Top Tips for Surviving Airport Transits in Comfort

Love the destination but can’t hack the travel? You’re not the only one, yet around the globe, budget-travelling seniors are arriving fresher at their final port of call by managing their airport transits with a series of small, smart hacks that make the world of difference. Whether it’s catching 40 winks, resting in a low-stress environment, or finding home comforts, it’s all do-able when you know how. Check out these tips for transiting like a pro:

Nab a nap for nothing

Nothing beats researching the airport where you’ll be transiting (but make sure you’re searches are up-to-date as airports are notorious for undertaking alterations with little warning). Check out the quietest spots for sleeping (such as downstairs from Nandi’s bustling transit lounge). Find out which section of your airport offers the best loungers, low-lighting, and quiet zones. Should you decide to stretch out on a comfy corner of carpet, find out in advance whether this will be tolerated or if you’ll be asked to ‘move on.’ While there are dedicated sites for checking this kind of information, be sure to also read up on sites such as Tripadvisor which can offer up-to-the-minute experiences. Here’s a tip for adventurous night-nappers: airport food courts may shut at night, but their couches and chairs seldom do. They can often be the quietest spots in the airport for a snooze in the small hours (unless, of course, there are notices forbidding sleeping there).

Purchase privacy

A ‘room’ of one’s own, even for a few hours, can refresh you like nothing else, and you don’t need to break the bank to get it. Short-term, rent-by-the-hour cubicles (often referred to as ‘pods’) or small rooms, can be found in many airports. If your transit allows you to exit the terminal, there are often hotels, within walking distance, you can hire for a few hours (some include swimming pools too!). Check out just how affordable some of these hotels can be.

Love a lounge!

You don’t have to be a frequent flier or have an unlimited travel budget to rest up in a private airport lounge while transiting. Head to designated one-off airport lounge booking sites to find the best deals to be had at your airport. Some offer complimentary drinks and food, while others provide comfy loungers where you can doze off for an hour or two.

Make-over moves

Sometimes, all it takes to revive yourself during a transit is a shower. Research airports to find out where free or rentable showers are available, if you need to carry your own toiletries, and if you can hire towels. A number of sites are dedicated to providing this information (but always make sure the information is up to date).

Lock it and leave it!

If you’re on a budget flight, it’s very likely you’ll be managing a self-transfer – in which case, you’ll need to watch over your luggage while you take a snooze, or tow it behind you while you sight-see the airport. Unless of course you can lock your luggage away! Before you leave (in fact, before you book!) check out airports to find which offer lockers or storage facilities where you can leave your luggage safely  stowed. Tips for newbies: before you go, check lockers will accommodate the size of your luggage, always snap a photo of your locker passcode, and check staffed storage facilities are accessible after hours.

Transiting doesn’t have to be a chore or a bore – use the time to relax or make it an adventure in itself!