As an Airline Pilot, I’ve made a career in having fun, restorative, and adventurous layovers at airports around the world. After countless airport layovers every month, I’ve learned how to embrace the hours transiting between flights and make the most of them.
Whether you’re stuck because of an unforeseen delay or cancelation, or your itinerary involves a stop somewhere, make sure to use this pilot-approved layover survival guide!
In This Article
1. Systemize Your Document Organization
2. Bring Your Bed With You
3. Charge Up Your Tech Game
4. Find Amazing Food – Even Inside an Airport!
5. Freshen Up with an In-Terminal Shower
6. Dress for Success
7. Stay Entertained
8. Go Beyond the Terminal
9. Extras for Families
10. Airport Insider Tricks
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1. Make Sure Your Docs Are in Check
Trust me, I know what it feels like having a line of impatient people behind you as you scramble to pull out your boarding pass or passport.
My favorite packing hack is using a slim, RFID-blocking passport travel wallet to keep everything organized and within reach. It saves tons of time (and reduces stress!)
Make sure to bring and neatly organize these, whether it’s using a travel wallet or any other kind of bag:
- Passport (check those visa requirements!)
- Boarding passes—digital or printed backups
- An airport map (I recommend using an app, such as FlyDelta or United)
- A pen-you might need it to fill out customs forms!
Always having a pen has saved me countless time breezing past everyone else rushing to fill out their customs forms at immigrations.
Hack: Many countries now offer online customs declaration forms. Research this ahead of time in case your airline doesn’t hand out the customs cards!
2. Bring Your Bed With You
Let’s face it: airports aren’t exactly cozy. And if you’re stuck overnight in a brightly lit, noisy terminal, you’ll probably want to be literally anywhere else.
But you can make the most of it with a couple lightweight, packable accessories:
- Travel pillow or neck support
- Blanket (if not flying business class)
- Trusty earplugs
- Eye mask for blocking out bright airport lights (I love and use this one)
Ok, maybe it’s not the same as being home in bed. But trust me, these accessories take up very little room, but make a massive difference!
Trick: Some lounges offer sleep areas, private pods, or simply lounge chairs and blankets. It might be worth investing in PriorityPass or paying for a day pass (typically ~$50).
3. Charge Up Your Tech Game
When I spontaneously decided to pick up noise-canceling headphones from a BestBuy locker at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu before a flight to Los Angeles, I had no idea they would quickly become my favorite travel hack. I know it’s not groundbreaking or anything, but I had no clue just how much of a difference they made until I couldn’t hear the flight attendant asking me what I want to drink. I was amazed.
That was the Sony WH-1000XM2, new at the time. I’ve since upgraded to the Sony WH-1000XM5 as it has the best noise cancelation in the industry. I often use it to listen to an audiobook in the terminal, and even more often to sleep while traveling as a passenger. With some gray noise or a boring audiobook, I can sleep through crying babies, loud passengers, and noisy flight attendants in the galley.
I also personally always keep a (charged) portable, lightweight power bank with me. There have been many times where the terminal didn’t have electrical outlets, or they were all taken – so it’s definitely a lifesaver! The last thing you want is a dead phone, especially if your boarding passes are stashed on it.
- Universal adapter for international hubs
- Pre-downloaded entertainment (Netflix, movies, books, podcasts)
- Phone charger and portable, lightweight power bank (just make sure to charge it)
- Noise-canceling headphones
Pro Tip: Pack a splitter or multi-plug adapter for charging stations. You’ll be everyone’s hero.
4. Find Amazing Food – Even Inside an Airport
Who says you can’t enjoy amazing food in an airport? I’ve had some of the best meals of my life, no exaggeration, at the likes of Floret in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, One Flew South at Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport, or even the Priority-Pass complimentary Ahlan Lounge at Dubai.
Airport options do tend to be expensive, and in some airports food options all close at night. I do recommend bringing:
- Reusable water bottle (fill it after security!)
