HOW TO KILL TIME IN THE AIRPORT

If traveling were a cooking experience, the airport wait or layover would be like the dishes in the sink waiting to be washed—an unavoidable yet necessary step in the journey. Just as you spend time cleaning up after a meal, you must also account for the less enjoyable parts of traveling, such as waiting at the airport.

However, let’s keep things positive and see both experiences as part of a complete journey. Fortunately, in recent years, airports and travel companies worldwide have made efforts to improve the overall passenger experience helping to “kill time” in the airport. With an increasing number of amenities, that many airports love to brag about, it’s now possible to turn long hours of waiting into quality time filled with entertainment, good F&B and even wellness.

Where to Sleep in the Airport

One of the most common concerns travelers have is: “Where can I get a decent sleep during a long layover?”

With the growing number of flights and passengers, flight delays are sometimes inevitable due to factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. It’s not uncommon to see travelers sleeping on benches all over the airport. If you don’t have access to an airport lounge or hotel, finding a quiet and comfortable place to rest can be a real challenge.

A useful resource to solve this problem is Sleeping in Airports, a website that helps travelers find the best rest areas. Simply enter the airport name in the search bar, and you will get a complete guide with key information, including luggage storage, free drinking water, charging outlets, and—most importantly—rest and relaxation zones. As an example, Dubai International Airport offers designated reclining chair areas, affordable nap lounges, and even a family zone where kids can burn off energy while their parents unwind.

Where to Eat in the Airport

A long layover is the perfect moment for you to “kill some time” in the airport by grabbing a bite or even enjoy a Michelin-star-quality meal. Since idle time often leads to hunger, major airports now offer a great variety of food and beverage options to suit all tastes.

Before diving into food recommendations, you should keep in mind that some foods need to be avoided before flying. Fried foods can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and contain high sodium levels, leading to bloating and swelling. We need to be careful with beverages that dehydrate the body, such as coffee and alcohol. The airplane cabin conditions already contribute to dehydration, which can result in headaches and nausea.

Airport Dining Recommendations

• John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK): Uptown Brasserie (Terminal 4) offers an extensive menu, including breakfast, sandwiches, steaks, and fish dishes.
• Heathrow Airport (LHR): For travelers in a rush, Heathrow features a 15-minute menu at select restaurants, including the iconic Gordon Ramsay Plane Food and Pret A Manger for quick, healthy choices.
• Hamad International Airport (DOH): One of the best airports for dining, DOH has a wide range of options. For an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, try Basta.
• Changi Airport (SIN): A haven for food lovers, Changi offers the elegant Violet Oon’s, run by a celebrity chef, as well as The Hainan Story for an authentic and casual Asian culinary experience.

Relax and Unwind at Be Relax Spa

Last but not least, make your layover more enjoyable and “kill time” at the airport by adding some ultimate relaxation and wellness with a visit to Be Relax Spa, your best travel and wellness companion. Located in 18 airports worldwide, Be Relax provides tailored services to help travelers unwind before or after their flights.

At Dubai International Airport, JFK Airport, and many others, Be Relax offers holistic treatments such as sound healing and aromatherapy designed to rejuvenate both mind and body. The spa menu offers an extensive range of massages covering needs from head to toe. You can also enjoy facials, which help reduce puffiness and inflammation after long flights, giving you a refreshed and revitalized look after those long sitting hours.

Explore our locations here, and for a more complete travel wellness experience, follow us on social media for your daily dose of relaxation!