Quick question: what is the one thing you consider when booking a flight? Is it the travel duration, the departure or arrival time, or layovers? When I enter my travel plans on Skyscanner, I consider two things: first, is it a red-eye flight, and does it have a long layover? Why? Let me tell you a secret! (This stays between us, by the way). 

Although I love traveling, I wouldn’t say I like flying. Over the years, I have been able to manage my nerves when on the plane, but deep inside, I still get scared. There is something about being cramped up with strangers that makes me sad to know if something were to happen, my loved ones would not know the whole story of what happened. I also overthink how feasible the safety instructions are, primarily when they say if the plane goes down, your seat will flow on water. I always imagined the feasibility of those seats on the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, news like airplane doors busting open or airplanes having to return because people found windows cracking in mid-air, does not make me feel better about flying. However, it is fair to mention that everyone was safe!

For that reason, I prefer red-eye flights, overnight flights, and short or no layovers because I want to get over being on air. I prefer red-eye flights because I get to sleep on the plane. I enjoy the feeling of waking up in a new country and feeling the aircraft hit the ground. The experience of going to sleep in one country and waking up in another puts me in a great mood and helps me start my journey as soon as I land. For the same reason, I wouldn’t say I like layovers or long layovers. I do not want the hop-on-hop-off experience. Layovers mess up with my internal clock and agitate my stress levels. I realized that on trips where I took red-eye flights and had no layovers, I had a better chance of beating jetlag fatigues. 

However, lately, not only are layovers inevitable, but long layovers are very common. I recently backed out of a trip to Australia because I was looking at an 11-hour layover that would have made my time abroad and my time back worse. I would not be awake enough to assist my friend with her wedding and would not be able to be wide awake sufficiently for the new job I had. (I am not Taylor Swift, and I do not have a private jet—yet!) 

It is not because a layover disrupted my plans that it should disturb yours, too. This blog post will give you eight things to do during a 10-hour layover because layovers are a common occurrence when traveling by plane. While they may seem inconvenient, they can be an opportunity to explore new places and break up a long journey. With planning and some creativity, layovers can turn into a fun and exciting part of your trip. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or see some local sights, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your layovers and turn them into a memorable experience. So next time you have a layover, don’t despair – embrace the opportunity and make the most of it! If you have a 10-hour layover, there are many things you can do to make the most of your time. Here are a few ideas to consider:

8 Layover Tips

1. Explore the city!

If your layover is in a city you’ve never been to, take the opportunity to explore. Visit famous tourist destinations, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the culture. Since COVID, there has been an increase in layovers. When booking a return flight from Brussels to Boston, some airlines had 10 hours of layovers in cities like Rome, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Zurich. Most of those cities were places I had never been to. Therefore, the possibility of exploring these places excited me about having a 10-hour layover. I imagined visiting Lisbon and practicing speaking Portuguese as I ordered a pastel de nata. In Rome, I can see the Colosseum, Fountain Trevi, or even the Vatican City while enjoying a cappuccino on the way. Since I had already been to Amsterdam, I was not too excited to go there. However,  if I did go to Amsterdam, I would retrace the steps I had taken three years prior. If I did go to Zurich, I would explore the famous hotspots such as The Fraumünster Church, Grossmünster, or Münsterhof. There are so many possibilities for exploring a new place. Next time you have a long layover, take the opportunity to be adventurous. 

2. Catch up on work:

One of the ways I spend my layover is by catching up on work. I used the time to catch up on work or study. Many airports offer quiet workspaces or lounges with Wi-Fi access to allow you to catch up on work that you put off to enjoy your vacation or your trip. As a recent graduate, I used my layovers to work on my school project. I wrote essays, finished homework, and even worked on part of my thesis at the airport. In early 2020, I was going to present at a conference in Dallas, Texas. During a layover to Chicago, I used the layover to prepare my presentation. There is something about being at the airport and seeing people coming and going, as well as plane taxiing and landing, that provides a calming and motivating setting. Therefore, next time you have a 10-hour layover, use it to complete your work, study, prepare for a conference, or work on your craft.

3. Relax in a lounge

Sometimes, when I get off the plane, I only want to sit in a lounge with good food and drink and not worry about anything. Relaxing is my favorite pastime when I know I do not have to rush to another gate to catch another flight. Being on a plane can sometimes feel draining, especially if you are nervous about flying. When on an airplane, some people experience discomfort because of the uncomfortable seats and not enough legroom. Therefore, many people cannot wait to get off the flight to relax. If you’re looking for a more comfortable and quiet place to relax, consider booking access to an airport lounge. Lounges usually offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, and food and drinks. If you are a member of a travel company like American or Delta, to name a few, you can enjoy complimentary beverages and great food options. 

