What to do at the airport if your flight is delayed

It's unpleasant, but true: flights get delayed. And then two eternal questions arise – 'who is to blame' and 'what to do'. Airline staff will help you with the answer to the first. You'll also have to communicate with them regarding water, food, and other compensations. And once all legal formalities are settled, it remains to figure out how to occupy yourself. Hours without anything to do drag on, so here's a list of seven activities at the airport.

Stroll through Duty Free

And other shops. You bought tickets to Milan (for example) and are already at the airport, which means significant financial expenses await. So you can start treating yourself to purchases now, without waiting for boarding. In Duty Free shops, goods are not subject to excise duties, customs duties, and VAT, so if you wish, you can find something at a very favorable price.

Don't want to empty your wallet? Window shopping is also shopping. You don't have to buy chocolates and perfume; you can simply browse the assortment, try on glasses, neck pillows, and other travel items. This kind of entertainment will take an hour or two.

Watch a movie

Settle down near mobile device charging stations and start a movie. Just don't forget to wear headphones! Few other passengers will enjoy listening to dialogues without seeing the picture. If there's stable Wi-Fi at the airport, watch online; if not, it's better to plan ahead and download your chosen movie.

Read

Just open a book in your phone's browser, download it in an app, or load it beforehand. There's one significant drawback: while you're reading, the screen is on, and while it's on, your phone's battery drains. And there are several hours ahead on the plane, where there will be even fewer activities. So it's better to take an e-reader or a regular paper book (what? Yes!). The plus is that it definitely won't run out of battery. The minus is that it will only contain one work.

Have lunch

How many more hours until the sacramental 'meat or chicken'? Maybe it's worth having a snack now? Yes, prices at the airport soar higher than planes. But we remind you: in case of a flight delay, passengers are entitled to free meals. And you can always treat yourself to chocolate (it's high-calorie, meaning it will give you strength), a sweet bun, and a cup of coffee.

Relax

The airport building (especially a large one) is designed with such situations in mind. So there are plenty of different relaxation areas here. These include business lounges for business class passengers and lounges with comfortable armchairs.

Where to relax at the airport

Sheremetyevo: VIP lounges in Terminals B and C; business lounges 'Rublev', 'Kandinsky', 'Chagall', 'Malevich', Alfa Only, 'Sochi', 'Sber'; GettSleep hotel.

Domodedovo: 'Aerotel Express' complex; waiting lounges on all terminal floors; massage chairs on the second floor.

Vnukovo: Prokofiev, VIP Lounge, ART Lounge, CIP Lounge business lounges; capsule hotel on the second floor after the security check area.

Pulkovo: Sleep Box capsule hotel in the waiting area on the 2nd floor; business lounges on the third and fourth floors in the domestic and international departure zones; MILE·ON·AIR business lounge.

Go to a spa

We didn't make a mistake, and you read it correctly. Some airports have entire spa salons where you can relax in a jacuzzi, swim in a pool, or get a Thai massage. And then a flight delay will stop being annoying. Maybe you won't even need to fly anywhere at all?)

Which airports have spa salons

• Clarins Skin Spa – Sheremetyevo International Airport named after A. S. Pushkin, Moscow
• Be Relax Spa – Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
• Be Relax Spa – Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Be Relax Spa, Timeless spa – Dubai International Airport, UAE
• Be Relax Spa – Muscat International Airport, Oman
• Be Relax Spa – Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
• Be Relax Spa – Changi Airport, Singapore
• Om Spa – Hong Kong International Airport, China
• Mountain Hub Spa – Munich Airport, Germany
• Xpres Spa – Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Xpres Spa, Ambassador Spa – Istanbul Airport, Turkey
• Clarins Spa Treatments – Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
• Spa on Air – Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea

Socialize

An airport is a good place to meet people. And when a flight is delayed, a common problem brings you closer to other passengers. First, strike up a conversation, then share thoughts on 'what else can be done,' and soon you'll be casually chatting about everything under the sun and showing each other photos of pets on your phone.

The secret lies in the 'random travel companion' effect. It's easier for us to start a conversation with someone knowing that we'll likely never see them again. This reduces barriers between people, and conversation flows naturally. It's a great opportunity to learn something new about people from other cities and countries, with different cultural backgrounds, and different perspectives on life. You'll both brighten your waiting hours and surely learn something interesting. 

May all your flights be swift and delays be few!