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The Perfect Carry-On Bag

How to Survive Your Trip Delay

Flight_delayWorking for a travel insurance company, it only makes sense that I have a natrual love for travel, right? But even I can't avoid the ever-annoying travel delay. In fact, the last time I was in Richmond, I had a trip delay of at least four hours. And had it not been for a considerate agent at then-Continental Airlines booking me on a partner's airplane, I would have never made it home before the stroke of Midnight. 

I'm not saying that one company has more delay issues over another - nor am I saying that you'll always be hit with a delay. But the probability of a trip delay is always high - especially when travelling on a common carrier (via land, sea, or air). So what have I learned as a result? Don't be mad when your trip is delayed - instead, embrace the opportunity. 

What do I mean by "embrace the opportunity?" I mean that thanks to the trip delay, you know have that much more time to get something done! Here are some of the things I do to survive the trip delay: 

  1. Catch up on your required reading list:
    So my flight has been backed for three hours. That's lame. But because I know that my flight is going to be delayed, I've got at least one book on my "required travel reading" list packed (or maybe three loaded onto my tablet). The current book on my list? The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
  2. Wear comfortable shoes:
    You may be wondering how this has to do with trip delay at all? Simple: the longer your delay, the longer you have to adventure! If your trip is delayed by three hours, you now have that much more time to investigate everything about a terminal. For instance, did you know that in addition to having a great shopping area, the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport also has a semi-secret observation deck? And if you have more time, get out and investigate the city - just be sure to get back in time for your flight!
  3. Catch up on business:
    Take a look at your Inbox right now - I'll wait here for you to get back. How many of those do you have to respond back to?  How many of those have been on your to-do list for a while? Seeing as how you have nothing better to do for a while, now might be a good time to cut into those. That is, of course, unless you are travelling on vacation - then I skip down to number four...
  4. Do what you love:
    Just because you are subject to a trip delay doesn't mean you are stuck. In fact, this might be some valuable time to get a lot done - or catch up on a hobby. Being an unashamed gamer, I have several apps of my favorite games on my tablet and laptop (Favorite airport time-killing game: Transport Tycoon). Find something you truly enjoy (that can get through security - I don't think you'll be able to sneak a paints set through the checkpoint), and be sure to pack it in with your carry-on bags. What do you enjoy? Throw on the headphones, and bring it to life during your down time! 

Remember - just because you have a trip delay, doesn't mean you have to suffer through it. What are some of your favorite ways to kill time? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below! (Partially because when I go to Richmond this week...I'll probably be delayed in some form.)

Comments

Marta N.

How many of those have been on your to-do list for a while? Seeing as how you have nothing better to do over the holidays, now might be a good time to cut into those. That is, of course, unless you are travelling on vacation - then I skip down to number four...

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