5 Healthy Ways To Spend Time At The Airport
Airport downtime is inevitable for any traveler. For business travelers it can easily become a chore as you find yourself spending hours and hours at the airport. Don’t waste your travel downtime by sitting around and waiting at the gate. Here are 5 healthy ways to spend time at the airport, so that you can make that time work for you.
5 Healthy Ways To Spend Your Airport Downtime
Learn a new skill
Read
Get a massage
Walk the terminals
Stretch or Yoga
Airport downtime is inevitable for any traveler. For a leisure traveler that only fly once a year the airport may be a novelty. You start the holiday early and treat yourself to a drink or happily spend an hour or two browsing the duty free and testing cologne or trying out make up samples. For holidaymakers the airport experience is just another part of your holiday experience and while it’s not the most exciting part, provided you don’t experience any significant delays or other disruptions it can be enjoyable.
For frequent business travelers airport downtime has different connotations. It’s not a once or twice a year event that signifies the beginning of a holiday, it is a consistent part of their work life. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. When you take away average times for getting through security and boarding the plane that leaves about 1-2 hours of airport downtime for passengers and that is not factoring in possible delays. If you are a frequent business traveler that travelers 3-4 times a month for work, you could potentially be spending 16 hours a month hanging around the airport. That’s over 800 hours a year!
We were curious about this downtime and how people spend it here at Sanctifly, so we asked a number of our frequent business traveler members how they spend their extra time at the airport. The overwhelming majority said, ‘I use the time to catch up on emails and get some work done’. Now, while their employers are probably delighted with this answer, we were wondering if that is really the best use of their time? When you go on a business trip it can be hard to switch off and tie away from work is vital for productivity, employee well-being and to avoid employee burnout. It is beneficial for the employer and the traveling employee to take time off whenever it is available, and I believe taking advantage of airport downtime for wellness and self-care is a great opportunity!
Here are 5 healthy ways you can kill time at the airport, without working or catching up on emails and without mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours.
1. Learn a language or learn another new skill
Airport downtime is a great opportunity to take some time to learn something new. Learning a new skill will help keep your brain sharp and focused and some studies have even showed benefits for memory loss. If you are heading to a different country where they speak a different language learning some basic greetings and other phrases can be very beneficial, not only for your brain but it will help you make a great impression in your business meeting. Being able to say ‘Hello, how are you? It’s nice to meet you’ in the language of the land will show you put a real effort into preparing for this meeting. So, the next time you are heading on a business trip pick up a phrase book and start learning! Or choose another skill to master, maybe you always wanted to learn how to draw, or journal or take and edit photos. The downtime you have at the airport is the perfect chance to learn something new.
2. Use the time to read
I absolutely adore reading, but as a busy professional with as many obligations outside of work as in, reading often gets pushed down the priority list. While sitting down with a cup of tea and a good book is a pretty standard part of my Sunday routine, during all other parts of the week I find it very hard to find the time. Airport downtime (and business trip downtime, if you find yourself with any) can be a time to catch up on reading. If you dedicate yourself to avoiding work during your airport downtime, there is literally nothing else to distract you while you are waiting for your flight. Except of course the hustle and bustle of the airport, but a good pair of noise cancelling headphones will solve that. Make sure you have a book that you are excited to read in your bag and dedicate your airport downtime to reading.
3. Get a massage
What better way to relieve the stress of traveling and continue on your journey feeling relaxed and energized than by treating yourself to a massage. Many larger airports have airport spas in the terminal, Be Relax and XpresSpa are two of the larger chains that offer airport spa services all over the world. Often, airport spas will cater their offering to your needs so even if you only have 15 minutes to spare you can still get a massage. Make your airport downtime an enjoyable experience by heading to the spa and integrating some self-care into your travel routine.
