Ruth Haines
Being stuck at an airport with hours to kill before boarding can be boring, but it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of ways to kill time at an airport, and some airports even have boredom-killing amenities. For instance, Changi International Airport in Singapore has a swimming pool, library, showers, fitness centre, sleeping pods, massage chairs, indoor waterfalls, gardens, art exhibits, frequent cultural shows, massage services, free tours of the city, video arcades, complimentary computer use, and concert lounge chairs with built-in speakers. Many airports have restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite or a drink, and people-watch. You can also walk around the airport, window-shopping and looking at art/display cases. If you're at an airport with sleeping pods, you can take a quick nap. If you're religious, you can visit the airport chapel or quiet room to pray, meditate, or introspect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Socialising | Talking to strangers, playing games, people-watching |
| Entertainment | Arcade games, video games, music-listening pods, movies, books, magazines, newspapers |
| Food and drink | Restaurants, bars, cafes, lounges |
| Relaxation | Spas, massages, sleeping pods, quiet rooms, chapels, prayer rooms |
| Exercise | Gyms, walking, swimming |
| Shopping | Airport shops, vending machines |
| Leisure | Photography, plane-spotting, sightseeing |
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What You'll Learn
Eating and drinking
If you're looking for a quick bite or a casual dining experience, you can opt for fast-food joints, cafes, or food courts located throughout the airport. These options usually offer a range of cuisines, including local specialties and international options.
For those seeking a more relaxed or upscale dining experience, airports often feature full-service restaurants with table service and diverse menus. These establishments may include fine dining options, celebrity chef restaurants, or ethnic cuisine specialties. Some airports even have unique dining concepts, such as restaurants with runway views, allowing diners to watch planes take off and land while they enjoy their meal.
In addition to dining, airports also offer a variety of drinking options. Many airports have bars and lounges that serve a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These venues can be great places to socialize, people-watch, or simply unwind before a flight. Some airports even have unique bar concepts, such as cocktail bars with award-winning mixologists or lounges offering craft beers and spirits.
It's worth noting that drinking culture at airports is quite distinct. With people from all walks of life converging in one place, it's not uncommon to see travellers indulging in early morning drinks or celebrating the start of their vacation. The airport's transient nature also lends itself to unique social interactions, as travellers often find themselves chatting with strangers, sharing stories, and forming brief connections over a drink or a meal.
Lastly, for those who prefer a quieter dining experience or want to make the most of their layover, airport lounges can offer a peaceful retreat. These lounges often provide comfortable seating, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Some lounges even offer additional amenities, such as spa treatments or quiet nap areas, allowing travellers to relax and recharge before their next flight.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite, indulging in a fine dining experience, socializing at a bar, or relaxing in an airport lounge, eating and drinking is a versatile and enjoyable way to pass the time during your airport layover.
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Socialising with strangers
If you're feeling nervous about approaching strangers, try to find someone who is already doing something you are interested in. For example, if you see someone reading a book you love, ask them what they think of it. Or, if you see someone taking photos, ask them about their camera and offer to take a photo of them so they can be in the picture too. You could also ask for recommendations—for example, ask someone what their favourite place to visit is, or for restaurant recommendations for the city you are in or the city they are from.
If you're feeling brave, you could try a more direct approach. Ask someone about their trip—where they are going, why they are going there, and what they plan to do when they arrive. You could even ask them about their life story, or their job, or what they are reading or listening to.
If you're not sure how to start a conversation, try to find something you have in common with the people around you. For example, you could comment on the weather, or the airport, or how busy it is. You could also try to find something you like about someone and pay them a compliment. This might make them feel good, and could lead to a conversation.
If you're not in the mood for a conversation, but still want some company, try striking a balance by sitting near people who are already in a group. That way, you can enjoy the buzz of social interaction without having to do all the work of carrying a conversation.
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Exploring airport art and installations
Art in airports is becoming increasingly popular as airports strive to create unique experiences for passengers and boost customer satisfaction. Many airports now feature impressive sculptures, paintings, and museums.
