Make Long Layovers More Enjoyable

So you have missed your connecting flight or you purchased a cheaper booking and you're stuck with a long layover before reaching your destination. These scenarios have happened to all of us frequent flyers and can be quite miserable. However, there are a lot of fun things to do in today's modern airports, especially in larger metropolitan hubs. Here are 5 tips to help the time fly by.

photo courtesy mr. pradidpong (unsplash}

If money isn't an option try some fine fare. Skip the line at KFC and fine dine. Heathrow Airport in London has a Gordon Ramsey restaurant. In the states, you'll find Legal Seafoods in Boston's Logan Airport and La Vie a French cafe in JFK.

Ever thought you'd get a full-service spa/salon treatment at an airport? They do exist. Talk about being able to omit the stress from your delayed situation. Massages, manicures, pedicures and maybe a new hairstyle. Look fresh on your arrival.

If your layover is really long, get a hotel room and just tell yourself it's part of the intended itinerary. Many airports have hotels that are directly connected to the facility. One minute you're in a crowded corridor and the next your in a peaceful lobby checking in.

Make the journey into the city and see the sites. Airports offer a number of public transportation options. We have done this a few times and actually liked what we saw so much we eventually took trips to the very same cities for our vacation.

Get a VIP lounge day passes. Our best-kept secret. You will actually spend less than a full-service meal for 2 at Chili's and have plenty of amenities. Wifi, complimentary drinks, food, comfortable lounges with big screen television, and showers.

The airports with the previously mentioned facilities are numerous throughout the U.S. Some of the best are Atlanta's Hartsfield, Phoenix's Sky Harbor, Denver International, and San Francisco International. All of which have numerous places to visit if you choose the leave the airport tip. I always do my research on locations I am connecting in for the first time and it has paid off many times. Time flies when you're having fun.