4. Walk the terminals
Staying sedentary, meaning that you are taking part in activities that require very low energy expenditure, i.e. sitting, can have some real negative effects on your health. Of course, if you live a sedentary lifestyle, meaning even outside your travel days you do not do much physical activity, it can affect your obesity levels and lead to a number of chronic health effects. But did you know that extended periods of inactivity and sedentary behaviour can reduce metabolism and impair the body's ability to control blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure? Being at the airport is synonymous with sitting and waiting and not moving very much at all. If you travel frequently you need to be aware of the health risks that you are imposing on your body by sitting around the airport. And the solution is so simple! Walk the terminals. Airports are often vast and almost empty spaces. While they may seem busy and chaotic around the food court and the duty free, in larger airport there are often lots of distant and empty gates that you can walk to. Airports often have really amazing art installations dotted throughout them so why not make it a point on your next trip to take a walk and look at the art?
5. Stretch & yoga
As mentioned above moving your body and doing some sort of physical activity is really important. If you don’t want to aimlessly walk the terminals another option could be to find a quiet space, perhaps one of those empty gates or check and see if the airport you are in has a dedicated yoga room and do some stretching or yoga. Sanctifly members get access to a series of travel wellness videos including airport friendly workout routines, yoga routines to help energize you or to help you relax your body so that you can sleep on the plane. Your airport downtime is a great opportunity to take care of your body and improve your health through some gentle exercise. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Sanctifly member click here.
When you change the way you view your airport downtime and take the time to do something good for you it will have lasting benefits on your health, your productivity and your mental well-being. Next time you have a business trip treat that time at the airport as personal time and use it to your benefit.
Interested in becoming a Sanctifly member? Join today and get access to 2500+ wellness locations at over 130 international airports including access to airport executive lounges, airport gyms, pools and spas. Make the most of your airport downtime and make healthy choices on your next trip. View our different membership types.
5 Free Yoga Rooms - Things to do at the airport
As more airports wake up to the fact that travelers need wellness amenities we are starting to see yoga rooms pop up all over the world. And the best part is they are often free to use! Check out these 5 free yoga rooms available at busy international airports.
Travel and wellness activities should go hand in hand. Travel can be stressful and chaotic and having the opportunity to relax and recharge while traveling can be a life saver. Airports and airlines are starting to wake up to this fact and we are seeing more and more wellness focused activities on offer for travelers. Yoga rooms and spaces are popping up in airports all over. Often what started as a pop up has become a permanent fixture due to popular demand. The trend seems to be more evident in the US however we are sure it will become the norm worldwide in the coming years. So if you are looking for something good to do at the airport and want to get in a good stretch before your flight check out these options for free yoga rooms at airports:
Stretch at O’Hare Airport
One of the busiest airports in the US, and ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world, Chicago O’Hare saw more that 83 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2018 and that number has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years. With such a high volume of passengers its no wonder the airport is making an effort to offer some relief from the chaos for its travelers. The Yoga Room at Chicago O’Hare is a tranquil space where passengers can relax, stretch and meditate for free while waiting for a flight. Located on the Mezzanine level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda the space is bathed in natural light thanks to a full wall of frosted glass windows. There are exercise mats available for visitors and wall mounted displays that show yoga poses to follow. The screens also show flight information so there is no chance of missing your flight.
Airport: Chicago O’Hare
How do I get there?: Located near the Urban Garden on the Mezzanine Level of Terminal 3.
Opening hours: 06:00am to 10:00pm
Image from https://www.flysfo.com/content/yoga-room-0
Yoga Rooms at San Francisco Airport
San Francisco Airport is the second busiest airport in California and the 24th busiest airport in the world. SFO saw more than 57 million passengers pass through its doors in 2018. Although it’s a bit quieter than O’Hare, San Francisco Airport is still aware that its passengers need some space for rest and relaxation. SFO was one of the first airports to open a facility such as this and it is a trend that many other airports have followed. There are two yoga rooms at San Francisco Airport, one in Terminal 2 and one in Terminal 3. Both are located past security and passengers require a valid boarding pass in order to access them. The yoga room is calm and serene and is described as a place for yoga, meditation and self-reflection and best of all it’s free to use!
