close up of person writing in notebook
Reconnect with someone you care about by writing them a letter (you can always send it later).
Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / Yan Lev

18 Productive Things to Do During a Flight Delay to Keep Boredom at Bay

Put That Time to Good Use

Any frequent traveler knows that feeling of burning frustration welling up inside, threatening to burst into full-blown anger as you read that innocent little word: delayed. Flight delays are unfortunately fairly common and definitely top the list of worst flight experiences.

Factors such as weather, late incoming aircraft, mechanical faults or a whole raft of other things can push your scheduled flight time back anywhere from a few minutes to many hours (although you will be extremely unlucky if that turns into days).

The key to keeping a grip on your sanity during a flight delay is to use your time wisely. The hours you are stuck in the airport waiting for your delayed flight don’t have to be wasted.

Instead of using this time to stomp around complaining to anyone who will listen, try turning the delay into an opportunity to achieve something productive.

Be creative, active or practical, and give one of the following things to do during a flight delay a go.

1. Write a Letter to Someone

Everyone loves getting mail, and in a world where staying in touch means sending emojis over Facebook, a handwritten letter is uniquely personal.

Reconnect with someone you care about by writing them a letter (you can always send it later).

young woman in airport on laptopIf you don’t have a pen and paper handy, use your delay to catch up on all of your Facebook messages and emails that you have neglected.Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / Sasha Suzi

2. Write to People Digitally

If you don’t have a pen and paper handy, use your delay to catch up on all of your Facebook messages and emails that you have neglected.

Take the chance to reply to everyone you have been ignoring, or reach out to people you haven’t spoken to in a while.

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woman and man in business attire chattingIn keeping with the theme of connecting with people, make someone’s day and give them a genuine compliment and a smile.Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / Steex

3. Give a Stranger a Compliment

In keeping with the theme of connecting with people, make someone’s day and give them a genuine compliment and a smile.

Bonus points if it is one of the harried airline staff dealing with angry delayed passengers.

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