Making Friends At Airports: A Guide To Connecting With Strangers

Making friends at the airport can be a great way to pass the time and make your travel experience more enjoyable. It can be as simple as striking up a conversation with someone around you, perhaps by asking about their travel plans or commenting on something happening around you. You could also join a traveller's lounge or club, or participate in airport activities. If you're feeling nervous, there are even apps that can help you make friends at the airport.

Strike up a conversation

Making friends at the airport can be a great way to pass the time and make your travel experience more enjoyable. Here are some tips for striking up a conversation:

Be open, friendly and respectful of others' boundaries. It's important to remember that some people may prefer to travel alone or may be busy with tasks, so be mindful of personal space.

Take the initiative and start a conversation with someone around you. It could be as simple as asking about their travel plans, commenting on a book they're reading, or an item they're carrying. You could also comment on something happening around you, such as an interesting person or unusual occurrence. Be polite and friendly.

Spend time in shared areas like waiting lounges, seating areas or food courts. These spaces usually have more people and increase the chances of striking up conversations.

If you notice someone struggling with their luggage or looking lost, offer to help. This can be a great icebreaker and shows your willingness to assist others.

You could also consider joining a traveller's lounge or club, specifically designed for travellers. These spaces can be great for finding like-minded individuals with similar interests. Alternatively, there are apps that can help you connect with other travellers, such as Flight Mate.

Offer assistance

Offering assistance is a great way to make friends at the airport. If you notice someone struggling with their luggage or looking lost, offer to help. This can be a great icebreaker and shows your willingness to assist others. You could also comment on an interesting book someone is reading or ask about an item they are carrying.

To increase your chances of finding someone who needs assistance, spend time in shared areas like waiting lounges, seating areas, or food courts. These areas usually have more people and increase the chances of striking up conversations.

Remember to be respectful of people's personal space, as some may prefer to travel alone or may be busy with tasks. Being open, friendly, and respectful of others' boundaries is key to making friends at the airport.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try using a travel app like Flight Mate, which has a "Find A Friend" option to connect with nearby users and expand your travel network.

Utilise shared spaces

Utilising shared spaces is a great way to make friends at the airport. Spending time in shared areas like waiting lounges, seating areas, or food courts increases your chances of socialising as these areas usually have more people. You can also join traveller's lounges or clubs, which are specifically designed for travellers to connect with like-minded individuals.

When spending time in these shared spaces, be mindful of others' personal space and boundaries. Some people may prefer to travel alone or be busy with tasks, so be respectful and friendly. If you notice someone struggling with their luggage or looking lost, offering assistance can be a great icebreaker.

You can also strike up conversations by commenting on something interesting someone is reading or carrying, or by simply asking about their travel plans. People-watching can also be a fun way to initiate conversations; if you notice someone interesting or something unusual, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation about it.

Additionally, consider using social media to your advantage. Join online travel communities or airport-specific social media groups to connect with other passengers and potentially organise meetups. There are also apps like Flight Mate, which has a "Find A Friend" option to connect with nearby users and expand your travel network.

Join traveller's lounges or clubs

Joining travellers' lounges or clubs is a great way to meet like-minded people and make friends at the airport. Many airports have lounges or clubs specifically designed for travellers, and these can be excellent places to socialise and find people with similar interests.

To make the most of these spaces, try to be open and friendly. Start a conversation with someone nearby; it could be as simple as asking about their travel plans or commenting on a book they're reading. Be mindful of personal boundaries, though; some people may prefer to travel alone or be busy with other tasks.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could offer to help someone struggling with their luggage or looking lost. This can be a great icebreaker and demonstrates your willingness to assist others.

Travellers' lounges or clubs are ideal for connecting with fellow passengers and creating a pleasant travel experience. By spending time in these spaces, you increase your chances of meeting new people and forming meaningful connections, even if it's just for a brief moment during your journey.

Additionally, you can use social media to your advantage. Join online travel communities or airport-specific social media groups to connect with other passengers and potentially organise meetups. Apps like Flight Mate, for example, have a "Find A Friend" feature that can help expand your travel network.

Participate in airport activities

Participating in airport activities is a great way to meet people and make friends. Many airports organise events and activities for passengers to enjoy. These can be a fantastic opportunity to socialise and connect with fellow travellers.

Firstly, find out if the airport you're in has any activities or events taking place. You can do this by checking the airport's website or social media pages, or by asking a member of staff. Once you know what's on offer, choose an activity that interests you and head over to join in.

If you're feeling nervous about approaching people, remember that everyone at these events is likely looking to socialise and make friends too. Be friendly and open, and don't be afraid to initiate a conversation. You could start by asking someone about the activity you're doing or commenting on something happening around you. Remember to be respectful of people's personal space and boundaries, and always be mindful of your surroundings.

If you're not sure what to say, try complimenting someone or asking them about their travel plans. You could also offer assistance to someone who looks like they might need help with their luggage or finding their way around. Participating in airport activities is a fun and easy way to meet people and make friends, so get involved and enjoy the experience!

Frequently asked questions