Stuck at the airport? No worries-If you’ve ever experienced a flight delay while waiting at the airport, you know it can be frustrating. However, there are ways to make the most of this unexpected downtime. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some steps to help you stay calm and make the most out of your time while waiting for your flight to depart. Let’s get started!
Delayed at the airport
With so many factors out of our control, we must comply and do what we can control. A delay might stop us from the day-to-day grind of everyday life, which is not the end of the world, and what you do could make all the difference.
This forced pause might be the excuse needed to check off an item on your wishlist, catch up with an old friend, or spend quality time with family. It is an opportunity to gain perspective, let your hair down, and explore more activities in your surroundings with the extra time.
It may go without saying but the best thing is to do is to make sure you plan ahead for the flight delay. Believe it or not, you can manage a flight delay without high blood pressure, stress eating, or gate agent feuds. Safety and security are priorities, so let’s sit back and let air traffic control do their jobs, clear us for takeoff. Here’s what to do …
1. Stay calm and positive
Staying calm is the best and sometimes the only way to get through a delayed situation. Stress levels can be heightened with the added anxiety and pressure. Focus on the benefits—whether it’s extra time to relax, explore a new airport, or simply enjoy a break from your usual routine. Implement the breathing techniques you’ve learned and practiced in yoga or Zoom class (without needing to do downward dog on the jet bridge).
Find a quiet place to have an enjoyable meal. Look out at the planes landing and taking off, imagining an elaborate story of where they are going and come from. Entertain yourself by watching the angry and melodramatic passengers pace and throw their hands up with every announcement, while you keep it cute and classy. The ideas are endless … These exercises help ensure flexibility, positive interactions, and recognition of delightful, adventure-some travel opportunities.
2. Be nice
It kind of goes without saying but it must be said. Be nice to the gate agent and flight attendant. You’ll be surprised how far you can get with some honey (or agave if you get down like that). They will have a lot of people coming up to them asking them questions upset. And having over 200 people mad at you at the same time is not a good look.
Be different and ask them how they’re doing, make them smile, give them a candy bar (something) … they’re people too. You never know, they might slip you some extra pretzels in-flight, give you refreshment vouchers for dinner, or move you up to comfort seats, just because. Besides, I’m sure they want to get home and off their shift rather than being delayed as well. Empathy wins!
3. Rebook
When faced with a delayed flight and uncertain travel plans, it’s essential to stay proactive and explore options for rebooking your ticket. Rather than heading straight to the gate, consider calling the airline’s dedicated customer service number for assistance.
By reaching out to a representative over the phone, you can quickly discuss alternative flight arrangements and explore accommodations that best suit your needs. Whether it’s finding the next available flight or arranging for overnight accommodations, the airline’s customer service team is there to help navigate unexpected disruptions and ensure a smooth travel experience.
By taking this proactive approach, you can minimize stress and uncertainty, allowing you to focus on reaching your destination safely and efficiently.
4. Explore the Airport
Warning – this subtitle does not mean to stroll through the airport, go on a shopping spree, and dine like it’s a Saturday with plenty of time to spare (sorry retailers). There is still a task at hand … to catch a plane, even though it’s a delayed plane. This is the perfect time to jet over to the restroom, grab a bite, and pick up anything you might need for the trip.
Make sure if you decide to stop and dine that you have a good view of the gate or can hear the announcements clearly. There have been several times, that people have missed their flight (the delayed flight) because they were finishing dessert, drunk or lost track of time shopping. Don’t be that person – we want to see you get to your destination hassle-free.
5. Arrange Accommodations
If your flight is delayed until the next day and returning is not an option, you’ll want to make hotel arrangements. First, confirm your flight for tomorrow is a go. Don’t just take the agent’s word for it—ensure you’ve got proof that you’re booked on the new flight. After that, it’s time to hunt down a place for the night. If the cancellation was the airline’s fault, like no crew or plane, they should be able to give a voucher for a hotel and meals. But if it’s because of bad weather, you’re on your own to find a place to crash.
Find the closest and most convenient hotel within your preference. Airport hotels are ideal, especially those attached to the airport. You don’t have to get in a car or transport to another location. You will likely have to go through security again, but at least you’re already at the airport and can roll out of bed for the earliest flight.
The next best thing are the hotels within a short distance of the airport, which offer complimentary shuttle service back and forth. Depending on the hotel service, they usually transport people every 15 to 30 minutes.
Research booking options and compare last-minute policies and reviews. Though don’t take too long to decide, there are likely many people on your flight doing the same.
6. Read a good book
Luckily, there are several bookstores in the airport. The publishing houses knew what they were doing with this setup in case you forgot to bring your own. With so many people with time to spare in one location, why not curl up to an exciting novel or two?
There are so many options to pique your curiosity depending on your preferences—read a Harry Potter book (now how many are there?), the latest gossip magazine, the A to Z travel guide on your destination, or learn a new skill, like another language, to continue education. There is barely time in a regular day to consume an entire book. Why not get a head start on your vacation reading while at the gate.
7. Play a game
If you weren’t one of the lucky winners who scored a seat next to the charging station and you need to spare the juice on your devices, let’s discuss some ways to gamify without needing a mobile app.
One of the most classic ways of bringing a group together is by pulling out a deck of cards. You can play many different games with one set and your travel companions. Similarly, word games like Hangman, the alphabet game, board games, puzzles, trivia, or observation games all help make the time pass quicker. The expression holds true whether alone or traveling with friends and family: Time flies when you’re having fun!
8. Make a friend
Whether you’re a frequent flier, chatty Kathy, or nervous Nelly there is no time like the present to meet someone new (besides, you don’t have to see them ever again, if you don’t want to). Just like playing a game, chatting with someone during the wait, helps the time fly and make it more enjoyable.
There are great opportunities to create social or learning connections.
Conversing to get travel tips, destination recommendations on where to eat or go, discovering you have a lot in common, or finding a fourth player for that Spades game can turn a disappointing event to a positive experience. It’s like a collection of social gatherings on the concourse!
9. Phone a friend
It’s always nice to hear from a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Use the time to catch up with someone you need to reach out and check up with them. They’ll be happy to hear from you and it’ll make the time go by fast, especially if it’s someone you haven’t spoken too in a long time.
10. Be grateful
No need to stress, be grateful. A plane that’s recently been checked out by a mechanic is the kind of plane you wanna be on.
POV: We thank you mechanic person for catching and fixing that faulty door. As we wouldn’t want to have the door fly open mid-air.
In Conclusion
You could think of the delay as a gift. An unexpected gift of time wrapped in a pretty airline box. Make sure whatever you decide to do with this time, that it’s worth it for your well-being.
You can discover a sought-after book, hum to airport music, eavesdrop on juicy conversations, spot famous people, help a stranger navigate the airport, or sit quietly with a delicious snack.
Whether it’s diving into a good book, reconnecting with friends, making new ones, or finding other ways to recharge from the craziness of daily life … make it count!
Now if you’re traveling with family (like Chaos Central) and one kid wants snacks, the other has to go potty, your partner’s on a work call and the stroller keeps falling on the passenger beside you, take a deep breath and remember to stay calm and positive. You got this!
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