10 FUN ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER DOING AT THE AIRPORT DURING FLIGHT DELAY OR CANCELLATION

Airlines often advise travellers to get to the airport early in order not to miss their flight and we know that road traffic is quite unpredictable, but there is always that last-minute thing that has to be done. Also, while racing to the airport with the heart pumping so much blood through the arteries and epinephrine on the high, you still have to think about weighing and wrapping your luggage if necessary, and then check-in.

However, despite all the preparations, there are still other hurdles to scale such as; flight delays and cancellations which cannot always be avoided even if you fly on a private jet. It is difficult predicting events such as; weather, political unrest, technical fault due to manufacturers error, and strike actions by workers at the airport. As a result, your preparedness might not always mean so much, but there is nothing bad about doing your best.

Flight Radar and Flight Aware are some of the companies that track commercial flights departure and arrival including cancellations, diverted and delays. At times, having vital information before everyone often soothes the nerves, and makes you start thinking on your feet for an alternative solution.

If you ever get stranded at the airport and you’re patient enough to wait for the next available flight, then this article is for you. Continue reading below as we let you in on our secret.

1. Netflix: Binge-Binge-Binge-and more Binging of movies at the Airport!!!! There are so many movies to watch on Netflix and I can assure you that 24 hours isn’t enough. So, before travelling, make sure you get headphones that block background noise (e.g. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 35II, and Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds). Also, it’s even more interesting if you’re not travelling alone. Why not create your cinema by buying popcorn and drinks. But do not forget the reason why you came to the airport. It is advisable to set up an alarm or sit close to those going your way.
2. Games: Depending on the type of smartphone (android or iOS) you use, download interesting games (adventure, puzzle, board games — chess, arcade, role-playing, multiplayer online arena, cards, strategy, sports, etc.) based on your preference. Don’t forget, you still need your headphones and as a result, set up an alarm that shows up on your smartphone and not a different device. Please, download in advance because free WiFi isn’t guaranteed at all airports.
3. Make New Friends: This is an opportunity for you to meet your future husband, wife, business partner, trusted friends, etc. We often take things like this for granted, but you’ll never know what you’re missing if you don’t try. So, the next time you find yourself in this situation, think about today and make use of this particular section in this article.
4. Airport Lounges: if you’ve got kids and you have a pass to access airport lounges of some of the best airlines in the world (e.g. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Finnair, etc.), there’s no point trying to go through unnecessary stress. When you’ve got a place that showers you with luxury and permits you to bring in guest once the terms and conditions are met, I see no reason why anyone would want to be in a crowded environment at the airport with people screaming and fuming with rage due to delays and cancellations. Also, if you feel like eating or having your bath, then, airport lounges are the way forward.
5. AIRPOD: Although not every airport provides this service, it’s also an idea to consider. Airpod provides you with a place where you can secretly hide from the view of the public and have a nap or listen to your favourite podcaster. If it’s summer and your intention is to party on your vacation, why not just download some of the best music from across the world, turn them into a playlist and get yourself ready to switch to party mode.
6. Video Call: Not many people love having unending conversations on smartphones, but if you fall into the other category, then top-up your smartphone or invest more on internet data. If you haven’t downloaded WhatsApp on your smartphone, that should be done immediately you finish reading this article — a top priority.
7. Interview: In all honesty, you can’t be the only one experiencing the delay if you booked a commercial flight, so if you feel like trying out what it entails to be a Travel Blogger or Journalist, now is the opportunity. Interview people going through the same challenges as you, take pictures and videos as evidence which you can then post online.
8. Music: While growing up, some people were extremely good at playing the piano, but they never pursued a career in music. Their current career path as a Management Consultant is what placed them in this situation of having to stay in an airport for 3 hours due to flight delay. If you’ve been very vigilant, some airports have pianos that you can use to entertain others, believe me, if you’ve got talent, it will surely be appreciated.
9. Stress Management: With sad and angry faces everywhere, as a psychologist, why not offer your service for free. This is even an easier way to market yourself and also put a smile on the faces of a lot of people while having fun.
10. Sport, Social Media and News: If you love watching sports or checking news events, the internet should be your best friend when the time comes. Also, if you’re always elated by Instagram and Twitter, then, don’t forget to take beautiful pictures to upload.

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