10 things to do if your flight is delayed

If you are a frequent traveler, then you know the chances of a delayed flight are very high (sigh!).

As annoying as that can be, there is not much, we as passengers can do about it other than wait.

The only other thing is to keep in mind a couple of simple tips that can make your wait a little more pleasant.

Always remember to keep checking the information boards for boarding time updates and to listen to the announcements over the PA system.

Also a lot of times when a flight is delayed, they change the boarding gate as well so keep that in mind.

Be aware of the current status of the flight, don’t just sit there and scroll on your phone.

Waiting is the worse, so to avoid frustration and boredom I have made a list of suggestions of what to do in the event that your flight is delayed.

 

1. Shop/window shop

One of the best things to do in an airport is to enjoy the big, bright stores whether you’re going to buy something or not.

Most big airports have all sorts of clothing, makeup, and perfume shops to choose from.

Don’t forget to check out the duty-free stores where you can find cheaper alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, jewelry, etc.

It makes it a perfect stop if you are going to visit family or friends and need a last-minute gift.

Most airports also sell souvenirs in case you have forgotten someone on your list.

Also, I have noticed that airports have a lot of merchandise that is not found anywhere else.

I have bought some pretty unique stuff at airports so not a bad idea to stroll around and see what’s there.

 

 

2. Eat Something

Even though the food at the airport is usually overpriced, if your flight is delayed you might get hungry while waiting.

Most big airports offer a variety of restaurants as well as fast food joints and snacks to go.

I don’t know about you, but I get sooooo hungry once I get on the plane. Nowadays with all of the discount airlines, getting food service on the plane is always a guessing game.

I don’t board the plane without a whole bunch of snacks, because the food on the plane is even more expensive than at the terminals.

 

3. Have a drink

 Whether you prefer coffee or alcoholic beverages, there are also a lot of options to choose from.

There is nothing better than finding a bar close to your gate and sitting with a nice drink waiting for your plane to arrive.

Always remember to stay hydrated before and during your flight, as the air in the plane dehydrates you.

Also, remember to use the washroom before boarding, so you can avoid as much as possible using the tiny little washroom on board the plane.

 

 

4. Go to the spa/nail salon/refreshment stations

In most airports, there are areas where you can get a massage or get your nails done while you wait.

I have seen chairs where you sit and can listen to relaxing music. Heck, I have even seen nap areas where you can catch a shut-eye for a brief period of time.

If you feel stressed, tired, or tense or even if you just feel like getting pampered, you should definitely check out those services.

Just remember to keep track of the time, you don’t want to miss your flight entirely.

 

 

5. Read a book/Kobo/magazine

 I have to admit I am a bookworm but when I travel I don’t seem to be able to focus on reading anything.

However, if you like reading you can bring your own book/Kobo. Also, there are plenty of books and magazines being sold in the airport stores.

The good thing about getting a book/magazine is that if it is interesting time passes quicker. You can also continue reading once you’re on board the plane.

 

 

6. Listen to music/podcast/audiobook

 If reading books is not your thing, another option is to listen to music/podcast/audiobook. It’s a good idea to have some loaded on your phone prior to your vacation.

That is just in case the Wi-Fi is not working or your phone is not able to connect [it has happened to me many times].

Also, you should load a variety of content, as you might feel like listening to certain things at certain times.

Having a variety it ensures you have more choices, depending on your mood.

Downloading stuff on the airport’s Wi-Fi is usually not a good idea as the free option is usually pretty slow.

 

 

7. Watch a movie/TV show

 If you have your laptop/tablet, you can easily watch a movie or TV show while you’re waiting for the plane.

Again, I would recommend having options that don’t involve the Internet as a lot of airports offer weak free Wi-Fi.

That makes it impossible to load a whole movie unless you pay for the faster Internet.

This will be a really good time to catch up on the shows you like. Before you know it, you will be on your plane!

 

 

8. Do some work

 Since you already have your laptop for watching your movies/TV shows, it won’t be a bad idea to get some work done.

If you are in school – catch up on school projects. If you work – catch up on emails or other stuff you’re working on at the moment.

That way the time wasted waiting for your flight would not feel like a complete waste.

Also, it will help you keep yourself organized and ahead of the game, so when you are back from your super awesome vacay you won’t be smothered with millions of emails.

 

 

9. Play games on your phone/puzzles/Sudoku

 One of the best ways to pass time is to play a game, whether that’s on your phone or an actual puzzle book.

I am totally obsessed with Candy Crush and would probably be playing that if my flight was delayed.

I also enjoy Sudoku and those games where you need to find your way out of the room.

Whatever games you prefer, they are easy distractions to pass the time, especially if you are tired, you won’t need to focus too much.

Be mindful of your battery life, bring your charger with you or an extra phone battery.

 

 

10. Sleep

There is nothing better than catching a little snooze before a long flight. Just remember, set an alarm so you don’t end up missing your flight entirely.

This is where your travel pillow can come in handy, I personally do not go anywhere without mine.

If you’re planning to sleep you might also need a night mask and some earplugs if noise wakes you up.

 

 

Hope this list will help you get some stuff done while you wait for your flight. Let me know in the comments below how you spend your time when your flight gets delayed.