How to kill time at an airport
Just about everyone hates waiting at airports but it helps if there’s a casino, such as found in Frankfurt and Amsterdam’s Schiphol. Or how about Singapore’s Changi Airport: there’s a swimming pool, live bands and gardens?
If that’s not your destination, travel commentator Debra Ward has some more likely suggested diversions for that dreaded waiting time. “Over the years, I have found ways to make use of the seemingly interminable waiting time without burning through my credit cards or gaining five pounds at the food court,” she writes.
Some of these are probably known to you already but here are some suggestions:
• Besides the standard distractions of free WiFi and news on the TV screens, there is often great art at airports. Vancouver International Airport is just one example.
• For the shell-shocked parents among us, there are often decent kids’ play areas where the little ones can burn off some energy before boarding.
• If you’re ready to spend, the sky’s the limit. You can get a new outfit, a manicure or a massage. Most major airports also have medical clinics and dental clinics for those emergency teeth cleanings.
• Then there’s the bar. “It’s a great way to kill an hour or two, even if you don’t drink,” ward writes.
• And of course, there’s the shopping. Jewelry, fur, crystal, art and the latest fashions are available in exclusive boutiques.
• Then, for a quiet time, don’t forget the chapel. All airports have one.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025