Delay fun

I had to pick the day to travel to Portugal when there was a general strike. When the kind gentlemen told me this at the counter, and informed me of my generous delay, I had two options: complain about it and cause a fuss or accept it and be happy. I decided to go with the latter. Here, then, are my tips and suggestions for when you’re stuck at the airport:

1. Free Food

As a compensation for the five-hour delay (feel sorry for the guys on the flight before, they had a 7 hour delay), you get given a voucher for food. With the lovely £7 voucher TAP gave me, I got a delicious orange juice and a margarita pizza with plane-views… for the bargain of £3. Not bad, eh..

2. Time isn't an excuse, so try something new! 

You know those little boutique stalls in the duty-free? Well, this was my turn to test out the MAC make-up line.

With a little courage, I walked up to a confident make-up artist and asked her if I could have a make-over. Sure, I felt a bit like a beggar with my poorly applied eyeliner, over-due trimmed eyebrows, that one spot and my glasses – I’m not self-critical.

But as I sat on that chair I was transformed. I couldn’t believe the talent and how much make-up really makes that much of a difference.

3. Meet someone new

The airport has got to be one of the best places to meet someone who you would never otherwise come across. I’ve met some of the most interesting people here, from important bankers to sales managers of high-end brands. Who knows that person could be your future employer?

It’s amazing how being polite and friendly to the person next to you in the queue can make such a difference. One smile can make peoples day. Everyone likes smiles. So meet someone new and smile.

4. Be a shopper           

If you know me, you’ll know I have no idea what fashion brands are. You could be wearing the most expensive top; I’d think it’s from New Look. With time on my side, I ventured into these shops and explored what the fuss about the labels is all about.

With my love for asking questions, I also killed my curiosity. I don’t understand what makes Rolex so special, so I asked and through that I learnt something new: they gain value with time!

It might sound a bit silly, but it's a great opportunity to learn and try something new. 

5. People watch

Maybe it’s a tad on the creepy side, but human behaviour is fascinating. The body language of people screams everything. As you wonder around the airport, take into account the way people walk, how they walk and see what you can learn about them.

You can also learn about yourself this way. For instance, if I see someone slouching on the chair, I can ask myself ‘when would I sit like this’ and this way, I can learn more.

6. Relax

Travelling can be stressful. Getting to the airport, check in, security, gate search, quick bite, go to gate, board. It’s an exhausting process.

Thanks to delays – you no longer have to worry. The moment you go through security, give yourself the time. Enjoy it. Walk into the shops you would never, take a seat by the window and see the planes go and read a book.

It’s actually pretty therapeutic.

7. Finish those bits and bobs before you go on a holiday

We always have something we could be doing. Take the delay as an opportunity to finish that before you jet off.

So, this is how I enjoyed my generous five hours at the airport. Would you suggest anything else?