Arthur Bogoraz On Surviving Long Airport Layovers

If you’ve ever planned a faraway trip, you know that the most exciting part - aside from the trip itself - is creating your itinerary. From researching travel blogs for ideas to booking your Airbnb reservations, the jittery feeling of anticipation continues to increase as your departure date draws nearer.

However, all travelers know that one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip is booking a plane ticket. What airline do you go with? Do you pay an additional fee for more legroom? Will you be more comfortable in the window or aisle seat?

While you are making these decisions, there is one other choice travelers are forced to make that often has the potential to be the demise of the trip: Should you opt for the layover or pay more to avoid it?

Of course, layovers are not always escapable. Whether you are given the choice or the airline has forced your hand, there are ways you can prepare that make those long airport layovers survivable.

Get out and enjoy the city.

This option is for travelers who have a half-day or more to fill and should also be planned out in advance. Map out a mini-itinerary for a few hours of adventuring while you wait for your next flight. Due to time restrictions, you may only have time to visit one or two attractions, but it beats sitting in an airport. Just make sure to arrive at the airport a few hours before your departure so you aren’t at risk of missing your flight.

Enjoy a culinary experience.

There are plenty of jokes at the expense of airport food - and for good reason. You would never travel to an airport to engage your tastebuds in a delicious meal. However, there are a few airports both nationally and internationally that are opening up renowned restaurants where travelers stuck in layover limbo can enjoy a meal as good as dining at a restaurant downtown. Gordon Ramsay, for example, just opened a restaurant in London’s Heathrow Airport that serves Asian and British classics.

Workout while you wait.

Not many of us pack a yoga mat with us every time we travel, but, if you happen to have one on you, use it. Find a secluded area of the airport and spend an hour engaged in meditation. If you prefer cardio, some airports either offer travelers access to their fitness centers or you can fast-walk or jog around the terminal at your own discretion.

About the author: Arthur Bogoraz is a seasoned businessman, an aviation expert, and a passionate philanthropist based out of New Jersey. He currently works as a private pilot for Vital Management Solutions. Arthur Bogoraz graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Biology Studies. He obtained his pilot’s license in 2001 and has logged 800+ hours since then.