Make safety a priority. Keep your cash in a front pocket or small pack around your waist. Don't wander around empty parts of the airport. Stay in populous areas. Know how to access airport security.
Have an airport picnic. Most airports have restaurants, diners, bars and cafes. Find a spot in front of the windows and watch the activities outside. If flights are still taking off, your children may enjoy watching the planes come and go.
Buy any essentials you need at the airport shops. Purchase a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream and blades, a magazine, a hairbrush and a few low cost items to entertain children such as puzzles, crayons and books. You'll find many of the items in convenient travel sizes.
If you are traveling with children pass the time by playing games or telling stories as if you were on a family camping trip. Games such as I Spy and cards will make the time pass faster. Tell ghost stories or talk about your favorite past vacations.
Ask airport staff for information on services available to stranded passengers. If it is a large delay in flights due to weather the airport may have a plan in place to bring in cots, food and water. They may have diapers available for stranded passengers or food vouchers.
Locate an airport directory. Find out what the airport has to offer. Some airports have a children's play area where your little ones can release energy. Airports may also have shops, massage areas and showers.
Keep perspective. No one wants to camp in the airport, but remember that it is only temporary. Delays may be for passenger safety, and no one is to blame. Keep your sense of humor and do your best to pass the time until you're on your way.
