Killing Time in an Airport

Who hasn't been stuck in an airport on a four hour lay-over because there's a blizzard in New York and now you're stuck in Atlanta? So you're stuck and now you're bored. What do you do? Thankfully airports are full of diversions and entertainment.

Let's start with the plethora of gift-shops. Think of this as an opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done early. Or late. Whatever the case may be. Sure the gift shops are all over-priced but where else are you going to find a genuine Indian turquoise necklace? Ok, maybe not so genuine but your niece would just love it! The various gift shops and magazine stands will take up at least an hour. Buy some gifts, a magazine, a snack, anything to waste time. One of the best buys in an airport is the duty-free shop. All sorts of stuff without all the taxes!

Eventually however, these shops will start to get boring. When that happens there are a couple games you can play. I personally find it interesting to eavesdrop on those annoying cell phone people. You know, the ones who won't pipe-down. They yell into their cell phones at their significant other who won't pick them up from the airport or their disgruntled employee who simply can't manage to hold down the fort while they're on vacation. Try and figure out as much about them simply by listening. Are they talking to a friend, a wife, a boss, a daughter? Just listen.

If you're not afraid of looking potentially creeping and maybe inciting airport security or a restraining order here's a variation on the listening game... the following game. Pick out someone to follow for a certain amount of time. Ten, twenty, even thirty minutes. Try and figure out as much about them as possibly simply by following them. This could get difficult if they are walking to another terminal. You don't want to go through security to get into their terminal and then back into your terminal. This can also get boring if they walk to their gate and then just sit. Be careful when you're following, you don't want to make it too conspicuous or you might get reported and airport security will be forced to subject you to a strip search. Point: try not to look like a terrorist.

Here are some ideas on what to discern about people. Are they married? Wedding ring or not? Business or pleasure? If they're shopping, who are they shopping for? Age? Religion? Shampoo? That last one can be tricky, you have to get close enough to smell their hair yet remain inconspicuous. Unless of course you actually see them buying shampoo, then you're work is a little easier.

So, follow these tips and your layover will be an enjoyable one.