Summer Flight Delayed? Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Airport

The buzz word at the nation's airports this summer travel season is "delay." Summertime flight delays and cancellations are commonly caused by rainy season thunderstorms. In years past, delayed passengers could usually catch the next available flight to their destination.

But this season, airlines are reducing the frequency of flights, which means fewer planes at near-full capacity will be flying the friendly skies. Summer travelers bumped off their scheduled flights may have a difficult time being rebooked on an alternative itinerary. The result? Many travelers will end up spending long periods of time in the airport terminals.

Should you find yourself stuck at the airport, don't take your frustrations out at the airline personnel. Instead, engage in some of these interactive and entertaining activities I discovered while recently stranded in an airport.

Exercise. Delays can stress summer travelers and the best way to relieve this tension is through exercise. Walk, or for a true cardiac workout, RUN up and down the airport's stairs. To get that home-town gym feeling, run up the opposite way of an escalator or moving walkway. It's almost like being on a stair stepper - except for the people who keep getting in the way.

Treasure Hunting. Most airports have decent souvenir shops where passengers can spend $19.99 and upwards on a t-shirt. Being delayed in a hub airport, such as Atlanta or Charlotte, chances are a major credit card company is there enticing travelers to sign up for their card. You have the time, fill out the form! Sure, you don't need another credit card, but everyone likes free gifts - such as a t-shirt, pen or a teddy bear wearing a t-shirt with the credit card's name.

Hide and Seek. Road warriors are familiar with the announcement, "please do not leave luggage unattended…please report suspicious activity and unattended luggage to airport personnel immediately." Not all travelers obey the warning and this can be used to your entertainment. When seeing someone who has left their bag alone, move it and revel in their reaction to find it. However, if you're a good passenger, you will notify security as soon as the bag is left alone. But of course, this process may cause the evacuation of the airport terminal and additional delays.

Do Good. Stake your claim in the restroom and become a bathroom attendant. It's a great way to get to know your fellow summer travelers by standing next to the sink, offering to turn on the faucet and distributing paper towels. Or, carry that shoe shine kit from the hotel to spiff up your fellow passenger's shoes. Who knows, these efforts may result in a tip or two!

Next Top Model. The media has been reporting that due to a shortage in baggage handlers, there may be higher rates of lost luggage this summer season. To avoid losing your purchases from your weekend of shopping, carry it on (but be sure it can fit in the overhead or the seat in front of you). While stranded in the airport, show off your new threads by putting on a fashion show for your traveling mates and fellow passengers. This will help you build poise, confidence and pass the time.

Roll With It. Engage your fellow passengers into the friendly competition of a wheelchair race. It's easier to find a chair if you're traveling with someone who needs one. But, vacant chairs are commonly found throughout the airport. Teams can be family against family or first class against coach, you decide. Word of advice: get grandpa's okay first before running down the terminal pushing his wheelchair.

With a little imagination and patience, being delayed in the airport this summer season can be a pleasant experience. While sitting in the gate area, look around and see what else you can get into to pass the time. Or better yet, try to guess which passenger is an air marshal…

Author's notes: These recreational activities are suggested for pure entertainment and have not been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration or any of the nation's airports and the airlines that service them.