10 airport stopover hacks you need to know

Experts say that it is how to make the most of your stoppages between flights.


As much as we all like a direct flight, the steepness is sometimes inevitable. In some cases, you could barely have enough time to Get out of your seat And arrive at the next terminal before takeoff. But if you have more than a few minutes to lose between your flights, you could end up in the limbo of a traveler who can make your trip feel even longer. Fortunately, there are several ways to get the most out of your home time before going to your final destination. Read the rest for the airport essentials you need to know, according to travel experts.

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1
Check WiFi availability in advance.

A woman using her phone while seated in an airport terminal waiting to board a flight
Dropout

We are attached to our devices, so having a little time to kill at an airport makes a solid internet connection particularly important. This is why it is essential to know if you can connect when you get there.

"Discover in advance if the airport has free wifi," explains Becca Siegel , co -owner of Half-traveler Blog. "Although it seems to be something obvious, the truth is that some airports in some parts of the world have wifi that can only be accessible with a national phone number. I went there, and it is difficult!"

This can be particularly problematic if you travel abroad and run the risk of using all your international data allocated before you even arrive at your destination. "If you know that WiFi can be uncertain, bring things to pass time like pre-tested films, audio books, reading lists or old-fashioned books and magazines," suggests Siegel.

2
Pourse yourself.

Nail tech clipping a woman's toenails during a pedicure
Sayign021 / Shutterstock

At best, you can expect to get bored during any type of long -term passage. But over time to kill, it's a perfect excuse to offer you some personal care.

"If you have a long stop at a large airport like Atlanta Hartsfield or JFK, take advantage of it!" said Cheryl Nelson , Expert in preparation for travel and founder / owner of Prepare with dear . "Desperately need a manicure or a refreshing pedicure? I recently obtained a pedicure in JFK Terminal 4 on my way to a warmer climate. I did not have time to obtain a pedicure before Go for my trip, so I was grateful for this opportunity.

Nelson adds that it can also be a good idea to appease your muscles after a long first step in your trip. "Take advantage of the terminal massage therapists! Although prices can be higher than you pay at home, it's worth it after an uncomfortable flight," she said.

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3
Immediately locate a socket.

charging station in the interior of the airport
istock

Having your devices at hand becomes even more critical when you fly. After all, in addition to being a source of entertainment and information, they are often your boarding card . If you still have another stage of travel in front of you, it is crucial that you find a place to connect yourself.

"Whether to finish a report for work or play games on your phone, you will want a power outlet or a load station," said Becky Hart , content marketing strategist at Travel insurance in seven corners . "They tend to be broken at airports, so if you have a long stopover, find an outing and get a full load as soon as possible."

4
Try to enter a living room.

redheaded woman on laptop in airport lounge
Shutterstock / Olena Yakobchuk

An airport terminal can be an eventful place to spend a little time. This is why experts say that your first move should be to go to a living room.

"They not only provide food but also have a selection of free drinks," said Nelson. "Some salons even have more comfortable showers and places to rest or take a nap."

And access may not be as limited as you think. "Even if you are not a member of a reward program or a reward credit card and not to pilot first class, you can always buy a pass from the living room day in most airports, "explains Mercedes Zach , a travel expert with ASAP Tickets . "In this way, you get all the amenities that are well worth the average price from $ 40 to $ 50."

If you want to plan in advance, you can find which fairs offer access to one day by checking the airport website or using a Application like Loungebuddy . In the end, it could make your downtime feel much more like a time of "me".

"If you have an additional hour to kill in front of your plane boards or if your flight is delayed, this is certainly a good advantage to consider, which will allow you to rest, take a good meal and avoid the crowd, "said Zach.

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5
Use other calm spaces to relax

man with luggage walking through airport
Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock

There are many options to escape a crowded terminal that requires no payment to enter or use.

"Even if you do not have access to the living room, you can take a soothing break in the bustle of the airport by looking for calm spaces," Erica forest , founder and CEO of Triph Forpord , tell Better life . "Many international airports offer meditation rooms, yoga spaces, sensory rooms and chapels open to religious and non -religious travelers."

6
Do not get too far from your door.

A woman sitting in the airport with her luggage while looking at her phone
Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff

Terminals can fill people like close boarding hours for several doors. Nelson says that it can be relaxing to move a little further from the action when your region is too busy, but not too far.

"If you wait at your door and you don't want to be in a sea of people, walk to another quieter door nearby and find a seat there while you wait," she said. "As long as you can always hear your door agent's announcements, you are ready to go."

7
Use it for last-minute travel planning.

Young woman drinking bottled water and using phone at the airport departure area
istock

No matter how much you are prepared, the time that led to a trip goes quickly. This is why Forest says that the time of downtime during your stopover can be one of the best ways to know a little more about your destinations and firm up your route a little more when you get there.

"Use your stopover as a chance to find out more about your destination. Watch movies, programs or documentaries; make a reading list with a regional audio book, a podcast or; or play a language learning game Like Duolingo, "she suggests. "You will arrive with a more in -depth understanding of your destination and will have an even better trip."

In relation: The travel expert reveals the Sneaky Reason Airlines made you check your hand luggage .

8
Bring food, drinks and basic supplies.

A couple enjoys food while waiting for their plane to arrive.
Rosshelen / Shutterstock

It is no secret that food and drinks cost much more at an airport than in the street. This is why having a little something at hand to control you is a good idea.

"You can save a lot of money by bringing your own snacks for the trip," suggests Nelson. "Instead of going to the catering area for meals, prepare your lunch in your backpack and enjoy this while you are waiting."

And that might not be reduced to a question of choice. Depending on the question of your next flight, there may not be easy access to meals or a place to lie down.

"I always travel with my own reserve of snacks and card bridge in case the airport salons or restaurants are closed during my stopover, which can happen if you travel during the night", " Pamela Holt , travel expert and animator of Me, myself and the world tell Better life . "In this case, I also recommend wrapping a sleeping sleep kit that includes a silk sleep mask, ear caps, compression socks, a small travel cover, a toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush and toothbrush A pair of additional underwear. "

9
Get out a bit from the airport.

woman standing at railing overlooking a beautiful view
Candyretriever / Shutterstock

Stuck with a Really Long stopover? Experts say that you can take advantage of the opportunity to get a quick visit before your next flight by leaving the airport. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Even if it is not a location that appeared on your list of buckets, you could be surprised by what it really offers," explains Zach. "You can leave your luggage at the airport or in the nearest station storage facilities and take the fastest public transport to get to the city."

She adds that some major airports will sometimes offer an organized group of the city group which goes directly from the airport itself.

"Find the options to save you time spent determining public transport systems and directions to the main sites," said Zach. "Just be sure to return to time airport for your next flight."

However, it is essential that you have done the research in advance when you travel abroad. "If you plan to leave the airport field during a five-hour or more stopover, be sure to check with the restrictions and the visa rules of this country," suggest Lauren GUMPORT , communications vice-president at Faye Travel Insurance . "You can discover this information by talking to a representative of your airline or by heading to an information office at the airport.

10
Look for a cheap hotel.

A person entering a hotel room
istock

Most airports have at least a few nearby hotels, which often serves as practical housing for business travelers with early flights and blocked passengers. But they can also be very useful if you need more relaxation than a living room cannot offer.

"Discover if there are hotels around the airport and book a room for a few hours. I like to be able to take a shower, load my devices, download more movies or shows on my devices if necessary, and make a nap, "said Samantha Firth , founder and CEO of King of travel . "It works well for particularly long steep steps."


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