Tom Hanks in the movie The Terminal. Source: Supplied
AskMen is there to help you survive those horrible holiday airport delays.
YOU'RE stranded in an urban maze, which often seems as sterile and unwelcoming as a hospital. Whether a volcano delays your plane for several days or it's just a 30-minute inconvenience, the ordeal is never pleasant. In fact, horror stories about passengers left hanging in nondescript airports for hours on end abound. Let's face it; this situation is about as fun as a trip to the dentist.
Fortunately, with the proper attitude and some resourcefulness, you can make the most of this time.
Delayed? First, relax
Hearing the announcement that your flight has been delayed may put you in a foul mood. To quell this anger, sit down, take a load off and assess the situation. Where am I? What time is it? (This is often not as obvious as it sounds, especially if you've been travelling for hours or days.) How long is the delay? What can I do?
Go to the loos, wash your face and change into some comfortable clothes if possible. Refresh yourself and you'll be prepared to deal with the situation.
If you haven't checked your suitcase all the way to your destination already, find a storage booth. However, due to recent security measures, some airports no longer offer storage booths. Find out if the one you're in does.
Hit the shops
Visit the duty-free shop and kill some time. If you forgot to buy souvenirs for friends and family, now is a good time to make up for it. Look for something original. You might also find certain foods or products that aren't sold in your hometown; stock up on these goods.
Most airports have fashion and electronics stores. Take the opportunity to buy gifts for upcoming birthdays or anniversaries or look for cool items for yourself. Remember, though, that items may be pricey.
Sit still and read
Instead of dropping a lot of dough at the airport, why not stimulate your mind with a good book? In today's busy world, many of us are hard pressed to find time to read a good novel. Airports usually have at least one bookstore with a decent selection.
If you prefer light reading and variety, purchase a few magazines instead. Go with an assortment. Or buy a newspaper to catch up on the latest in politics, business and sports. In general, you can find your big local newspapers in most airport convenience stores. The Sunday Times will take you hours to get through, if you're lucky to be stranded on a Sunday.
With reading material in hand, find a secluded spot and relax. If you've chosen something interesting, time will fly by.
Keeping up with the times, most airports now have Wi-Fi connectivity. Though there may be fees, don't let money get in the way of distracting yourself during the delay. You can clear out your inbox, visit AskMen.com, check the markets, or simply surf. And you can do all this in the nearest airport bar, where you can buy a beer and settle down to catch up on whatever you need to on your laptop or smartphone.
First class? Lucky you
First class passengers have the easiest time surviving delays in airports. They have full access to VIP lounges and are given complementary snacks and drinks. Those who don't have the pleasure of flying in luxury can still benefit from these perks though. Often, carriers offer access to their lounges to coach flyers for a fee. If you're dying for a comfortable chair and some good eating, it's worth the price.
Cool, relaxing spots have sprouted up in modern airports in the past few years. You can find a nice place to unwind without paying an entrance fee. You can socialise with other travellers, especially women stuck in the same delay. Sit by the bar, order a drink and let the conversation flow.
Grab a bite
Forget about airplane food -- there are plenty of quality restaurants housed in airports to please even the pickiest eater. From fast food joints to gourmet establishments, you'll have plenty to choose from to satisfy your hunger. The ideal situation would be to bring that sweet young thing you met at the airport lounge to dinner -- this would kill time in more ways than one.
Even if you're alone, having a meal is a great way to relax and get your mind off the delay. Bring a book, sit in a quiet booth and forget about your problems for a while.
Leave the airport
The ultimate way to survive delays in airports is to leave the airport altogether. Make arrangements to tour the city. If you're in JFK, for example, head into New York for the day, there's plenty to see and do to keep you busy while you wait.
Even if you're not in an exciting tourist destination like London or New York, touring is time well spent -- if the delay is long enough. Pick up a brochure from the airport and ask a cab driver to take you to the most central spot in the city. If there are no sites to see, go to a restaurant or simply stretch your legs along the main streets.
Explore the airport
When there isn't enough time to leave the airport, see what cool things it has to offer inside. To accommodate travellers, airports have set up impressive features to entertain.
Many airports offer spa facilities, and they're not just for women. Since stress levels in airports often are high, the massage therapists here get a steady stream of passengers. Vancouver International Airport offers a health club as well as a spa. You can work out and stretch your travel-weary muscles before getting on the plane.
Catch up on sleep
Finally, if the stress of travelling and waiting is too much for you, head to the airport hotel. To accommodate those stuck in a substantial delay, the carrier will often put you up in a room. Even if they don't, this is a great way to escape the bustling crowds. Book a room, call the main desk for a wake up call and collapse on the hotel bed. When all else fails, sleep is the best remedy.
Survive your next delay
Airports can accommodate your every need. Instead of panicking, survive your next airport delay by calming down and maybe even being productive.
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