips is to make sure to change the time on your watch to local time as soon as you land to avoid any confusion with your flight departure time!
FAQ on How To Survive A Long Layover
Is it okay to leave the airport during a long layover?
Technically, you can leave the airport, but you’ll need to consider how long your layover is, what you plan to do, and transfer times to ensure you return on time!
Is 4 hours too long for a layover?
No, it’s a perfect time, especially if you are connecting between international flights.
Last Thing On How To Survive A Long Layover
Surviving a long layover can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be an opportunity for adventure and relaxation, especially at large airports with plenty of facilities.
Travellers can make the most of their time during a layover by planning ahead, exploring airport amenities, staying active, finding quiet spaces to rest or work, and using technology and entertainment options. Remember to stay hydrated, nourished, and well-rested throughout the journey to ensure a smoother travel experience.
With these tips in mind, embracing unexpected delays or lengthy stopovers can become an enjoyable part of the overall travel experience rather than a dreaded inconvenience.
So, now you know how to survive a long layover between flights, will you grab the opportunity to explore or simply take some much-needed downtime before continuing your journey?
Ready to book your next trip? Check out these helpful airplane travel resources:
- Discover the best books to read on a plane
- Can you bring electric toothbrushes on a plane?
- What to do on a plane so you’re not totally bored!
- Can you bring flowers on a plane?
- 25 best long-haul flight tips
- How to bag flight upgrades
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Travel Resources
These are my favourite, tried and true travel planning resources
- Booking flights: I always check out routes and flight options on Skyscanner and Google Flights before I book to secure the lowest fares.
- Accommodations: I love affordable luxury hotels and rentals in great locations. Booking.com and VRBO are my favourites for great deals.
- Car Rentals: I love Rentalcars.com because they consistently provide the best customer service and great deals.
- Tours + Experiences: I love exploring new places through tours! Especially food tours! I always book through Viator or Get Your Guide.
- Tech: I keep my internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with NordVPN