Airport: San Francisco Airport
How do I get there?: Located in terminal 2 past security in boarding area D and in terminal 3 past security in boarding area E
Opening hours: 05:00am to 11:00pm
Yoga / Exercise area at Dallas Fort Worth Airport
Dallas Fort Worth is the fifteenth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the fourth busiest airport by aircraft movements. With six terminals to navigate and over 69 million passengers passing through its doors in 2018 DFW airport can be an overwhelming place. If you are looking for somewhere to exercise or relax DFW has the perfect spot do you. The airport has a yoga/exercise area that is free to use by traveling passengers. It is located past security at Gate D40 in the hallway that connects Terminal B and D. However, this yoga area may not be for you if you are looking for some peace and quiet or privacy. The space is not quite separate from the hustle and bustle of the airport with only a room divider and some greenery blocking it off. But if you pop in your earphones and get in the zone you can definitely find some peace within the chaos. The studios provide guests with complimentary practice mats and other exercise equipment such as exercise balls and stretch bands. There are also displays which show instructional videos that you can follow along with or do your own thing.
Airport: Dallas Fort Worth
How do I get there?: Located at Gate D40 in the hallway connecting Terminal B and D and at Gate E31.
Opening hours: 24hr
Two yoga rooms at Frankfurt Airport
Yoga rooms or spaces at airports it not such a big trend outside of the US unfortunately but Frankfurt Airport is looking to change that. As one of the most wellness focused airports in Europe it’s no surprise that Frankfurt Airport has not one but two yoga rooms for it’s traveling passengers. Ranking at thirteenth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic this calm and serence space is a welcome treat. You can find one studio in Terminal 2, Area D on Level 3 and the other in Terminal 1, Area C on Level 2. Warm colours and pleasant lighting create a calming atmosphere with complimentary mats, blocks and cushions available to guests and a large mirror so you can see yourself doing the poses.
Airport: Frankfurt Airport
How do I get there?: Located near Gates C14 and C16 in Terminal 1 and near Gates D1 and D4 in Terminal 2.
Opening hours: 24hr
Relax at Miami International Airport
MIA is a major hub for the Southeastern United States and the main hub for long haul flights in South Florida. In 2018 over 45 million passengers passed through the airport and that makes it the thirteenth busiest airport in the United States and the 40th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. Miami International Airport has a free yoga room available to its traveling passengers and uniquely this yoga space is not located past security. That means you do not need to go through security to use the space. The yoga room is located in Terminal H on the first floor and visitors can use the complimentary mats available in the space.
Airport: Miami International Airport
How do I get there?: Located before security in Terminal H on the first floor.
Opening hours: 09:00am to 09:00pm
Another option: London Heathrow
There is a yoga room available at London Heathrow but unfortunately it is not free. The yoga room is offered by the Skyteam Lounge and you can purchase a day pass to the lounge for approx. £30. The lounge has lots of other amenities such as showers and day beds so it could be a great option for anyone with a long layover at Heathrow. Heathrow has another option in Terminal 3, a rest and relaxation room located after security between gate 24 and 25 that is free to use. Although not set up for yoga it is a good spot to relax and meditate while waiting for a flight.
Not all airports have a space for travelers to practice yoga but that doesn’t mean you have to go without! You can always find an empty gate to get some peace and quiet and get in a good stretch. Log into the Sanctifly app to find our stretch and relax or meditation video series. Follow along with travel wellness expert Sara Quiriconi and make healthy choices for your airport downtime. You can find out more about all the benefits you get as a Sanctifly member here.
What to do on your MEX Layover
We have gathered all the best things for you to do at Mexico city Airport so you can take advantage of your layover with Sanctifly. No matter how much time you’ve got, we have an option for you.
Mexico City Airport.
SMART CHOICES FOR THE HEALTHY TRAVELER
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR MEX LAYOVER
We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport. This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible. We can’t always help that we are held up at the airport. We want to help you take advantage of your downtime and use it to help you maintain your healthy routine while traveling. We have put together some suggestions for your MEX layover.
1 hour
Why not do some yoga?
