Mastering the Art of the Layover

Layovers. Ugh. They’re like the traffic jams of air travel—annoying, boring, and sometimes unavoidable.

But here’s the deal: they don’t have to suck. Seriously, with a little bit of planning (and maybe a shift in perspective), those in-between hours can turn into something…useful.

Maybe even enjoyable. Crazy, right? Stick with me.

Plan with Purpose

Alright, first things first. If you’ve got a layover coming up, don’t just wing it. Before you even book that flight, take a good look at your layover options.

Is it long enough to actually do something? Does the airport have decent stuff, like lounges with good coffee and fast Wi-Fi? (No Wi-Fi that disconnects every 20 minutes, please.) And here’s a power move: look into hotels near the airport.

Places like Roost Hotels often let you check in just a few hours before your arrival—perfect if you need to freshen up or just escape the chaos of a crowded terminal. Planning ahead turns you into a travel ninja.

Recharge and Refresh

Okay, so you’ve landed. What now? Don’t just slump in a corner scrolling Instagram. Find one of those airport spas and treat yourself to a quick chair massage.

Or, if you’re the gym type, some airports have fitness centers. A quick workout and a shower can totally reset your mood. If that’s not your vibe, find a quiet spot, pop in some headphones, and do a short meditation.

Just ten minutes of mindfulness can melt away travel stress. Seriously, try it. Your brain will thank you.

Make Connections

Here’s an idea you probably haven’t considered: networking. Airports are full of business travelers just like you. Strike up a conversation in the lounge or even while waiting in line for coffee.

You never know who you might meet. (A future client? A potential partner? Someone who’s just as frustrated about layovers as you are?)

If you’re feeling bold, hop on LinkedIn and see if anyone in your network is traveling through the same airport. A quick coffee chat could lead to something great.

Don’t be shy—in the worst-case scenario, they’re too busy. No biggie.

Explore Beyond the Airport

Got a long layover and the itch to get out of the terminal? Do it. Some airports even offer free tours if you’ve got enough time.

Or, go rogue and plan your own mini-adventure. Look up a cool café, a coworking space, or a local landmark nearby. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of time to get back through security.

Oh, and pack a little essential kit—snacks, charger, travel docs—so you’re not scrambling. Stepping out can make you feel like you’ve actually been somewhere, not just passed through.

Fine-Tune Travel Habits

Here’s the thing about layovers: they’re way easier when you’re prepared.

Keep a travel kit ready to go. Think power bank, noise-canceling earbuds, snacks (always snacks), and whatever else makes you comfortable.

Also, get to know the airports you fly through regularly. Download their apps. Know where the good coffee is, which lounge is worth it, and how to get around without getting lost. 

Final Thoughts

Layovers aren’t going away, but your attitude toward them can change.

Whether you’re tackling a work project, meeting someone new, or just giving yourself a much-needed break, it’s all about being intentional. Turn that downtime into something valuable—or at least tolerable.

So, next time you’re stuck between flights, try to make the most of it. Who knows? You might even start to enjoy them.