Flight delays and being stuck at the airport can be incredibly frustrating. However, instead of letting this inconvenience ruin your day, why not find positive ways to make the most of the situation? This article will explore various activities and opportunities that can help you turn a flight delay into a productive and enjoyable experience. Sanctifly has been referred to by members as a ‘layover hero’ or ‘ best hack for long delays’ - try us out next time. Explore the Airport One way to pass the time during a flight delay is to explore the airport. Many airports have different terminals, each offering unique amenities. Stroll through the terminals and check out the available shops, restaurants, and other attractions. You might be surprised at the variety of options, from high-end luxury brands to local boutiques. Some airports even have art installations and exhibitions to explore.
Some of the best airports known for their amenities include:
Changi Airport (Singapore): Changi Airport is one of the best airports in the world. It boasts many amenities, such as butterfly gardens, accessible movie theaters, rooftop swimming pools, and shopping and dining options.
Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea): Incheon Airport offers a range of facilities, including a traditional Korean cultural center, a spa, a casino, and a golf course. It also features a selection of duty-free shops and various restaurants.
Dubai International Airport (Dubai, UAE): Dubai Airport is known for its luxurious amenities, including designer shops, premium lounges, and extravagant duty-free shopping. It also has art installations, including a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture, and offers services like sleep pods and a Zen garden.
Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar): Hamad Airport features a giant indoor art installation called "Lamp Bear" and a passenger terminal designed to resemble a desert rose. It provides a range of dining options, including high-end restaurants and cafes, spacious lounges, and a spa.
Munich Airport (Munich, Germany): Munich Airport offers a variety of facilities, including an on-site brewery, numerous shops selling traditional Bavarian products, and a visitor's park with aviation exhibits and a mini-golf course. It also provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Enjoy Airport Cuisine Most Airport restaurants offerings have improved significantly and often offer a wide range of culinary experiences. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of these establishments. The options are plentiful, Whether you want to explore the local cuisine or indulge in your favorite comfort foods. Use this time to savor a dining experience that you might not have had the chance to enjoy otherwise.
Additionally, some airports have food courts or street food stalls where you can try various dishes. But don’t get caught out! Its always worth doing a google search on dinning at ‘select airport’, or checking out the Sanctifly replanish options just to see the volume of options available and their opening hours. Nothing worse than getting on to a flight hungry!
Catch Up on Work or Studies If you have work assignments or exams coming up, a flight delay can be a blessing in disguise. Use this extra time to complete your tasks or study for your upcoming tests. Find a quiet corner or a business lounge where you can focus and be productive. Utilize the airport's free Wi-Fi to access your materials and work efficiently.
Sanctifly offer an excellent guide to airport hotels lounge and work areas. Check space options under the relaxation tile. Take Photos and Videos, Edit, and Share on Social Media Use your smartphone or camera to capture unique moments and document your airport experience during a flight delay. Take photos of interesting features and record short videos to create a visual diary. Edit your visuals using various apps and software, adding filters, captions, stickers, or creating collages to enhance them. Share your edited photos and videos on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, describing your experience and using relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
You can also utilize video editing tools to enhance your footage, adding music, transitions, and special effects to create compelling videos. Once your editing is complete, consider using a video compressor tool to reduce file size without sacrificing quality, making uploading and sharing your videos easier on social media platforms. Remember to respect airport or airline regulations regarding photography and social media usage. Get out of the Airport
Lots of airports offer free shuttle or one stop on a the rail link. Sometimes these can be quant towns with nice shopping and walking options, perfect for stretching your legs, getting the kids active and killing a couple of hours. Check out the 6+ hour tile in the Sanctifly App for some out of airport ideas – lots of them are free!
Plan Your Next Adventure
Use the delay as an opportunity to research and plan future travel destinations. Dream up your next adventure and start making tentative plans. With ample time, you can explore various destinations, browse travel websites, and gather information about potential itineraries. This flight delay might be the catalyst for your next memorable journey. You can also download travel apps or use online platforms to explore accommodations, activities, and attractions in your desired destination.
In conclusion, flight delays can be frustrating, but they don't have to ruin your day. You can turn a delay into a productive and enjoyable experience by maximizing your time at the airport. There are numerous ways to pass the time, from exploring the airport and catching up on work or studies to relaxing and indulging in airport cuisine. Remember to connect with others, shop duty-free, and even plan your next adventure. So the next time you find yourself stuck at the airport, embrace the delay and make it a positive experience to remember.