20 Smart Things To Do In An Airport When You’re Delayed

If your flight has ever been delayed, finding things to do in an airport is a quest you’ll know all too well. But smart travellers use this time to their advantage. Travelista Editor Jessica Ruth Gibson, shares 20 ways to turn your delay into a productive (and even enjoyable) start to your holiday.

Airport delays happen – but they don’t have to ruin the start of your trip. Delays are an unfortunate part of travel and something every traveller will experience at some point. While they’re rarely welcome, seasoned travellers know how to make the most of the extra time by tackling those little tasks that will enhance and elevate their trip as a whole. Whether that’s researching your trip, booking a local tour or creating the perfect holiday playlist, there are plenty of productive (and fun) ways to kill time in an airport.

Instead of endlessly watching the departures board or scrolling aimlessly on your phone, why not use the delay to get organised, treat yourself or simply build excitement for the adventure ahead? Pick a few ideas from this list and, before you know it, you’ll be boarding your flight feeling even more prepared for an incredible trip.

1. Spend time researching your destination

If you’ve been too busy packing to properly plan your trip, now’s the perfect opportunity. Read up on local neighbourhoods, cultural etiquette, hidden gems and seasonal events so you arrive feeling like a more informed traveller. If you haven’t booked your onward accommodation yet, it’s also a great time to browse and pre-book accommodation via booking.com for inspiration, read guest reviews and get a better feel for the area you’ll be staying in. The reason I like booking.com is because it offers you free cancellation if you travel itinerary changes, offering total flexibility.

2. Book a tour before you arrive

Popular attractions and experiences often sell out in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. Use the airport Wi-Fi to browse and book trusted and authentic local tours through Get Your Guide before you land, giving yourself something exciting to look forward to on your first few days. It’s also one less thing to organise once you’re on holiday.

3. Reserve a restaurant for your first evening

After a long journey, the last thing you’ll want to do is wander unfamiliar streets trying to decide where to eat. Spend a few minutes reading Google reviews and reserve a restaurant close to your accommodation. You’ll thank yourself when you arrive tired and hungry after a day of travelling.

4. Set up an eSIM on your phone to save money on 5G and roaming

Being connected to 5G the moment you land makes navigating a new destination far less stressful. Daily data roaming charges plans on your phone network can expensive. To save money, download and activate an eSIM before boarding so you’ll have access to maps, transport apps and messaging as soon as you arrive. It’s one of those simple jobs that’s easy to forget until it’s too late, and having mobile data on landing means you can hit the ground running. I always use Sim Local for my eSIMs as they are easy to use and offer great value.

Read my Sim Local eSIM review from my recent trip to Australia.

5. Map out your holiday budget

Take a few minutes to review exchange rates, move money onto your travel card and decide on a rough daily spending budget. Having a plan before you arrive can help you enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about costs. It also makes it easier to prioritise the experiences that matter most to you.

6. Reply to emails, clear your inbox and set an out-of-office

Holiday mode feels much sweeter when you’ve tied up any loose ends before take-off. Respond to outstanding emails, archive anything you no longer need and set your out-of-office if you haven’t already. Future you will appreciate returning to a much tidier inbox.

7. Practice gratitude and write down 10 things you are grateful for

You may be delayed, but you’re in an airport. That means you have the means to travel around the world – what an immense privilege that so many others do not have! Either with a notepad or your phone notes, try jotting down 10 things about your life that you feel grateful, such as a healthy body, a job that pays you money or a safe home to sleep at night. Go back to basics and I promise you this exercise will make you feel calmer, happier and more grounded than when you started it.

8. Create the perfect holiday playlist

Every great trip deserves its own soundtrack. Whether you’re planning beach days, mountain hikes or a scenic road trip, curate a playlist that captures the mood of your destination. Listening to it on the flight is also a great way to build excitement before you land. I love building custom playlists on Spotify, which you can share with your travel buddies too so they can also add in some tunes.

