Every time a flight takes off on time, it seems like a little miracle. Despite airlines’ set schedules, there’s a lot working against getting to your destination on time. First, there’s the weather: it’s either too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy or too foggy. Then there are the mechanical issues to contend with (recently I had a flight delayed for an hour and a half because the co-pilot’s seat belt wouldn’t click). And sometimes it’s not even the airline’s fault, but rather an unruly passenger – like the man on one of my flights who, upon hearing that the pilot and co-pilot were both women – demanded to be let off the plane because he felt unsafe.
As a frequent flyer, at this stage, I just assume that every flight will be delayed—that way, if it actually takes off on time, it seems like a bonus. Flight delays are, of course, annoying. No one likes hanging out at the airport, so I use that extra time to get stuff done that I’d normally put off. It’s perfect, when you think about it: You don’t want to be at the airport, but you have no choice; and you don’t want to do those tasks, but you have no choice. Ergo, you should use your flight delay to knock out a few items on your to-do list because you literally have nothing better to do.
Here’s how to make the most of your flight delay.
Plan ahead
Yes, I know it sounds very glass-half-empty, but when you’re getting ready for your trip—printing tickets, gathering passports, transferring your liquids into three-ounce containers—work under the assumption that your flight will be cancelled, and come up with a few tasks you can do at the airport.
Think about what you’ve been putting off, and make sure you have what you need. For example, if you need to call the cable company to dispute a bill, you’re going to need your account number, so take a photo of your bill so you have all the information you need handy on your phone.
Is there a book you’ve wanted to read but haven’t had time? Flight delays are the perfect opportunity. If you’re a teacher who needs to grade papers, either pop the assignments in your bag or scan them so they’re on your computer (if you don’t already have electronic versions).
Get to work
As soon as you find out that your flight has been delayed, take a look around the airport lounge and claim your spot. Ideally you’ll want somewhere with a chair and an outlet. If you’re planning on working on a laptop, try and find a workstation that operates as a standing desk, or with high stools, minimizing the chances of having a small, noisy child next to you.
Once you’re settled in, get to work. You may not reach the coveted Inbox Zero, but you can definitely send off a few annoying email responses you’ve been ignoring. This is usually the first thing I do because really, there’s never a time when I don’t have a backlog and it feels good clearing the unread messages out, one by one.
If the airport doesn’t have free Wi-Fi or you can’t face opening your computer, there’s plenty you can get done on your phone. Aside from calling credit card, cable and electric companies, you can also make a dentist appointment or check the balance on that Target gift card you got for your birthday and can’t remember if you’ve used yet.
Flight delays are also the perfect time for making phone calls to friends or family members that you can never seem to fit into your schedule. Not only do you have the time, but you also have the perfect excuse to get off the phone: “Oh! I have to go—they just announced that my flight’s about to board.” (Even if that’s not the case, there will be so many overhead announcements, the person on the phone won’t know the difference.)
Keep in mind
If you’re lucky enough to be at an airport with free Wi-Fi, make sure you practice good internet hygiene like you would in any other public Wi-Fi situation. That means doing things like checking signs in the airport announcing the free Wi-Fi to make sure you’re using their official network and not a similar-sounding identity thief’s trap, and avoiding doing your online banking. You definitely don’t want to start your trip off with a delayed flight and a call from Chase saying they’ve spotted some suspicious activity on your credit card.