Travelers can take advantage of the airports Wi-Fi. Go to the sanctifly app and do some yoga stretches with our fitness coach, Sara. Find a quiet spot near your gate and plug in your headset. All you have to do is search for “SSID MEX free Wi-Fi” in your Wi-Fi settings, register and connect.
Why we like it
The WiFi is free for the first 50 minutes.
For more information
https://yourhelloworld.com/wifi-details-for-benito-jurez-international-airport-mex/
Or grab a healthy bite!
Casa Avila is Mexico City airport’s most highly rated restaurant, providing travelers with fresh ingredients that is prepared daily. Located in terminal 2, gate 19.
Why we like it
Casa Avila provides lots of healthy options along with vegetarian and vegan options.
For more information
TOP TIP
Leave your luggage at the airport. Storage options available in both terminals. Click here for a map to the facilities
2-3 hours
Take a hike!
Feel like a run around Mexico City? Visit Bosque De Aragon Park! Located a short 5.6km (10 minute) taxi journey from the airport. The Park is fitted with its own running track. Pick the short route, 2.5km or the long route, 5km.
Why we like it
The park is surrounded by a national forest.
For more information
Discover the culture.
If you enjoy art and culture, you will love Polyforum Siqueiros. Visiting the different paintings, sculptures and architect is a great opportunity to stretch your legs before a flight. The museum is a 13.9km (37 Minute) car journey from the airport.
Why we like it
Polyforum hosts the largest outdoor mural work in the world.
For more information
3-6 hours
Segway your way around Mexico City.
Take a 16.8km (52 minute) taxi journey into Mexico City and rent a Segway for up to 90 minutes to explore the city. The Segway experience gives you the option to follow a professional tour guide who provides live commentary or you can travel your own route.
Why we like it
Offers personalized tailored tours.
For more information
Seven Buddhas Bar
This cafe provides both healthy and delicious food. Conveniently located next to a yoga studio, giving you the perfect opportunity to work out and get in your post workout meal. The restaurant is 48 minutes (13.7 km) drive away from the airport.
Why we like it
Menu options include waffle falafel, homemade lemonade, smoothie mix and a buddha bowl.
For more information
https://www.facebook.com/pg/sevenbuddhasmx/posts/?ref=page_internal
TOP TIP
Mexico City traffic can become extremely congested. Travellers need to take this into consideration when leaving the airport as delays may arise.
6+ hours
Private tour to Teotihuacan
Are you interested in seeing Mexico City’s historic sights? Teotihuacan contains towering pyramids and stone temples. View the pyramids from above on a hot-air balloon before touring the ruins on the ground or opt for an early-morning tour with an archaeologist to understand the site's history. The tour can take 6 to 11 hours in duration depending on what package you choose from.
How to get there? From the airport request a private pick up service direct with “Teotihuacan Pyramids Tours” by calling the number provided. Otherwise, call a taxi service. The pyramids are a 1-hour (50.6 km) car journey from the airport.
Why we like it
Hiking pyramids experience and a chance to take stunning pictures.
For more information
https://www.viator.com/Mexico-City-attractions/Teotihuacan-Pyramids/d628-a1760
Mexico City Bike Tour
The best way to soak up the local ambiance is on a bicycle. Discover Mexico City squares and skip the long queue for museums. The guided tour has a duration of 4 hours. The bike tour meeting spot is a 17 km (23 minutes) drive from the airport. Book the tour by clicking on the link below.
Why we like it
Fruit snacks and water are included.
For more information
Don’t forget how flexible your Sanctifly membership is. You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available. Get a single use membership or come on board for full corporate membership for your team. Don’t compromise on your health while traveling. Click here for more information on the different Sanctifly memberships.
From everyone at Sanctifly,
Travel well.
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What to do on your Montreal Layover
Have you got an upcoming layover in Montreal? There are so many options at YUL. Read, workout or do something a bit more thrilling on your next layover. Learn everything you need to know on the Sanctifly Travel Wellness Blog.
