Travel is such a privilege. I’ve said this many times and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. And with that privilege can come very long, mind-numbing layovers in which you question why you decided to travel in the first place, and Bilbo Baggins suddenly becomes the most relatable literary character of all time.
I’ve had a lot of really long layovers in my time. Amongst them are 8 hours in Johannesburg, 6 hours in Heathrow, and the latest, 9 hours in São Paulo. I’ve picked up some tricks along the way and am posting them here for the next time you find yourself twiddling your thumbs in an exotic-sounding location (i.e., the floor of the Mexico City airport, haha).
Ultimate Layover Survival Tips
- In your carryon, pack basic necessities. Toothpaste, floss, facewipes, face lotion, lip balm, etc. I also pack light makeup, like mascara, concealer, and brow pencil in case I feel like using it.
- Pack something that’s on your to-do list that you could do on the go. For me, I pack my laptop and drafts of writing so I can work.
- Pack something that’s purely for entertainment – at least one thing. For me, it’s an audiobook, normally a trashy something-something. But you take your pick. I also load my iPhone with podcasts (see the podcast list for tips). Having the option of switching between your “must dos” and entertainment will keep your brain sharp, whether you’re awake on the plane or at the airport.
- Get the Lay of the Land: Find a map or directory to orient yourself. Has your flight dumped you in some obscure terminal? Is there a central section with shops and restaurants, or are they dispersed?
- Make a Budget: Eating, shopping, and lounging in airports can be expensive. Depending on how long your layover – and how easily you fall asleep on industrial carpeting – you may want to spend a little to maximize your energy. This leads to #6:
- Strategize your Sleep/Wake Cycle: Think about what your schedule looks like. How low many hours do you have in the airport? How long is your next flight? What time will it be when you land at your destination – will it be morning, meaning you should plan to rest before you land, or will it be evening, in which case you should take care to stay awake? Time to strategize, my friend.
- . Research Airport Amenities: This can be fun. Large airports usually have hidden treasures – lounges, gyms, massages, sports bars, shopping. If you have a long layover, I strongly suggest doing your research on the airport – the site Sleeping in Airports was a game-changer for my layover in São Paulo. You might find a workspace, showers, places to sleep (formally or informally) – there’s a whole community of people on that sight that feed it the latest information on airports all around the world. Also, keep an eye out for spaces reserved for credit card holders, like Amex, business/first class ticket holders, or military, if any of these apply to you.
- Set Alarms: Make sure your timepiece, be it a phone or otherwise, is set to local time. Set alarms for an hour before boarding if you haven’t found your gate – that way, you’ll have plenty of time to locate your flight.
- Safety: Keep your documents, cards, and cash close to your body at all times and NEVER take your passport out if you don’t need to. Always return documents to a designated, internally-located (ie, hard to steal from) pocket immediately after use. Keep this separate from things you might use frequently, like your cell phone. The last thing you want on your trip is to lose your passport.
What would you add?
love
Stig
