Passing time in an airport

This New Years Eve I did the unthinkable. No, not stand in the middle of millions of New Yorkers while we cheered the effects of gravity on a shiny ball. Instead, I traveled. Here’s the catch: traveling in the dead of winter can be quite a pain. I’ve been delayed in airports more times than you count. The staff at Auntie Anne’s pretzels in Logan Airport knows me by name. So for those of you heading on vacation this winter, here are the top tips on how to stay sane in the airport during a delay:

Eat, drink, be merry!

Many, if not all, airports contain restaurants and bars specifically for the purpose of delayed travelers to enjoy a meal or drink. So throw your bags down, order the double cheeseburger, and relax. Scared of flying? Head over to the bar and have a drink before takeoff to calm your nerves. (However, drink responsibly! Flight crews don’t like dealing with drunks.) Don’t be too distraught by a delay – you’ll get where you’re going. Eventually.

Work it out

Some airports actually provide a gym for those who are delayed or as a benefit to workers. Take advantage of this to pass the time. If there is no gym available, put your luggage in a storage locker, lace up your shoes, and power walk around the airport. Physical exertion is a great stress reducer and will help kill some minutes off the clock.

Surf the interwebz

Many airports offer free Wi-Fi privileges, and even those that don’t at least offer some sort of pay-per-minute option. Grab your laptop, iPad, or smart phone and catch up on your favorite websites. If there is no possible way to get on the internet, purchase a US Weekly or Cosmo and read about your favorite celebs. (Who knew that they are just like us!?)

Practice capitalism

Gift shops are strategically positioned around the airport. Be sure to visit and purchase a trinket so you’ll never forget your delayed layover in St. Paul, Minnesota. Interested in more expensive items? Visit the Best Buy kiosk and buy an iPod or cell phone. I still can’t believe we can actually do this type of shopping in an airport. How did we get here?

Shine your shoes for a nickel, gov’nah?

You walk by these shoeshine stations every time you are in an airport – and every time the thought crosses your mind that maybe you should take advantage of this fancy tradition. If you’re on a business trip, sit in that high comfy leather chair, plunk that wing tip or stiletto right down on the foot guard, and enjoy this old fashioned pastime. Tell the worker that you’ll pay him $5 extra if he talks in a Cockney accent – best money you’ve ever spent.

So now when that all too familiar “Attention passengers!” announcement comes over the loudspeaker, accept it with a smile. But please, do as I say, not as I do. When that announcement comes on, I’ll be the first one rushing up to the gate counter to complain.

Matt Moretti is a Project Manager at Mom Central Consulting and really does love Auntie Anne’s pretzels.

Mom Central