Making Airports Fun: Creative Ways To Enjoy Transit

Airports can be stressful places, with check-in and security often cited as the most frustrating parts of air travel. However, there are ways to make your time at the airport more enjoyable. From exploring the airport and its observation areas to making use of airport lounges, there are plenty of ways to make the airport a fun part of your trip.

Make the most of airport lounges

Airport lounges can offer an oasis from your travel woes, and you don't have to be a deep-pocketed VIP to make use of them. Some lounges offer premium features like spas, private rooms, huge bars, or full-service restaurants. Others are open spaces where you can kick back, take a quick shower or freshen up after a long flight, and maybe grab a light snack—and they're not expensive or exclusive. Apps like Loungebuddy (iOS, Free) can guide you to the best and help you get inside. If you're doing your homework at home, check out SkyTrax or LoungeGuide to find the best ones and how to get in.

If you have a connecting flight, keep an eye on its departure time on your phone using one of the many apps available, and just relax a bit. When it is time to leave, make your exit gracefully and efficiently.

Once you have some information on how your departure and arrival airports are laid out, you can make smart decisions about how you spend your time there. If, for example, you're headed to an airport like SFO (San Francisco International) where the gates are pretty close to security screenings, you may be able to spend more time outside security at the more affordable (and plentiful) shops and restaurants. However, if you're headed into an airport like DCA (Washington National) or JFK (JFK International) where security is a good hike away from the gates, you may opt to just push through security as soon as you get there and wait to relax once you get through it.

If you ask most people what they hate most about going to the airport, it's usually check-in and security. Sure, they're not exactly the most fun, but they don't have to ruin your day either. Put yourself in the right mindset and remember when heading to the airport was an adventure—it was a place you didn't go often, and it was full of sights and sounds you didn't get to experience frequently. Watching the planes take off and all of the food and gift shops were fun, not a chore to slog through on the way between security and your gate. It can be that way again, even if the odds (and the airlines themselves) are stacked against you.

Explore the airport and its facilities

Exploring the airport and its facilities can be a fun way to pass the time before your flight. Many airports have observation areas where you can watch the planes take off and land, and there are often plenty of shops and restaurants to discover. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, airport lounges can offer an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. Some lounges offer premium features like spas, private rooms, and full-service restaurants, while others provide more affordable options with open spaces to relax, take a shower, and grab a light snack. You can use apps like Loungebuddy to find and access the best lounges.

If you're travelling through an airport like San Francisco International, where the gates are close to security screenings, you may have more time to explore the areas outside security and enjoy the shops and restaurants. On the other hand, if you're headed to an airport like Washington National or JFK International, where security is a long walk from the gates, you might want to get through security first and then relax once you're through.

Regardless of the airport layout, exploring and making the most of the facilities can make your time at the airport more enjoyable. So, whether you're checking out the observation deck, lounging in a premium spa, or simply grabbing a bite to eat, there are plenty of ways to make your airport experience more fun.

Plan ahead to make smart decisions

Planning ahead can make your time at the airport much more enjoyable. First, do your research on the layout of your departure and arrival airports. This will help you make smart decisions about how you spend your time there. For example, if the gates are close to security screenings, you may be able to spend more time outside security at shops and restaurants. On the other hand, if security is a long walk from the gates, you may want to get through security as soon as you arrive and then relax.

You can also plan ahead by checking out airport lounges. Lounges can offer a relaxing oasis from the hustle and bustle of the airport, and they're not just for VIPs. Some lounges offer premium features like spas and private rooms, while others are more affordable and provide basic amenities like showers and snacks. Apps like Loungebuddy can help you find and access lounges, and websites like SkyTrax and LoungeGuide can guide you to the best ones.

Additionally, if you have a connecting flight, keep an eye on its departure time using a flight tracking app. This will help you relax and enjoy your time at the airport, knowing that you won't miss your next flight.

Finally, put yourself in the right mindset. Remember that the airport can be an adventure, full of exciting sights and sounds. Exploring is half the fun of travelling, so take some time to wander around, watch the planes take off, and enjoy the food and gift shops.

Make check-in and security less of a chore

Check-in and security are often the most dreaded parts of the airport experience. However, there are ways to make them less of a chore.

Firstly, it's important to be prepared. Knowing the layout of the airport can help you make smart decisions about how to spend your time. For example, if security is a long walk from the gates, you may want to push through it as soon as you arrive and relax once you're through. On the other hand, if the gates are close to security, you can take your time and enjoy the shops and restaurants outside the secure area.

Secondly, try to embrace the adventure of the airport. Remember that it's not just a means to an end but a place full of sights and sounds to enjoy. Watching planes take off, browsing the gift shops, and trying new foods can all be part of the fun.

Thirdly, consider using airport lounges to make your experience more enjoyable. Lounges offer a relaxing space to freshen up and recharge, and they're not always as expensive or exclusive as you might think. Apps like Loungebuddy can help you find and access lounges, and websites like SkyTrax and LoungeGuide can provide information on the best lounges and how to get in.

Finally, make sure to give yourself enough time at the airport. Rushing through check-in and security will only add to the stress. Instead, arrive early, take your time, and try to enjoy the process.

Find the best shops and restaurants

If you're looking to make the most of your time at the airport, it's worth doing some research on the layout of your departure and arrival airports. This will help you make informed decisions about how to spend your time there. For example, if you know that the gates are close to security screenings, you may be able to spend more time outside security, perhaps enjoying the shops and restaurants. On the other hand, if security is a long walk from the gates, you might want to get that out of the way first and then relax once you're through.

Exploring is half the fun of travelling, so take some time to wander around and discover the best shops and restaurants the airport has to offer. If you're looking for a bite to eat, airport lounges can offer an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. While some lounges cater to deep-pocketed VIPs with premium features like spas and private rooms, others are more affordable and accessible. These lounges often provide open spaces to relax, as well as light snacks and refreshments. You can use apps like Loungebuddy to guide you to the best lounges and help you get inside. If you're doing your research ahead of time, check out SkyTrax or LoungeGuide to find the best lounges and learn how to gain access.

If you're not interested in lounges, there are still plenty of options to find great shops and restaurants. Many airports have observation areas where you can kick back and watch the planes take off. This can be a fun way to pass the time and get a unique perspective on the airport's operations.

Additionally, don't forget to check out the food and gift shops located throughout the airport. These can be a great source of entertainment, especially if you're looking for some last-minute souvenirs or snacks for your journey. By taking the time to explore and discover the best shops and restaurants, you can turn your airport experience from a chore into an enjoyable adventure.

Frequently asked questions