Time at the airport can go by very slowly, especially because you have places you want to be, but there are ways to pass the time and even enjoy it.

Airport entertainment can vary at each airport you visit.

Here are some ideas for airport entertainment:

Go shopping

This is true for whether you’re in an airport or not: When bored, shop! Airports are like mini-malls in themselves so this is the perfect airport entertainment option to buy gifts for the loved ones back home or take advantage of duty-free shopping.

Duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and luxury goods are particularly worth consideration because you stand the chance to save money.  Just be careful about how much extra luggage you would be bringing. This option is probably better if you are on your return trip.

airport entertainment - How to Entertain Yourself at an Airport
How to Entertain Yourself at an Airport

Make use of airport amenities

Restaurants, book shops, gyms, coffee shops and more await you. You might actually be surprised at what your airport offers. Amsterdam Schiphol has a spa and even a Massage-O-Matic.

Hong Kong International boasts a SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course and a UA IMAX Theatre that features the largest IMAX giant screen in Hong Kong.

Singapore Changi Airport offers a rooftop pool, nature trails, four-story slide, pop-in movie theatre, butterfly garden and complimentary tours of central Singapore (here’s how to spend 48 hours in Singapore if your layover is a bit longer).

The only way to find airport entertainment through amenities is to ask around!

Play airport bingo

Here is a list of the 15 types of travellers you will encounter in every airport around the world. How many can you find? Raise the stakes by finding a friend and going on a scavenger hunt to see who can spot and photograph all the types first.

Fall in love

If you have nothing better to do, why not fall in love? That’s always good for at least a few hours and has the potential for airport entertainment even after you leave. Does that sound unlikely? Here are three accounts of finding love at an airport. 

Use your imagination like these people

If all else fails then you can always fall back on your imagination and use your resourcefulness to find novel ways to pass the time. Remember that man who spent the night in the Las Vegas airport recording himself lip-syncing to Celine Dion’s ‘All by Myself’?

Two young men similarly found themselves stuck in an airport overnight and came up with nine creative ways to pass time at an airport, including air train gymnastics and escalator sledging.

airport entertainment - How to Entertain Yourself at an Airport
How to Entertain Yourself at an Airport

With all these ideas you should have no problem passing the time at the airport. You may even find yourself enjoying yourself.

Author

  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.