Jazmin Li
Airports are often busy, chaotic places that can induce stress and anxiety. However, there are many ways to relax at the airport and reduce pre-flight jitters. From seeking out a quiet gate to booking a spa treatment, there are plenty of ways to unwind while you wait for your flight. Here are some tips and tricks to help you relax and reduce anxiety during your next airport visit.
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What You'll Learn
Book a spa treatment
If you're looking for a way to relax at the airport, booking a spa treatment is a great option. Airport spas offer a range of services, from simple chair massages to manicures, pedicures, haircuts, waxing, and facials.
To find a spa, look for chains such as XpressSpa, which has locations at 17 US airports, Massage Bar shops at eight airports, and 10 Minute Manicure shops at Miami International, Washington Dulles, New York JFK, and Toronto Pearson. Many airports also have outposts of local or independent spas.
If you're looking for complimentary treatments, some airport lounges offer these services to premium passengers or credit cardholders. For example, the Amex Centurion Lounges in Dallas and Miami offer complimentary 15-minute massages or manicures, and the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai offers first-class passengers a complimentary 15-minute treatment. However, note that the list of lounges offering complimentary treatments is smaller than it was pre-pandemic.
If you're not able to access a complimentary treatment, you can still book a treatment at an airport spa. Prices vary, and you may be able to find a package or deal. For example, "Be Relax" spas at airports offer Priority Pass holders a 10-minute foot massage or a 15-minute lounger massage.
Booking a spa treatment at the airport can be a great way to relax and reduce stress before your flight. It can also help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, especially after a long day of travelling.
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Try meditation and deep breathing
Meditation and deep breathing are powerful tools to ease stress and make you feel less anxious. While relaxation is not the goal of meditation, it is often a side effect of the practice, along with reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and better circulation.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. Lie down comfortably, take a few deep breaths to relax, and then tense and release the muscles of your feet, calves, and so on, working your way up your body. As your body relaxes, so will your mind.
Focused Deep Breathing
Sit or lie down in a comfortable place. Bring your awareness to your breaths without trying to change how you’re breathing. You can combine this with imagery and a focus word or phrase that will support relaxation. For example, you can imagine that the air you inhale brings peace and calm throughout your body, and the air you exhale washes away tension and anxiety.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
This type of yogic breathing may help reduce anxiety and enhance meditation. It is best practiced on an empty stomach and with a smooth and even breath throughout the practice.
Lion's Breath
Sit in a comfortable position, and inhale deeply through your nose with your eyes open wide. At the same time, open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue, bringing the tip down toward your chin. Contract the muscles at the front of your throat as you exhale out through your mouth by making a long "haaa" sound.
Body Scan Meditation
Lie on your back with your legs uncrossed, arms relaxed at your sides, and your eyes open or closed. Focus on your breathing until you start to feel relaxed. Then, shift your attention to your left foot, and imagine each deep breath flowing to your toes. Remain focused on this area for three to five seconds, then move your focus to the sole of your right foot. Tune in to any sensations you feel in that part of your body, and imagine each breath flowing from the sole of your foot. After a minute or two, move your focus to your right ankle and repeat the process, working your way up your body.
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Exercise or do yoga
Exercise and yoga are great ways to relax at the airport. Yoga, in particular, is a form of exercise that incorporates mental and spiritual practices into physical movement. It consists of different asanas or yoga poses—standing or on the ground—that flow into one another. Practising yoga can help you relax, build strength, and improve flexibility.
If you're at the airport, you can start with some neck rolls, then shrug your shoulders up to your ears and lower them down your back while exhaling and squeezing your shoulder blades together. You can also try spinal twists, which assist in digestion, massage your organs, and allow fresh circulation into your torso. Begin twisting to the right from your hips, using your core to initiate the movement, and gradually follow with your shoulders and head. Inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale to deepen the twist.
If you're looking for a more active workout, some airports offer gym day passes at airport hotels, or you can take a concourse hike or find a quiet departure gate for some stretching. Cleveland, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Indianapolis airports have paths designed for power walking. Alternatively, you can try some modified yoga poses or quick workouts from the comfort of your seat at the airport or even on the plane.
