Ever had to wait hours for your transit flight?  A stopover in an airport can be dull, a nightmare or could be awesome if you plan.

Sometimes the transfer gets delayed more than couple of hours. Sometimes choosing a longer transit time could be a cheaper option when you want to save some money on your air ticket. Don’t let the boredom, frustration take the better of you. Here are few things you can try…

Two to Four Hours

• If you booked a flight with 2 to 4 hour transit or if you know the connecting flight is going to take up to 4 hours then see whether you can spend your time in an Airport lounge. You can catch up on your favourite TV show or your favourite sports channel. All the lounges give you Wi-Fi so browse browse browse. If not catch up on your work. Check your emails, start posting of Facebook, check what’s new in the destination you are flying to, make a do list.

• Some airports have massaging chairs or a massage parlor. Why not kill some time there. Or check for cosmetics duty free shops which gives you free facial, make over. Such promotions are running at these stores when they are introducing a new product. Check which shop offers free trials like this. They also want to get feedback so indulge them.

Six Hours and Over

If the transit is six hours or more… don’t fuss. If you have booked your air ticket with 6 hours transit time then apply for transit visa. You can cover another destination or a city this way. Killing two birds with a one stone.

As soon as your flight lands, don’t waste your time to check the duty free shops. Heads out and take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the nearest town. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a bazaar or music or arts festival going on. Even if there isn’t, you’ll love shopping around, trying out the local produce, and sinking your teeth in the different cuisines.

Hire a bicycle and go on a mini adventure around the city. Its great way to sightsee and get exercise at the same time. But do not get lost or now the limit you can spend because you need to come back to the airport on time to catch your flight.

If you’re going to be around for over 8 hours, then check what sort of an activity you can do in the area. Do a research and plan well.