4. Go shopping

As someone who loves to travel, I always get excited about the prospect of shopping at the airport. Airport shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. One of the things I love about shopping at the airport is the convenience. I don’t have to worry about going out of my way to find stores because they’re all right in the terminal. Plus, I knew I’d always be able to find something that would fit in my luggage and wouldn’t be too heavy to carry around. Whether I’m looking for souvenirs to bring back home or just something to pass the time during a layover, airport shopping has never let me down. Of course, the best part about shopping at the airport is the variety. There are so many different stores to choose from, each with its unique selection of products. I can browse through high-end fashion boutiques, stop by a duty-free shop to stock up on my favorite liquor or pick up some last-minute snacks before my flight. No matter what I’m looking for, there’s always something to catch my eye at the airport. Many airports have a variety of shops and boutiques where you can browse for souvenirs, gifts, or even a new outfit. 

Moreover, if you are shopping at a European Union airport and you are a non-EU citizen, you will be exempted from paying VAT tax. I had this experience several times when I lived in Europe and would travel back to the United States. I will get the VAT tax exemption when I buy something at the airport. I bought jewelry, perfumes, and chocolate boxes at Dublin Airport, Brussels, and Paris, and none of my goods were taxed. I also had the experience of buying jewelry in Rome, and the seller gave me the receipt and paperwork to show at E.U customs to receive a refund for my purchase. Because we had a layover in Paris, we needed to get the rebate in France because it was from there that we were exiting the Schengen area. My mother gave up because once we got to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Milan, we needed to exit the airport to go to customs, and we did not think it was worth it. However, you may not have to claim your VAT exemption at the airport. There are local agencies in whatever country you are in where you can show your paperwork and receipt to claim the VAT exemption. For more information, check out this link. 

5. Take a nap.

If you’re feeling tired or jet-lagged, consider taking a nap. Many airports have sleeping pods or quiet areas where you can rest. Resting at the airport during a layover can be a great way to recharge and prepare for the next leg of your journey. With airports offering comfortable lounges and quiet areas, you can find a spot to relax and unwind. Many airlines provide access to their business or first-class lounges for a fee, which can be well worth it for the comfortable seating, free snacks and drinks, and quiet atmosphere. If you don’t want to pay for lounge access, there are often other tranquil areas throughout the airport where you can relax, such as designated rest zones or libraries. Another option for resting during a layover is to book a day room at an airport hotel, although it can be expensive. I tried to do so during my LAX layover when I was going to China, but I decided to sleep at the airport. Overall, resting at the airport during a layover can be a great way to make the most of your travel experience. Whether you decide to catch up on some sleep, read a book, or people-watch, taking a break during a layover can help you feel refreshed and ready to go to your destination. 

6. Exercise

Some airports have gyms or fitness centers where you can work out during your layover. During a layover, it’s crucial to be active and not sit for extended periods. Luckily, many airports have exercise options for travelers. Some airports have gyms or fitness centers where you can purchase day passes. These facilities typically have equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, and weights. Alternatively, some airports have walking paths or yoga rooms available for free. Taking a brisk walk or practicing yoga poses can help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness from sitting on a plane for hours. If the airport does not have gyms, there are still ways to stay active during a layover. Walking around the airport while waiting for your flight can help increase your step count and get your body moving. Also, many airports have stairs that you can use for a quick cardio workout. Taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator can help increase your heart rate and burn extra calories. No matter your exercise choice, being active during a layover can help improve your mood and energy levels for the next leg of your trip.

7. Watch movies.

Many airports have movie theaters or entertainment centers where you can watch movies or TV shows. One of my favorite things to do during a layover is to catch a movie. It’s a great way to pass the time and distract myself from the stress of traveling. I love the excitement of picking out a film and settling in with some snacks and a cozy blanket. Plus, it’s always a bonus when the movie is good and helps me forget that I am at the airport for a few hours. Watching movies at the airport can also be a fun and intriguing experience because of the diverse crowd. I enjoy people-watching and observing the different reactions and emotions films evoke in other travelers. It’s also an opportunity to start a conversation with someone who might be watching the same movie as me. In conclusion,  watching movies at the airport is a great way to make the most of a layover and keep me entertained while I wait for my next flight.

8. Play games.

When traveling with friends or family, consider playing games or cards to pass the time. During my layovers, I decide to kill some time by playing games. I found a few arcade machines and spent time playing some classic games. It was a great way to relax and forget about the stress of traveling. I even made a friend who was also a gamer, and we had some friendly competition. It was a fun way to pass the time and made the layover feel shorter. I suggest playing games at the airport during a layover to anyone looking for a way to make their wait more enjoyable.

Check the airport’s website to see what amenities and services are available to make the most of your layover. Next time you find out you have a 10-hour layover, do not despair. There is so much to do to pass the time. 

Don’t forget to comment and let me know in the comment box if you have ever experienced a long layover, how long it was, and what you did to pass the time. 

Until next time, enjoy your long layover!

Xoxo,

Cy