Many of us have a love/hate relationship with flying. We can’t help but enjoy the freedom it gives us to explore the world and visit people for business and leisure trips. But we hate the between-the-stops issues, like flight delays.

It’s no secret that airlines today have a myriad of delay-causing factors, from extreme weather conditions to labor shortages. While some of this is new, the reality is that today’s delay rates aren’t too far off that of previous years.

In other words, delays happen. The best thing you can do is expect to have your flight delayed. That way, you can be prepared for it, and it’s a nice bonus if it’s on time.

While waiting on your next plane, use that time to be productive, and you won’t stress about the “wasted” hours. If you don’t have anything pressing to jump on, use these suggestions to pass the time.

1. Handle the Logistics

Part of the stress of a flight delay is that you had plans waiting for you on arrival. Before you do anything else, take care of the logistics by handling things like transportation, lodging, and meetings, and get those worries out of the way.

Who was meeting you at the airport to take you to your next stop? Call them and let them know about the adjusted schedule, or alert the rental car company if you booked a vehicle. 

If necessary, contact the hotel to advise them that you’ll be late checking in so they don’t give your room away. 

Think about the domino effect of your late arrival, such as missed meetings or events, and try to adjust anything affected by the delay. You might be surprised at how easily a lot of these problems are fixed. With that stress off your shoulders, your focus can turn to other productive tasks.

2. Borrow a Business Lounge

Many airlines provide lounges geared toward the average corporate traveler. And you can use them, even if you’re not there for business travel purposes.

Airport lounges are places where travelers pay to relax in comfort. It sounds like an unnecessary splurge, but it may be worth the money. 

These areas provide guests with excellent quality food and beverages that are often a little cheaper than what the same thing would cost outside the lounge. You can take showers, nap (or sleep) in clean beds, and use the plugs and WiFi.

Curious about borrowing a business lounge during your next flight delay? Check the benefits in your credit card perks to see if you already have unlimited access. If not, you can apply directly to the airline online for a pass, or purchase a one-time-access card.

3. Plan for the Trip

There’s a good chance that you spent a lot of pre-trip time dealing with the necessities, like getting your work tasks taken care of, packing, and planning the essential parts of travel.

You rushed around so much that you didn’t have time to get into the details of your trip. Now, you have nothing but time, so it’s the perfect chance to research where you’re staying and figure out what you want to do when you’re there.

Look for reviews for the best restaurants in your area, and make a list of the places you want to try. Check TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other sites to see if there are any must-do sightseeing spots you would have missed if you didn’t do your research. 

Plan your itinerary ahead so you can make reservations and book tickets if necessary. This delay could be the reason you get to enjoy something completely unexpected!

4. Catch Up On Your Messages

Is your email inbox overflowing? Are there texts and SMS messages you haven’t responded to, and you need to before the sender thinks you forgot about them?

Use the delay you’re “stuck” with to get all those contacts taken care of. Send quick messages, clean up your inbox, or make phone calls, and knock out those tasks you never have time for in your busy schedule.

Conclusion

You’ll see a lot of people frustrated about their delay, and, let’s face it, getting cranky. Since there’s obviously nothing you can do to change the fact that your plane is late, why not embrace the time and make it “extra” instead of “wasted”?

Follow these tips to be productive as you pass the time, and your next flight will be boarding before you know it.

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