What to Do During A Long Layover (11 pro traveler tips)
I recently had a long layover in LAX (around 17 hours to be exact). It was…fun. While I usually try to avoid such transits, I really had no choice this time (I’m sure you can relate).
As a traveling creative, I spend a lot of time hopping between planes and napping in airports. So these are my top ideas and tips for what to do during a long layover.
Let’s get to it!
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So, What’s Considered A “Long” Layover Anyways?
It’s pretty subjective and fairly relative, but what’s considered a long vs. short layover?
Well, here’s my take:
Less than 3 hours → a short layover
Between 3-6 hours → a medium layover
Over 6 hours → a long layover
The tips in this post are assuming your layover situation is 5+ hours. Still, many of the ideas are relevant for shorter layovers too.
So let’s keep moving and get into my top tips then.
What to Do During A Long Layover (my 11 best tips + ideas)
You may be in the midst of a long layover right now, or maybe you’ve got one coming up.
Whatever the case, here are my top moves for passing the time during a long airport transfer.
1. Research + Plan Ahead
Unless you’re in the middle of a layover right now (in which case, keep on reading below), planning ahead is a smart move.
For example, depending on the timing of your layover, some services and stores may not even be open (such as restaurants or currency exchange counters).
Also, different airports will each have unique amenities and things to do. Some may have extra stuff like movie theaters, spas or sleeping rooms to rent out.
As an extreme example, Singapore’s Changi airport even has a butterfly garden and a suspended trampoline walking net.
So a little digging beforehand will help you plan better so you know what to expect.
Other than researching your layover airport, it’s also smart to dress comfortably, pack some extra shirts or socks and have some essential toiletries with you (like deodorant and a toothbrush).
You may also think about getting a blanket and a pillow if you’ll be spending the night there. Because sleeping on a chair or the ground is bad enough – but a pillow and cover will make things a little better at least.
(I usually just take the free blanket and pillow from my previous flight, if it was a longer overnight one)
2. Get Creative
Photos I took of LAX during a long late-night layover.
Getting creative is my favorite thing to do during a long layover.
Although, as a musician and artist, I may be a bit biased on this one. Still, even if you’re not creative, there are plenty of creative things you can do to pass the time.
Here are some ideas:
Writing (for example, I wrote this blog post during a recent 17-hour layover)
Airport photography (this one is super fun – see the images above)
Music production (I like to write music while traveling – it’s a unique kind of inspiration)
Art (such as drawing, online design or digital illustration)
Doing creative things puts you in a flow state, which will make time fly by much quicker. So if you’re privy to creative things, then why not have an artistic layover?
Recommended: Create A Travel Project + Purpose
3. Indulge (guilt-free)
A long layover is the perfect time to indulge in some of your favorite things – guilt free.
For example, binging on some Netflix or YouTube and catching up on a new show are perfect ways to pass the time in an airport.
So let this be your permission slip to embrace your layover as an opportunity for some guilt-free consumption.
Find a cozy corner and deep dive into a story or two.
Layovers are like a free card to pause your productivity and enjoy some guilty pleasures. There are less distractions and work isn’t usually expecting much since you’re traveling.
Of course, everyone’s situation is different. But in my experience, my to-do lists generally feel much smaller during travel and layovers.
So if you can, embrace this time and enjoy every minute of it.
Recommended: How to Have A ‘Guilty Pleasures’ Holiday
4. Get Some Work Done
If indulging in guilt-free pastimes isn’t your thing (or at least, not for the whole time), a long layover can be a good opportunity to get some work done.
For example, I freelance remotely and have the luxury of being able to get work from anywhere.
So if you’re also a digital worker (or have some stuff you can do remotely), a layover can be an opportunity to catch up on tasks or get some things done.
Who says travel can’t be productive too?
As a side note, I like to use a VPN (I use Aura) or my phone’s hotspot for added security (since airport WiFi is free and public).
5. Explore the Cafes + Restaurants
Airports generally have a number of restaurants and cafes to enjoy (unless it’s late at night). So this is another great way to spend your time during a long layover.
The only downside is things tend to be way more expensive. But, there’s not much we can do about that, so I say just accept and expect it.
Besides, if you have a long layover, you’ll need to eat and drink (duh). So you can be a little more intentional with it and spend time exploring the menus and trying a few different places.
You can go “restaurant hopping”.
Maybe grab a drink and an appetizer at one place and a dinner somewhere else, before capping things off with a cocktail or a latte.
Again, just remember to budget a little extra for foodstuffs and drinks since airports are usually way more expensive (I’m looking at you $8 PB&J sandwich…).
6. Do Some Shopping
Airports are full of local merch and gift shops. So why not do some shopping?
Even if you’re just window shopping, exploring the stores is a great way to kill some time.
And if you’re flying internationally or through a “cool” location, you can find some solid gifts or souvenirs (even if they are a bit touristy and overpriced).
From browsing luxury goods to exploring shirts and mugs, airport shopping is a great way to pass the time during a long layover.
Recommended: My Favorite Travel Shoes for Men
7. Catch Up With Friends or Family
A long layover is a nice opportunity to catch up with friends or family – even if just to pass the time.
I always see travelers talking on phones or video chatting with people in airports.
So if you’re more of a conversationalist, then your layover may be the perfect time to catch up with someone.
This is also assuming you’re traveling solo (which I usually do).
8. Stack Some Skills
You’re stuck in the airport. You’ve got some time to kill. Why not level up and learn some new skills?
Unless you’re already a student with stuff to study, there are tons of modern skills to learn. And many of these courses are quite affordable (or free).
For example, you can learn new skills using:
Udemy or Skillshare
Masterclass
LinkedIn Learning
YouTube
Recommended: How to Have A Learner’s Mindset
9. Pay A Little Extra for Airport Lounges
Personally, I don’t mind staying in the general part of an airport.
But if you want to take things up a notch, consider getting access to a premium lounge. These are private areas that offer better amenities, more privacy and comfier seats (and more).
Different airlines (and credit card companies, like American Express) will operate their airport lounges. You can get access to these by being a premium member or paying for them as an additional service.
Alternatively, many airports will have independent premium lounges you can access through platforms like Priority Pass.
So why not treat yourself and do your layover in comfort and style?
Just do some research beforehand to explore your options.
10. Leave the Airport
If you have enough time (I say over 6-7 hours, at least), you could consider leaving the airport to explore the city or grab a hotel.
This is a good option if you really don’t like layovers or airports (and you have the time).
You can explore the city for a few hours, grab a bite to eat or catch some z’s at a hotel or AirBnB.
Sometimes, airports will also have bus tours of the city (some of which are even free). You can check beforehand or find an information kiosk to see if this is available.
But just make sure you get back to the airport in plenty of time to go through security again (and immigration if you’re flying internationally).
11. Have A Layover Mindset
Whatever you decide to do during your layover, having the right mindset is essential.
For me, a layover mindset is key. This means thinking like an adventurer, having patience and opting for optimism.
Your mindset is what will make (or break) your layover experience.
So grab some coffee, a comfy spot and enjoy the view. Take some photos, watch some TV or just enjoy people watching for a while.
Just try to embrace the fact that you have nowhere to be and nothing to do. Don’t fight it. Instead, use this time to sit back and relax (and enjoy it).
Because rest assured, you’ll get to where you need to go, eventually.
Want More? Okay. Here’s More.