9. Download your favourite comfort show or podcast for the flight

Your future self on the plane will thank you for downloading some episodes of your favourite TV show or podcast onto your phone. The hours on your flight will pass by much quicker if you have something entertaining to watch.

10. Learn a few key phrases in the local language

You don’t need to become fluent overnight, but learning a handful of useful phrases can go a long way. Language apps such as Duolingo have a free version, making it easy to practise greetings, polite expressions and everyday questions while you’re waiting to board. Locals almost always appreciate visitors making the effort.

11. Challenge yourself to walk 5,000 steps

Travel days are mostly sedentary with little activity, so if you’re delayed, get moving! Rather than spending hours sitting at the gate, explore the terminal and get your body moving before a long flight. Turn it into a physical challenge. Walking helps stretch your legs, improves circulation and breaks up the waiting time. Many airports are surprisingly large, so you’ll hit your target quicker than you think.

12. Browse the airport shops and boutiques

Modern airports are home to everything from luxury fashion houses to local artisan brands. If you have some holiday cash to spend, kill your time exploring the shops. You might find a thoughtful gift, a travel essential you forgot to pack or even a bargain in duty free. Window shopping also makes the time pass.

13. Treat yourself to a spa treatment

Some airports now offer massages, manicures, facials and wellness treatments designed specifically for travellers. A relaxing treatment can help ease pre-flight nerves and leave you feeling refreshed before boarding. If you’re killing time in an airport, this is the most indulgent and relaxing way to do it.

14. Get your make up done at a beauty counter

Many premium beauty counters offer complimentary makeovers, foundation colour matching or skincare consultations, particularly if you’re interested in trying new products. It’s a fun way to pass the time and you may even pick up a few expert beauty tips along the way. You could board your flight looking and feeling a million dollars.

15. Upgrade to an airport lounge

Airport lounges offer a welcome escape from the busy terminal, with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi and charging points. While many allow entry for a fee, you may already have free access through your travel insurance, airline status or premium credit card. It’s worth checking before you travel.

16. Explore digital entertainment

Airport delays often mean spending more time connected to your phone or laptop to check flight updates, boarding information, or travel arrangements. With reliable Wi-Fi and mobile networks available in many airports, travellers can also access a wide range of digital services that are available in their destination or home country. Today, users can access a wide variety of gaming formats across compatible devices. Within the online casino gaming sector, online slots are among the most common game categories offered by operators that people play.

17. Sit down for a proper meal

Airport food has come a long way in recent years, with many terminals offering excellent independent restaurants alongside familiar favourites. Treat yourself to a nutritious or hearty meal before boarding, particularly if you’re heading off on a long-haul flight. Plane food is extremely processed, so it’s a good idea to fuel your body with some nourishment before having to make the switch.

18. People-watch with a great coffee

Airports are one of the best places in the world for people-watching. Find a comfortable café, order your favourite drink and watch the excitement unfold as travellers from all over the globe begin their own adventures. Try to guess where people are going and what they do for a living. Sometimes, slowing down and observing the world around you is exactly what the start of a holiday needs.

19. Charge every device before you board

Take advantage of airport charging stations while you have them. Top up your phone, headphones, tablet, smartwatch and power bank so everything is ready for the journey ahead. You’ll be glad you did if your flight entertainment system isn’t working or you have a long transfer after landing.

20. Organise your phone storage

There’s nothing worse than standing in front of an incredible view only to discover your phone storage is full. Delete duplicate photos, old screenshots and videos you no longer need before your trip begins. A few minutes now could save you missing that perfect holiday photo later.

Conclusion

While nobody hopes for an airport delay, it doesn’t have to put a dampener on your holiday. With a little creativity, those extra hours can become an opportunity to get organised, indulge in a little self-care or simply build excitement for the adventure ahead.

So next time your departure time slips back, resist the temptation to endlessly refresh the departures board. Instead, make the most of the extra time and do things your future self will thank you for. We love a productive forward thinking queen!