“You need to get to the airport six hours before your flight or else you’ll miss it!”

“….OK Grandpa.”

Whether you’re spending time at the airport because you’re traveling with your relatives who insist on arriving six hours before your flight, or because your flight has been delayed, here are some good ways to pass time in the terminal and in-flight.

EAT

There’s nothing like stuffing your gut with over-priced food that tastes like it’s been sitting in a gas station hot-box for 3 hours. If you time it right, it might pass through you before you get on the plane. All jokes aside, some of the restaurants actually have some decent food, and if you’re old enough you can take part in the next option…

DRINK

Do $14 light beers taste better in Terminal C or at Fenway Park? It’s a tough call. Be careful not to overindulge, as flying intoxicated is frowned upon.

SLEEP

Unless you’re flying first class, this is easier said than done. Make sure to bring a neck pillow to guarantee some REM. We recommend the window seat. It’s a great spot to lean your head, nobody will ask you to move, plus you have full control of the light coming through the window. 

GAMES

As long as your flight has low-turbulence, a deck of cards can make time fly by. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned game of War or Go-Fish when you’re disconnected in the clouds. If your tablet is charged, you can play a game of Hangman in the Paint app.

STREAM

If you’re one of the lucky ones with a charged laptop or tablet, there’s no better place to plow through 6 or 8 episodes of your most recent binge. Travel hack: if you are traveling with a friend or family member, grab a set of headphone splitters. There’s nothing worse than hearing your favorite show in one ear and Talkative Terry in the other.

GET PAID

Winglet compensates passengers who are delayed, diverted, or cancelled. In the event of a travel interruption, Winglet processes your payout automatically. To qualify, you must buy a Winglet package to cover your flight before flying. 

WORK

We didn’t say all of these options would be fun. 

LEARN

Read a book. Study for school. Bring a newspaper or magazine. Flying is one of the only times we are completely shut-off from the outside world. Take advantage of the (hopeful) peace and quiet and teach yourself something new.