How to Have a Great Layover

[AARPLynne]

How do you like to spend your time at the airport when you arrive a little early or have an extended (or unplanned!) layover?

Samantha Brown shares her tips:

[paula191]

People watch what else is there to do ??

[cdolezel]

I normally arrive early but like to spend the time walking, especially if it is a large airport.  After that I do somepraying/meditating, read, or play games on my iPad. 

[ottavioa]

I always get to the airport early. I usually bring my ipad and play words with friends(50+games); I bring 2-3 mystery books and several magazines (Bottom Line Personal, Morningstar Fund Investor & Dividend Investor, Readers Digest.

[2Papa]

I spend the time in the bar!

[ip3285]

I will no longer fly on an airplane.   When my parents were alive I'd fly across the country several times a year to visit them.   I also flew several times a year to San Francisco.  However, airports are different now than they were then.  Now some strange people, who probably get paid plenty, have "jobs" where they can legally "grope" people in the guise of searching for weapons.  Keep your hands off me!  Airports are more crowded than ever, and manners have disappeared.  I'll stay home, thank you.

[Olif]

I call my son Ambrose to get me out of there and order a train ticket to where I have to go! I really don't want to visit him since he did what he did. And his wife Amanda <bleep> I don't know why she marred him <bleep>

But to get to my story! I try not to fly at all since I don't have anywhere to go anyone. I just visit the center to get what I need, just as long as Agnus is there all ready and able! Flying is bad, but staying put is a whole lot better than ever!

(Created through the SPOK-TEK software program)

[MaVolta]

I used to be a frequent flier when I worked, and quite often had weather delays to contend with. I haven't traveled much since retiring though. It can be a real pain, these days.

On long delays, I like to walk around and get some exercise. I always travel with music and a good paperback, as well as reading on my iPad. Sometimes it's just nice to have the book in hand, and it doesn't weary the eyes as much as screen reading.

Don't forget to bring a good dose of patience with you. I know that may be hard for a lot of folks but there are some things you cannot control. So why get your feathers all ruffled? Stay calm and carry on. You'll feel better when you finally reach your destination.

[nyadrn]

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@MaVolta wrote:

I used to be a frequent flier when I worked, and quite often had weather delays to contend with. I haven't traveled much since retiring though. It can be a real pain, these days.

On long delays, I like to walk around and get some exercise. I always travel with music and a good paperback, as well as reading on my iPad. Sometimes it's just nice to have the book in hand, and it doesn't weary the eyes as much as screen reading.

Don't forget to bring a good dose of patience with you. I know that may be hard for a lot of folks but there are some things you cannot control. So why get your feathers all ruffled? Stay calm and carry on. You'll feel better when you finally reach your destination.

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Yes.. I am not giving up flying so I make the best of it!   The only time I really destest flying is into NYC during the holidays  and then it is time for the train 

[mg94938887]

Some of the bigger airports have great shopping - and often items are marked down.  Airports offer a variety of stores and they are small and easy to manage.  

[MaVolta]

@nyadrn - I enjoy train travel. I just wish that we had train systems here like they have in Europe. 

[eviealso]

I, too, like to visit with other traverlers.  I have met single mother who raised 5 kids and she now visits each greatful kid a couple of months each year to a mom with two kids who flew to meet the husband/dad for the weekend before he deployed.  I kept  a watch on her two kids while she ran to get them something to eat on the plane.  I gave her my cell phone to reassure her they would be safe with me. I have met some wonderful people who have changed the odds in their favor.  I, also, read and listen to music on my ipod.  Love the music.

[CHUCKIE1369]

In today's society of flying it sucks. Between rude people who disregard the handicap and the TSA, and the space that you seat in , is not fun anymore. So my last flight anywhere will be to LAS VEGAS,NV for my 65th birthday. And thank GOD it's a straight flight. Though what I do while in the airport, buy a bottle of water $4.00, grab a newspaper $1.50, and finally 4 mix drinks or beers, so I can sleep the whole flight. The skies are not friendly anymore !

[nyadrn]

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@CHUCKIE1369 wrote:

In today's society of flying it sucks. Between rude people who disregard the handicap and the TSA, and the space that you seat in , is not fun anymore. So my last flight anywhere will be to LAS VEGAS,NV for my 65th birthday. And thank GOD it's a straight flight. Though what I do while in the airport, buy a bottle of water $4.00, grab a newspaper $1.50, and finally 4 mix drinks or beers, so I can sleep the whole flight. The skies are not friendly anymore !

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Wow  I am sorry you have had such bad experiences..  I cannot say I have.  

Have a great time in Vegas!!

[ReTiReD51]

.

We usually have an iPad or another device with lots of reading material downloaded to pass the time. I also enjoy visiting with the folks sitting in the terminal waiting for a flight like me. You can meet some pretty interesting and nice people as you wait for your flight to depart.

[LogicsHere]

I haven't traveled in 20 years, but I will be visiting my sister who lives in Florida in about 2 weeks. I will spend my free time at the airport probably people watching some of the time and working on one of my puzzle books.

[am54885493]

Well, I probably spend a fair amount of time on my phone, clearing emails, checking the singles sites (ha!), reviewing Amazon deals, etc. But, the most fun is people watching. so grab a cup of coffe, get a good seat close to your gate and just enjoy the many diverse and interesting travelers. 

[AARPLynne]

You made me chuckle @nyadrn. I'll think of you next week on the layover from the 6:00 a.m. flight I'm taking on Thanksgiving Day. Keep telling myself it will all be worthwhile when I'm sitting around the table with family. 

[nyadrn]

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@AARPLynne wrote:

You made me chuckle @nyadrn. I'll think of you next week on the layover from the 6:00 a.m. flight I'm taking on Thanksgiving Day. Keep telling myself it will all be worthwhile when I'm sitting around the table with family. 

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Thank you 😀   I am gearing up for the @AARPLynne. holiday travel at Christmas time and with the weather and the crowds you know I am going to have some delays. Always fun LOL

Have s great time with the family!

[AARPLynne]

Thanks, @nyadrn, and I hope you do the same!

[nyadrn]

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AARPLynne wrote:

How do you like to spend your time at the airport when you arrive a little early or have an extended (or unplanned!) layover?

I don't.   I am usually tired and crabby.  Thanks for the tips anyway!

[rj85811847]

Only time I go to the airport is to drop off or pick someone up I quit flying 9 yrs ago refuse to put up with the TSA B.S.