This past April, Spain´s AAssociatoin of Airlines predicted that this summer our country´s record number of flights, set just last year, would be be broken, with some 240 million scheduled seats increasing flights from the previous summer by more than 13 percent. It is easy to imagine that airports in summer are filled with people going to or returning from vacation and therefore joining the usual air traffic of the rest of the year. As we know that, especially on international flights, we must have time, what things can we do at an airport so that time passes as quickly as on board an airplane? Today we have set out to make a list of various activities so that no one gets bored.
Finish Up Your Travel Planning
You’ll probably arrive at the airport breathless after having wrapped up the last loose ends of work and the home front so you can enjoy your well-deserved break. Have you planned well what you want to do, what places to visit or where to eat? The time you spend at the airport is perfect for squaring away the final details, so don’t waste it!
Catch up on Your Reading, of Course!
Whether it’s that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table or in your e-book app for weeks because you don’t even have time to start it; one you pick up at a concourse bookshop: we all love reading precisely because it’s one of the pleasures we often put aside in our daily lives. That’s why an airport is the ideal place to pick it up – and continue it once you’re comfortably settled on the plane.
Have a Snack
Feeling peckish? Sometimes we only have an hour, but at other times we may have to wait several hours to connect one flight with another. So hunger and/or thirst or hunger will inevitably rear their heads. And in practically any airport you have an array of eating options – anything from a simple drink and quick snack to – in some of the larger and more sophisticated ones – an elaborate meal worthy of any city downtown.
Take a Shower and Even Snooze
In some large airports, it´s an option. For example, Madrid Barajas has “air rooms“, which you can rent for 30 minutes to take a shower… or to rest for a few hours or the whole night. A perfect option for those arriving from a transatlantic flight and having to take another one in a few hours.
Just Chill Out
From plugging in your headphones to your favourite music and concentrating on enjoying that oasis of peace to giving yourself a massage (there are airports with areas which offer beauty and relaxation services): taking advantage of that time to let yourself go is a luxury that we can rarely afford.
Play a Bit
If you’re travelling, especially with children, you have to be very inventive to make sure that time doesn’t pass quickly. A deck of cards or a board game (even better if it’s magnetic) will make time pass without you even noticing. Another way to play with the little ones is to find, for example, red t-shirts, hats, blue suitcases, sandals. Anything goes as long as it sparks their imagination! Not to mention of course that some airports also have thoughtfully added kid play zones.
Do a Spot of Shopping
Let’s face it: many of the world´s more sophisticated airports have become de facto shopping malls, selling clothing, electronics, perfume, foodstuffs including local specialities, and of course souvenirs from the countries in which they´re located. And they offer fun browsing opportunities, whether it´s to pick up a last-minute gift or souvenir, or simply pamper yourself. And the best part? It´s all tax free!
Do a Spot of Sport
Tote along your gym togs, because workout options are starting to appear in a number of airports. Barajas for example opened on in Terminal 4 in 2022 which even has rooms for guided classes.
Get Creative
Like to draw? Don’t forget your notebook and pencils to draw lifelike portraits of the passengers you meet, or to let your hand wander while reproducing an airplane in the departure lounge. If you like to write, you have a great window of time to do so without anyone bothering you. Or to compose music, let your creative side fly!
Catch Up on a TV Show or Movie
These days few of us travel without our mobiles, tablets, and sometimes laptops, as well as few who don’t subscribe to some kind of streaming platform. Do you have headphones? Check out the show or film you´ve been meaning to watch! (And by the way, if you want to watch content on your electronic device even on the plane, most of these platforms give you the opportunity to download it ahead of time to watch offline.)
So there you have it – happy trails, wherever they may take you!