Do you struggle with airport boredom? There are a lot of great things about travelling, from exploring exciting new attractions to sampling delicious new foods from all over the world, but you know what’s not great about travel? Being stuck in the airport terminal waiting to be called from your flight. It’s pretty dull, if we’re honest, right? Well, you know what? You can beat that airport boredom, as you will see below…
Embrace the Art of People-Watching
Let’s be honest: airports are the modern-day Coliseum of fashion, emotion, and raw humanity. You’ll see businesspeople sprinting past in crumpled suits, families juggling screaming toddlers, and intrepid backpackers wearing questionable hats. Why not turn that into a bit of light entertainment? Play spot-the-celebrity (or at least spot-someone-you’re-convinced-might-be-famous), invent backstories for strangers, or guess how many carry-on bags that one stressed-out couple can possibly manage. A little creativity can turn people-watching into a hilarious, time-consuming art form.
Turn the Terminal into Your Personal Gym
Feel like you’re itching for movement, but not thrilled at the idea of running laps around the Duty-Free perfume counters? Create a mini workout plan right there in the waiting area—discreetly, of course, unless you’re keen to become an impromptu airport spectacle. Simple exercises like calf raises, lunges, or even a quick plank (if you dare lie on that questionable carpet) can help burn off nervous energy and counter the hours you’ll be stuck sitting on a plane. If anyone gives you funny looks, just wave cheerily and explain that you’re “optimising your pre-flight circulation.” They’ll either be impressed or decide to mind their own business pretty quickly.
Indulge in a Miniature Shopping Spree
Yes, airport shops are often a bit pricey, but there’s still something thrilling about wandering through them as if it’s a high-stakes treasure hunt. Hunt for discounted souvenirs, tiny bottles of novelty liquor, or bizarre travel gadgets you didn’t know you needed—like a neck pillow that doubles as an inflatable footrest (because apparently, that’s a thing). If you’re feeling particularly daring, sample random perfumes and colognes until you smell like a flowery piñata. Just remember that “airport logic”—where you convince yourself that everything is essential for your trip—can lead to an alarming credit card bill. Exercise caution, friend!
Text, Talk, or Taunt: Stay Connected… Sort Of
Chances are, you’ve got a phone that’s never more than six inches from your reach. While you’re battling the mind-numbing monotony of Gate 33, use this time to catch up with friends or family you’ve been meaning to call. Fire off a few “I’m bored at the airport” selfies to that group chat, or even try an old-school phone call (brace yourself, it’s terrifying). If you’re brave enough, strike up a conversation with a fellow bored passenger—just don’t trap them in an endless monologue about your entire travel history since 1999.
Get Competitive with Digital Oldies
Sometimes, your poor phone battery can only handle so many hours of mindless scrolling. So why not turn to the classics for a nostalgia hit? Whether it’s a forgotten puzzle game or that old operating system staple, Minesweeper, these simple amusements can be surprisingly enthralling when your other option is staring at the linoleum floor. Who knew tapping squares to avoid imaginary bombs could be so riveting? Just be mindful of your volume if you’re prone to shouting when you inevitably click on a mine. Not everyone appreciates a dramatic outburst about “BOOM, I LOST!” in the middle of a tense boarding lounge.
Write, Doodle, or Daydream
If you’re longing for a moment of peace among the chaos, pop in some noise-cancelling headphones (the greatest travel invention since rolling suitcases) and let your imagination roam. Jot down the first few pages of that novel you’ve been plotting in your head, brainstorm a short story about a secret romance unfolding in the terminal, or doodle random sketches of your surroundings. You might surprise yourself by actually enjoying this forced downtime to focus on something creative rather than mindlessly refreshing the airport’s unreliable Wi-Fi connection.
Snack Like You’re on a Culinary Adventure
Airport food is often maligned for being bland, overpriced, or just plain weird. But think of it this way: you’re on a quest to find the hidden culinary gems hidden among soggy sandwiches and suspicious-looking wraps. Grab a random snack from a shop you’ve never heard of, or experiment with interesting combos (wasabi peas plus fruit yoghurt, anyone?). Sure, it might be a letdown, but at least you’ll have a story to tell. And if all else fails, coffee is usually decent enough to keep you from snoozing until boarding time.
Enjoy a Strategic Power Nap
You’re sleep-deprived, the seats look vaguely comfortable (if you squint), and you’re fairly certain you have at least 45 minutes before your flight boards. Why not attempt a quick nap? Hug your carry-on like a pillow, set about three different alarms, and drift into a semi-conscious state. Airport naps are a risky business—what with announcements blaring and cleaning crews rolling by—but if you succeed, you’ll feel like a champion. Do pick a spot where you won’t accidentally block the entire walkway, though. Nobody wants a trolley bag rolling over their legs mid-dream.
Ready for takeoff?