One of the most famous art installations in an airport is the Rijksmuseum at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, which has been showcasing world-famous paintings for over 22 years. The rotating collection includes notable works such as "The Windmill" by Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch and "Landscape in the Dutch East Indies" by Maurits van den Kerkhoff.
Incheon International Airport in South Korea has also embraced art and culture, with a series of impressive sculptures, paintings, and museums. The Cultural Museum of Korea at Incheon takes travellers through a 5,000-year history of Korean culture, arts, and music. The collection includes stone pagodas and the world's oldest surviving book printed by movable metal type.
Changi Airport in Singapore is another airport renowned for its art installations. Terminal 1 features Kinetic Rain, the world's largest kinetic structure, with 1,216 bronze droplets made of lightweight aluminium suspended from the roof, creating 16 different shapes. Changi Airport also boasts the famous Jewel, a garden-enshrouded waterfall located outside the secure area of the airport.
Some airports feature art installations that are specific to the local culture and history. For example, Wellington Airport in New Zealand has a 13-meter suspended statue of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, reflecting the country's association with the film series. Salt Lake City International Airport features "The Canyon," a 362-foot installation designed to evoke the Salt Lake City landscape, and "The Peaks," a 90-foot-tall sculpture paying tribute to Utah's Native American tribes and the five elements of the natural world.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a formal Art Program that showcases the work of local artists and reflects the themes and ideas that are important to the city. One example is "Bird's Eye View," a mural by Erin Miller Wray inspired by the landscapes visible from airplane windows.
So, the next time you're at an airport, keep an eye out for these amazing art installations and take some time to explore and appreciate them!
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Shopping
If you're looking for some free entertainment, you can browse the shops and play with the travel gadgets and massage chairs at Brookstone, sample moisturisers and fragrances at L'Occitane, or simply window shop at luxury brands like Prada.
Some airports offer duty-free shopping, where you can find great products at cheaper prices. This can be an excellent opportunity to treat yourself or buy gifts for loved ones.
Additionally, if you have a long layover, you might consider leaving the airport to explore the city and do some shopping in the surrounding area. Many city airports, like Chicago, Sydney, and Hong Kong, have direct train services to the downtown area, making it convenient to play tourist for a few hours.
So, whether you're browsing, buying, or simply window shopping, airports offer a variety of shopping experiences that can help make your time fly by.
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Relaxing in an airport lounge
Spending time in an airport lounge is a great way to kill time at the airport. Lounges offer a range of amenities to help you relax and unwind before your flight.
Priority Pass, for example, offers access to over 1700 lounges worldwide, regardless of your airline ticket. You can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi. Some lounges also offer conference rooms and spa treatments.
Lounges like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) offer top-tier amenities such as gyms and spa services. The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers luxury amenities such as meditation pods, a facial spa, work and relaxation spaces, and a photo booth.
If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, Air France's La Première first-class cabin at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris offers an ultra-exclusive lounge with multiple relaxation areas, including a cocktail bar and spa.
To make the most of your time in the lounge, it's recommended to arrive early and do a lap of the lounge to get your bearings and spot the quieter areas. If you're interested in a spa treatment, booking in advance can help secure a spot.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of ways to kill time at the airport. Here are some ideas:
- Head to a restaurant or bar for some food or drinks.
- People-watch. Make up stories in your head about the people passing by.
- Walk around the airport and explore the various amenities it has to offer.
- If you have a long layover, consider leaving the airport and doing some sightseeing in the city.
- Relax in an airport lounge. Many offer comfortable seating, free WiFi, food, and drinks.
Yes, Changi International Airport in Singapore is known for its extensive amenities, including a swimming pool, library, fitness centre, sleeping pods, massage services, and more. Many Asian international airports also offer a wide range of services and facilities for passengers.
Most airports have chapels or "quiet rooms" where you can pray, meditate, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.
Many airport hotels have fitness centres with day passes available to the public. You can also take a brisk walk around the terminal to stretch your legs and explore the airport.
During an overnight layover, it's important to prioritise your safety and comfort. Stay in well-lit areas, keep your belongings close, and consider using sleeping pods or lounges that offer beds and quiet spaces to rest.
