Air travel is considered the fastest mode of transportation for medium and long distances. However, you may sometimes face longer layovers at airports during your journey. We’ve prepared some tips to help you stay entertained while waiting at the airport instead of counting down the minutes until your flight.
Before we dive into specific tips, here’s an overview of some essential recommendations to keep in mind when planning to travel by plane.
Arrival time at the airport
Wondering what time you should get to the airport? For domestic flights, it’s best to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, plan for even more time—ideally 3 hours before takeoff. This extra time is crucial because international flights typically require longer waits for security and passport control.
Travel Documents
Don’t forget your essential travel documents, and make sure to check their validity before heading to the airport. Without the correct documentation, you won’t be able to board your flight. A national ID card is sufficient for travel within the Schengen Area, while a passport is required for trips outside the Schengen Area. Additionally, check in advance if your destination requires a visa.
How to Stay Entertained While Waiting at the Airport
To start with, it’s important to note that if you’re at one of the world’s largest airports, you certainly won’t be short of entertainment. Such airports offer a wide range of activities and services, including:
- extensive shopping areas,
- plenty of cafés and restaurants,
- relaxation zones and wellness centers,
- play areas for children,
- fitness centers,
- and more.
Here’s a list of the ten largest airports in the world.
| Airport | Area | Country |
| King Fahd International Airport | 780 km² (301 mi²) | Saudi Arabia |
| King Khalid International Airport | 225 km² (87 mi²) | Saudi Arabia |
| Denver International Airport | 137 km² (53 mi²) | USA |
| Kuala Lumpur International Airport | 101 km² (39 mi²) | Malaysia |
| Istanbul Airport | 76.5 km² (29.5 mi²) | Turkey |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | 69.6 km² (26 mi²) | USA |
| Southwest Florida International Airport | 54.6 km² (21.2 mi²) | USA |
| Washington Dulles International Airport | 52.8 km² (20.3 mi²) | USA |
| Orlando International Airport | 46.5 km² (18 mi²) | USA |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 44.3 km² (17.19 mi²) | USA |
Here are our promised tips on what to do while waiting at the airport, especially if the airport where you have your layover doesn’t offer many entertainment options.
- Plan Your Trip
Use the waiting time to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for good restaurants near your destination or checking the opening hours of museums and galleries, you’ll definitely use the time wisely. Plus, when you arrive, you’ll know exactly which places to visit and won’t waste time on further planning. Or, you can read about other travel hacks to ensure a smooth journey.
- Play games
If you’re traveling with friends or family, this can be a great way to pass the time while waiting at the airport. You don’t need to bring Monopoly with you; a simple deck of cards or even pen and paper will do. Play classic games like “Tic-tac-toe” or “Hangman,” and you’ll be sure to have fun.
- Take a Walk Around the Airport
This activity will especially benefit you after spending long hours on a plane, with another lengthy flight still ahead. Walking will not only help you stretch but also improve circulation, which can reduce the fatigue from your previous flight.
- Read a Book
Do you keep telling yourself that you’ll start reading but always find something more important to do? Waiting at the airport is the perfect time to finally pull out that book and enjoy a few quiet hours of reading.
- Catch Up on Work
Want to use your airport time effectively? Connect to Wi-Fi and tackle work or personal tasks that have been on your to-do list for a while. You can reply to emails, prepare a presentation for an upcoming meeting, or even order a birthday gift for your friend.
- Grab a Snack
In-flight meals aren’t always the tastiest, so waiting at the airport is a great opportunity to treat yourself to something better. Most airports have at least a café or bistro where you can enjoy a quality coffee, a light snack, or a small meal.
Look on the Bright Side
Waiting at the airport doesn’t have to be just a boring countdown to your flight. With a positive mindset, you can turn even a long layover into an enjoyable experience—whether through relaxation, productivity, or fun activities.