How to Cope with Flight Delays, Layovers & Airport Downtime

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons just around the corner, now is the time that countless Americans begin to make travel plans. Driving down the road to visit Aunt Edna is simple enough. Scheduling national or international flights during the holiday rush, however, is another issue altogether. Layovers, delays and endless hours spent frittering your time away in airport bookstores and crowded gift shops can make for a rather frustrating situation. The next time you find yourself confined to a stiff waiting area chair or bench, try out some of these innovative ideas in order to pass the time.

Play a Board Game: for Those who Need to be Entertained

These days you can't go shopping for board games without encountering the travel size versions of each and every popular game on the market. From Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue® to the more generic chess and checkers, game designers are marketing portability to American consumers like never before. And why not? We live in an on-the-go society where people have more time to play a rousing game of Monopoly while sitting comfortably in first class than they would sitting in their own home.

If you're a chess lover, invest in a magnetic chess set. They are great for flights where turbulence may be an issue.Magnetic chess boards come in all shapes and sizes and include game pieces that adhere magnetically to the surface of the board, ensuring they will not be knocked off during a bumpy flight. The same is true of magnetic checkers sets.

Read a Book: for the Intellectual

The vast majority of today's major international airports boast a wide array of gift shops, including paperback bookstores. Here you will typically find everything from maps of the city you are stuck in to current and classic novels, fiction bestsellers and nonfiction. Browse the titles and select one that best suits your interests. If you're in for a long delay, pick one with plenty of pages or even purchase two. You can never overstock on reading materials.

Socialize with your Fellow Strandees: for the Outgoing

All stranded flight passengers have one thing in common: they are stranded. Remember that misery loves company. Strike up a casual conversation with a fellow passenger. Odds are you are both equally bored. If you're a parent traveling with your children, try conversing with other parents. You may have more in common than you think. Not only will you pass the time more quickly, but you may wind up making some friends along the way.

Stroll the Airport: for the Active

For longer delays, you will want to maintain regular physical activity. Avoid sitting in one place and/or position for too long, as this will tend to cause cramps and muscle stiffness. Engage in a leisure stroll around the airport, walking briskly with a steady pace, breathing rigorously. If you have the time, venture outside the confines of the airport. Visit a nearby coffee shop or restaurant and purchase a refreshing beverage or meal. Seek out nearby tourist attractions or do some window shopping at a local mall. Remaining physically active will help to pass the time.

Creativity is the name of the game for overcoming flight delay boredom. Find ways to entertain yourself that will cater to your specific interests. With any luck, your flight will be back on schedule before you know it!