When you travel to the far parts of the world, layovers are often unavoidable. Fortunately, airports have come a long way from the last century’s uninviting buildings with minimum commodities. When you find yourself stuck at the ‘right’ airport, you might even feel a tinge of regret when your departure time comes.
If you plan well, a layover can become a pleasant part of your vacation. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your layover time at the airport.
Lean Into the Unexpected Opportunity
Research the airport and city. If it doesn’t offer everything you need, see if you can adjust the route via a safer city or an airport with better facilities. If you like what you see, or it’s a place you’ve always wanted to visit, why not extend your stay to an overnight stop or stay long enough to do some sightseeing?
Check Your Visa
A lot depends on whether your visa conditions will allow you to leave the airport. For domestic travel, you can sneak out without going through formalities — just be back in time for your next flight. For international travel, it depends on what passport you’re using. Canadians will only be allowed out of the airport in a few countries with a transit visa for short layovers.
Success Will Hinge on How You Pack Your Luggage
Whether you get to leave the airport or have to stay in, your luggage will be your biggest encumbrance.
Ask about checking your luggage all the way through to your final destination. This could be a huge time-saver if your layover is less than 48 hours. If your layover is longer, the chances of your luggage getting lost become greater. However, if you decide to collect your luggage and re-check it for the next leg, be prepared. You’re setting yourself up to struggle with a massive box on wobbly wheels in every restaurant, washroom, taxi or shop you’ll enter.
The solution is to plan your packing meticulously:
- Carry your makeup, meds, devices, like passports, money and cards, eye mask and earplugs in a small, lockable shoulder bag you can keep on you even on the plane.
- Make copies of your important documents.
- Pack a change of clothing and bathroom essentials in a carry-on. Everything that you can live without for two days goes into the suitcases.
If your luggage has been checked through, you can disembark and hit the layover airport instantly, carrying all necessities in your shoulder bag and a small carry-on overnight bag. You’ll still win even if you are forced to pick up your checked luggage. At least you won’t have to open up that monster case to rifle through your underwear looking for a phone charger! You may be able to hire a locker for the larger pieces, leaving you carrying the lightest possible load.
Staying in Contact
Whether you leave for greener pastures or spend your layover exploring the airport, you will need to go online. It’s tempting to use the free wifi hotspots that blanket airports. Don’t do it! At least, not before you’ve taken some basic security precautions. Airports, restaurants, train stations, and stores are plastered with fake free wifi networks that can steal travellers’ email and smartphone app login credentials.
Never connect to an unsecured wifi network without encrypting your connection. A VPN (VirtualPrivate Network) is a foundational travel safety tool. Encryption protects your logins and other sensitive data from MiTM (man-in-the-middle) attacks and rogue public wifi networks.
And besides, you’ll want to watch your favourite shows online while you’re away. You’ll need a reliable VPN with Canada servers to make it look like you’re logging in from home. It will prevent you from being locked out of your Netflix or Amazon account while travelling the globe.
Staying in at the Layover Airport:
The first thing to do after you land is go to the information kiosk. The staff will have up-to-the-minute info about places and services you might not pick up from the airport’s website. Some of the most valuable info will be about:
- Secure storage lockers for luggage.
- Changing money. It may be unnecessary unless you leave the airport, as all airport services accept cards.
- Electronic points for charging your devices. Keep your charger cords in your carry-on to avoid using USB connectors that can compromise your phone. You should even use your own connectors on the in-flight entertainment system, as some USB ports could harm your devices. Use a charge-only USB cable to make sure no data is being transferred.
- Amenities like showers, gyms, personal services or spas.
- Your choice of lounges. Airport companies and most airlines sell day passes to their airport lounges.
- The cost of admission should include comforts like wifi, showers, snacks or meals, and comfortable seating or work areas.
- Alternatively, ask about airport pods. These are micro (really, really micro!) capsules at large airports where you can unload your gear, take a quick shower or nap, and get some work done in private.
- If you need to get some shuteye but don’t want to pay extra, ask about quiet, safe zones for working or taking a nap. You’ll need your earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
- Ask about entertainment options like museums or movie theatres. For example, Frankfurt Airport has splendid gardens and an aviation museum for quiet relaxation.
- Ask about restaurants. All airports offer generic takeaway shops for food and drink, so you’ll hardly go hungry. However, only a few of them are open 24 hours. If your layover time involves awkward hours, get something to eat and drink before the crowds leave at midnight. Also, ask about authentic food or specialist restaurants unique to the city or country you’re visiting.
- There may be unique shopping experiences waiting around the corner. Apart from duty-free shops and global luxury brands, a few stores might specialize in authentic cultural items. These stores may be more expensive than street traders or craftspeople would charge, but if they offer the real thing, it might be your only chance to get a unique souvenir.
Leaving the Airport for Exploration
The information kiosk should have information on nearby hotels, tourist attractions, day trips and shorter planned excursions to the city. Make sure it is feasible-random disruptions to simple travel plans could cause you to lose your next flight.
- If you have a whole day, you might hop on a bus and go into the city for a meal and some sightseeing. But the shorter the layover, the more organized you’ll have to be. Be prepared to pay more for logistics. For example, don’t take a bus, pay extra for a licenced taxi or ride-share company service.
- If there’s an overnight stay involved, try to book into a hotel on the airport premises (handy if you’ll otherwise need a visa to leave the airport). Failing that, find a hotel near the airport that offers airport shuttles. If the shuttle is not free, it will still be cheaper than paying for a taxi.
Keep General Travel Safety in Mind
Airports are generally very safe places due to the abundant presence of security staff and law enforcement personnel. Nevertheless, lock those bags, keep your belongings close, and pay attention to your surroundings. Be cautious of common travel scams, such as over-friendly strangers offering help with your bags. Be patient and have fun while waiting for your next flight!
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