Smart Choices for the Healthy Traveler
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR YUL LAYOVER
We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport. This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible. We can’t always help that we are held up at an airport but if we can take advantage of the time we have there, then we hope you find the following suggestions useful:
Don’t forget how flexible your membership to the Sanctifly gym, swimming or spa is. You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available. You can get single use membership or come onboard for full corporate membership for your business.
1 Hour
READ SOME BOOKS
From inside the airport you are able to download digital books via the platform lirevoustransporte.com. Download to your smartphone, tablet or e-reader the first chapter of any books available in five categories: Novel, Youth, Thriller, Essay/Bio, and Guide. Complete instructions for downloading are posted in the airport's rest areas around the international area. After enjoying the preview chapter, you can read the rest either by borrowing the complete e-book from the BAnQ portal or by purchasing it from the leslibraires.ca site (in print or digital format).
VIEW SOME ART
There are art exhibitions throughout the airport. In the international arrivals baggage-claim area there are works by various artists. There are also showcases in the U.S. departures area, illuminated columns in the public areas, and photos in the passenger return and international arrivals corridors. In the passenger return and international arrivals corridors, there is an integrated light installation by Alex Morgenthaler. Throughout the terminal there is a permanent collection, comprising works by Molinari, Pellan, Wesselow, and more. The mission of the Aérogalerie art program is to help support Montréal’s artistic and cultural development.
WALK IN THE PARK
If you enjoy taking a moment to marvel at the wonders of flight and watch the complicated movements of aircraft traffic, visit Jacques-de-Lesseps Park. It was inaugurated in 2012, and provides aviation enthusiasts with one of the best possible vantage points for observing the runways at Montréal–Trudeau. The park is located facing runways 24-L and 06-R, at the intersection of Halpern Avenue and Jenkins street.
2-3 Hours
FALL IN STYLE
If you need a bit of an adrenaline rush, but in safety, check out SkyVenture Montreal. It is the only recirculating indoor free-fall simulator in Canada. Experience the thrill of skydiving from the complete safety of an air tunnel guided by professionals.
GO SPEED RACING
As North America's premiere racing simulation centre, Vortex Racing brings the thrill and experience of racing to Montreal, a city immersed every summer in the excitement of the Canadian Grand Prix. There are eight professional-level simulators identical to those used by top Formula 1 teams to train their drivers. From first timers who want to know what it's like to be in a race car, to professional racers who want to practice in the most realistic setting possible, participants can sit in the driver's seat and feel the extraordinary rush of adrenaline unique to the sport.
STRETCH YOUr LEGS
Stretch your legs and take a nature walk at René-Lévesque Park. It is an urban park located on a jetty between the Saint Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal. It features a sculpture garden with works from Quebec artists, and an arboretum.
HIKE THE LANDSCAPE
If you need even more exotic nature pay a visit to the Refuge faunique Marguerite-D'Youville located on the Île Saint-Bernard. It offers eight kilometers of trails, beautiful natural landscape, local wildlife spotting, and a guided pontoon tour.
TAKE A FITNESS CLASS
If you need to get your blood pumping and want to meet some locals check out Econofitness. They offer group fitness classes and are located only 9 minutes from the airport. They offer classes with titles like Dance Party, Combat, Flex, and Zen Yoga so there is sure to be something for whatever you are in the mood for.
4+ Hours
GO ROCK CLIMBING
If you have time for a good work out and aren’t afraid of heights check out Clip ‘n Climb Laval and explore the adventure of rock climbing in a safe environment. There are more than 30 individually themed climbing walls that provide healthy, challenging fun. Automatic belay devices on every wall take in the slack as you climb and then lower you gently down to the ground. Not your average climbing gym, they offer bright, colorful, and unique climbing spaces.
HIT THE LINKS
Get out of the airport, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air with a round of golf at Golf Dorval. Be sure to check the schedule as they close during the winter months. There are five levels of difficulty are offered on their public course, and prices vary by season. There is also a practice field if you are interested in working on your swing or blowing off some steam hitting a few balls.
Thanks so much for reading and feel free to send any suggestions you may have to be added to this list.
Sanctifly is our number one recommendation at every airport. Become a full member now and enjoy the benefits today!