- Healthy snacks like trail mix or granola bars
- Gum or mints for fresh breath post-flight
Tip: Check out our layover guide section to research your layover airport’s food scene—and if it offers incredible local cuisine worth trying!
5. Freshen Up: Finding Your Nearest Shower
No matter what I try to do, I can’t help but feel sticky and gross after a long flight. Finding an airport shower, whether it’s in a lounge or a pay-per-use inside the terminal like the one pictured above at Frankfurt, makes a drastic difference to your quality-of-life during a layover. According to the Sleep Foundation, showers are also scientifically-proven to help put you to sleep!
Just make sure not to forget to bring:
- A toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
- Face wipes (especially if there aren’t any showers) and hand sanitizer
- Lip balm and moisturizer (for dry cabin air)
- Mini deodorant stick
- TSA Approved 3oz Toiletry Containers
Tip: Bring flip flops so you don’t have to step in the shower barefoot, or run the water on the highest temperature to kill any germ.
6. Dress for Success
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear something comfortable, but stylish. You’ll be treated so much better if you look decent, which can definitely help when asking for a seat change, upgrade, or to standby on an earlier flight. (I know it shouldn’t – but it does).
I highly recommend compression socks for longer flights, and layers that can double as a pillow, blanket, or are useful to carry your accessories.
- Compression socks to keep your legs happy (see health benefits here)
- Layers for unpredictable airport temps
- A comfy change of clothes
Trick: Wear something with extra pockets to carry more without checking in a bag!
7. Stay Entertained
Fun fact: I’ve lost two kindles while traveling across the world.
Other fun fact: I just bought my third kindle. It’s that important to me.
I know most people see flying and layovers as a massive waste of time. But they don’t have to be. Instead, make use of your time and do something educational and brain-provoking!
There are so many ways to accomplish this. Bring:
- A good book or magazine
- Puzzle apps, Sudoku, or a journal
- Downloaded audiobook or a podcast series
Traveling with kids? Surprise them with a new toy or coloring book to keep them and their brains entertained.
Pro Tip: I personally also use the Audible app to listen to books while walking around the terminal, or to help fall asleep on flights.
8. Go Beyond the Terminal
If you’ve read any bit of my layover guides, you’ll know I always include a section of leaving the airport and exploring the local area. No matter where you layover (OK, maybe not Djibouti), there’s always something fun to do outside the airport. If your layover is long enough, you can truly have yourself a mini-vacation before your real vacation.
- Research nearby attractions ahead of time (and check visa rules!)
- Use local transit apps or airport shuttles for easy trips
- Stash a lightweight daypack for essentials
Pro Tip: Some airports offer free city tours for long layovers. Look into it! (I’ve seen this in Istanbul, Dubai, and Amsterdam)
Tip #2: Bring cash and a travel friendly debit-card (Schwab is a great one) – just in case!
9. Extras for Families
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. From airport play areas to an increasing number of ways to keep them occupied, there’s a lot to do to make traveling with kids a breeze. Just make sure not to forget:
- Snacks, formula, or milk for the little ones
- Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes
- Compact toys, books, or tablets loaded with their favorite shows
Hack: Research airport play areas ahead of time and let your kids burn off energy before a long flight. They’re increasingly available at airports around the world!
10. Airport Insider Tricks
One way to find out all the airport insider secrets, tips, and tricks flight and cabin crew members use when traveling is simply to subscribe to this website.
But put simply and succinctly, you should try to make the most of what airports have to offer:
- Access airport lounges using apps like Priority Pass
- Find sleep pods for quick naps, and day rooms for more sleep and a shower
- Free Wi-Fi—most airports have it!
Trick: Find the nearest prayer or meditation room for peace, silence, and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
With this guide, you’re set to conquer any layover.
If you’re looking for a checklist version of this guide, here is a free downloadable PDF version! If you like what you see, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter below.
Remember: it’s not about the wait—it’s about what you make of it. Safe travels, and don’t forget to keep exploring!
