Have you ever seen the film “The Terminal” starring Tom Hanks & Catherine Zeta Jones? Well, the whole film basically just tells us what I am about to share to you- what you can do when you are stuck at the airport. Of course, I am not going to enumerate all of the things that he’s already did but I will share with you some things that can be done in specific US airports. Before you open your laptop and check airport websites for the cheapest and fastest flight to get you out of being stuck in that particular airport you are in (and by the way, checking airport websites allow you to search for charter airline flights & low cost carriers so chances are you can book an inexpensive flight through there), maybe you can check out some of these activities. Just some warning, I am not going to be suggesting normal activities such as getting some shut eye or reading or watching movies in your laptop.
Check out the free stuff. Who is not a fan of free stuff here? I do not know anyone who will refuse a free anything so I am going to share with you guys some things I have gotten for free at domestic airports. If you are at the Spokane Int’l. Airport and have got a car parked there, take advantage of their free car wash. Stuck at the Fort Wayne Int’l. Airport in Indiana & craving for something sweet at the same time? Look for hospitality people who is handing out free cookies wrapped in individual plastic wrappers. Don’t worry if you do not see these personnel because they have a cookie stand where you can serve yourself after hours. And if ever you are in Jacksonville Int’l. Airport on a Mother’s Day or perhaps Valentine’s Day and feel somewhat lonely, you might be cheered up by those volunteers who will be handing some pretty carnations. And the best possible free thing you can get is to check with your airline for free meals or even accommodation, especially if your flight was delayed due to the airline’s fault.
Create a music video or documentary. No need to have skills as a director or camera person. Shoot yourself singing or lip syncing to airport tunes and make a music video out of it. You can do this without shame especially if you are stuck there at night all alone. Not a fan of music? Create a documentary similar to how National Geographic observes animals in Africa but this time, have people at the airport as your subjects.
Take a tour of the airport. Have you already uploaded your music video and still have time to spare? Well, one other thing you can do is take a tour of the whole airport. Most airports have at least one thing that catches the eye. For example, I have seen a lot of airports displaying all banned items that they have confiscated. Have fun trying to identify which is the most commonly smuggled banned item or which is the most unusual. Stuck in Vancouver Airport, view their jellyfish exhibit. Stuck in Miami International Airport? Snuggle with Casey the therapy dog.