According to the United States Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, between 15 and 25 per cent of flights get delayed on any given year. The report, which included data from 2007 through 2016, considered a flight delayed if it was 15 minutes or more behind schedule. That said, what can you do to pass the time if you find yourself waiting for one of these delayed flights? Plenty! Here are some ideas.
1. Go for a walk.
Staring at the same few walls can get tiresome rather quickly. If you're battling boredom during a long flight delay, why not go for a walk? It'll give you a change in scenery, while also letting you get some exercise. Many airport waiting areas even include unique artwork and architecture, so you'll have something interesting to look at while roaming around the building.
2. Take up people watching.
It can be loads of fun to observe a crowd of people and guess at their life stories. Though the act of people watching occurs subconsciously for many people, a more conscious approach to the activity can be a highly amusing way to pass the time. Without being obtrusive, simply observe a person's interactions, mannerisms, and body language and let your imagination do the rest.
3. Learn a foreign language.
Obviously you won't become fluent during a single flight delay, but you may still be able to learn several key words and phrases while you're waiting. To start learning, purchase a phrase book from the airport bookstore or download a language learning app on your smartphone.
4. Listen to music.
If you've got a pair of headphones and a device capable of playing music, then you've got an excellent way to briefly escape from the world of airports and flight delays. Simply queue up some songs by your favorite artist and enjoy the distraction. Just don't get so lost in the music that you miss any status announcements about your flight.
5. Play a game.
If you've got a smartphone, you've got an endless supply of games to keep you entertained during your next flight delay. Prefer old-school gaming instead? Why not embark on an airport scavenger hunt or challenge a fellow traveler to a game of Hangman or Eye Spy?
6. Read a book.
Immersing yourself in a good book can be another great way to pass the time while stuck in an airport. If you don't already have a book on hand, hit up the airport bookstore for some new reading material. Plus, if you don't finish reading the book before your flight arrives, you'll have something to keep yourself occupied with while flying as well.
7. Grab a bite to eat.
The longer your delay, the hungrier you're likely to get. To help satisfy your hunger and pass some time, why not grab a bite to eat? Most smaller airports tend to offer at least some basic food options, while the larger ones may even include full sit down restaurants. Explore your options, consider your available time, and choose the meal solution that works best for you.
Unfortunately, flight delays are a reality at all airports. Waiting for a delayed flight, however, doesn't require that you sit around and do nothing until the plane arrives. With a little imagination, you'll find all sorts of time-killing activities to occupy yourself with until you're finally able to board the plane.
Happy & safe travels ahead!
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