26-01-2025
14 products for passing time at the airport, according to a travel expert
Curious about how to pass time in the airport during a lengthy connection? Whether your airline has issued a flight delay or your itinerary simply includes an interminable stopover, select travel gear can salvage your sanity.
Whether you're traveling solo or a family with small children, here are 14 fun ideas to help you endure the airport experience while waiting for the next leg of your trip.
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Few things serve a frequent traveler better than quality noise-canceling headphones. For obvious reasons, they're great in flight, but they're also excellent during a layover while bingeing Netflix and our review
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The next best thing to dragging a steamer trunk of books with you into the fuselage is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. It's a fit-in-your-pocket marvel of technology. This e-reader features a dual-threat display of anti-glare and E-ink, so the only thing you won't get is that old book our review
Lenovo ThinkVision M14T Portable Monitor
If you're trying to get some work done during your connection, consider packing one of the best portable monitors. The Lenovo ThinkVision M14T is a 14-inch beauty. It's also a touch screen. It's got FHD 1080p resolution, and it's lightweight at just 1.54 pounds. It's an easy way to double your workspace real estate.
Anker Nano Power Bank
The Anker Nano Power Bank isn't itself a way to pass the time, but it's a clutch device for keeping your primary time-wasters alive. You'll get 10,000mAh of juice, meaning you can charge your phone multiple times or even your laptop. This power bank is one of our favorites, and, of course, it complies with TSA battery rules for carry-on luggage.
Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W and Power Bank
We love this product's dual functionality as a power bank and fast wall charger. It helps ensure you can keep all your devices powered during airport delays without worrying about finding a charging station.
Nex Playground
The Nex Playground transforms any space into an active play area, keeping kids entertained and engaged during long airport delays with motion-tracking games that require no controllers.
Farm Animal Gel Clings Decals Stickers
Traveling with a lap infant? Find a quiet gate in the terminal and pop some of these farm animal gel clings to a window. My daughter absolutely loved peeling and sticking these over and over, and I got to enjoy views of the tarmac while she played. They're surprisingly thick and durable for the price too (and of course, they leave zero residue).
PlayTape Road Tape for Toy Cars
For slightly older kids, the PlayTape Road Tape for Toy Cars can turn the blandest of environments into a playhouse. This 2-inch-thick tape looks like an asphalt road and inspires fun scenarios for whatever carry-on toys they might have brought along, whether it's cars, action figures or otherwise.
Acelion Waterproof Playing Cards
Playing cards are endlessly entertaining, whether traveling alone or with a group. Acelion Waterproof Playing Cards are a great item to stuff into your backpack for those arduously long stopovers. And because they're waterproof, they're far less susceptible to wear and tear. You can even play with them in the pool when you get to your destination (fingers crossed you're going somewhere beachy).
My Arcade Atari Pocket Player Pro
The My Arcade Atari Pocket Player Pro offers 100 classic games in a compact, portable design. Our senior tech editor, Mike Andronico, loves My Arcade products, and this one offers an entertaining and nostalgic way to pass the time.
Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow
The Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow is designed for sleeping on airplanes. It helps you to find a comfortable position while sitting in a confined space. But after trying it out, the neck pillow is surprisingly relaxing. If you're not quite ready to surrender the whole of your dignity by lying on the soiled airport carpet, this is a great way to take a quick nap (though not so comfortable that you'll miss your flight).Read our review
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
Our favorite sleep mask offers complete light blocking and unmatched comfort. It's ideal for catching much-needed rest during lengthy airport our review
Everfoams Women's Satin Ballerina Slippers
Everfoams slippers are compact, washable and hygienic. They're great for staying comfortable and clean during long airport delays or on the plane.
Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder
The Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder keeps your drinks secure and hands-free. The extra organization can go a long our reviewWhat is the best way to pack products to pass time?
What is the best way to pack products to pass time?
When packing items to keep yourself entertained at the airport, it's essential to make them easily accessible. Many of the things you'll use during a long connection are also handy on the plane, so it's smart to pack them near the top of your bag — ideally in your personal item rather than your carry-on. This way, you can avoid stepping into the aisle after takeoff to dig through the overhead compartment.
How long do you need to be delayed at the airport to get a refund?
How long do you need to be delayed at the airport to get a refund?
According to the US Department of Transportation, if your domestic flight is delayed by three hours or more, you're entitled to a refund of the portion of your travel assuming you do not accept alternate transportation or travel credit from the airline. If traveling internationally, you must be delayed by at least six hours.
Are electronic products better than non-electronic ones to pass the time at the airport??
Are electronic products better than non-electronic ones to pass the time at the airport??
The question as to whether electronic products are better than non-electronic ones is debatable, but on any occasion you can find to avert your eyes from a screen, you should take it. If you're like most of us, you already spend an inordinate amount of time on your phone or computer. Plus, then you aren't draining your battery in the airport when you might want to enjoy your device in flight.
CNN Underscored editors accompany thorough research with first-person testing of most (if not all) of the products we write about. We'll be fully transparent about how we test them too. Our team of writers and editors have many years of experience testing travel products to properly evaluate each item we review. We also talk to experts to round out our unbiased reviews. Contributing writer Sarah Hostetler specializes in travel and has written a number of travel-related articles and guides, and used her years of experience and expertise to round up the best products for flight delays.
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