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Arrive early to avoid crowds
Arriving at the airport early is a great way to avoid the crowds and the chaos that comes with them. It can be a powerful way to manage anxiety and gain a sense of control over your journey. By giving yourself ample time, you can navigate the unknown and unpredictable aspects of air travel, such as long security lines or last-minute gate changes, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This is especially beneficial if you are travelling with family, have a lot of luggage, or are embarking on a long-distance flight.
Arriving early can turn downtime into an enjoyable adventure. You can grab a coffee, browse the bookstore, or chat with fellow travellers. Research suggests that small routines or rituals can lower stress levels by providing psychological comfort. So, instead of anxiously rushing to the gate, you can take your time and turn the pre-flight window into a cherished part of your travel ritual.
If you're someone who needs a sense of readiness, an early arrival is a great strategy. It allows you to feel more prepared and in control. You can explore the airport, watch the planes, or simply relax in comfortable seating, knowing that you have ample time before your flight. This can be especially beneficial if you're travelling from a busy airport or during peak travel times, such as after a major event in the city.
By arriving early, you can also reduce the fear of missing your flight, which is a significant cause of airport anxiety. You can avoid the panicky dash to the gate and lower your stress levels. It's a practical way to manage your anxiety and ensure a smoother travel experience.
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Find a quiet spot
Finding a quiet spot at the airport can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you locate that elusive peaceful place:
Choose a quiet time to fly: Opting for an early morning flight can be a great way to avoid the crowds and find a tranquil spot at the airport. With fewer people around, you're more likely to find a peaceful corner to relax. Plus, you'll have more time at your destination, which is always a bonus!
Arrive early: If you're taking your early morning flight, arriving at the airport early gives you a better chance of finding a quiet spot before it gets busy. You'll also have the added benefit of extra time to relax and ease your pre-flight anxiety.
Explore the airport: Some airports have designated quiet areas, such as relaxation rooms or quiet lounges. These spaces are designed to provide a peaceful environment for travellers. Look out for silence chairs, pods, or even sleeping tubes in airports like Helsinki, which has a relaxation area with an ambiance reflecting Finnish culture.
Seek out empty gates: Instead of heading straight to your assigned gate, explore other areas of the airport. You might find an empty gate where you can enjoy some peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of busy gates.
Airport hotels: If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and you have a long layover or an early flight, consider booking a room at an airport hotel. These hotels are often quiet and relaxing, and many offer free shuttle transfers to the airport, making them a convenient option.
Yoga rooms: Some airports, like Chicago O'Hare International Airport, offer dedicated yoga rooms with mats, video tutorials, and flight information screens. These spaces provide a calm environment to relax and stretch before your flight.
While finding a completely quiet spot at an airport can be challenging, these tips can help you find a calmer environment to wait for your flight. Remember to keep an eye out for unique features at each airport, as many are introducing innovative ways to help passengers relax.
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Frequently asked questions
Try to book a morning flight as airports tend to be less crowded in the morning. This will give you more time at your destination and reduce the chance of delays.
There are many ways to relax at the airport, including:
- Going to an airport spa for a massage, mani-pedi, or haircut
- Finding a quiet departure gate or relaxation room to stretch or take a nap
- Doing yoga in a designated yoga room
- Going to an airport lounge for comfortable seating, food and drinks, and entertainment
- Meditating or practicing deep breathing
Try to arrive at the airport early so you don't have to worry about missing your flight. You can also book an airport hotel to stay in the night before so you don't have to worry about getting to the airport on time.
Try to find a quiet area of the airport, like an empty gate, to relax and avoid the chaos of crowded gates. You can also try to distract yourself by deleting emails or finding healthy food options to boost your mood.
Airports have started to implement relaxation areas, rest pods, yoga rooms, and tours to help passengers relax and stay productive. Some airports also have nap centres with sound-masking systems to create peaceful nap environments.
