As a frequent flier, I spend a lot of time in airports. Although I haven’t had many flights cancelled, I’ve experienced plenty of delays. Initially, these delays were quite frustrating, but over time, I’ve learned to stay calm since getting upset doesn’t help and there’s not much you can do about it.

Here are some tips for handling flight delays:

Be Courteous to the Staff

Even though you might feel angry, try not to take it out on the airport staff. Most of the time, delays aren’t their fault, and they have the challenging task of keeping passengers calm. Being kind to them can really make a difference as they are the ones who can assist you. For example, my flight from Berlin was delayed, causing me to miss a connecting flight. A staff member apologetically informed me that I’d need to take a later flight. Surprisingly, I only ended up landing 90 minutes later than planned, and because I was appreciative and understanding, she upgraded me to Business Class for both of my flights home.

Get Some Work Done

If you’re delayed for a few hours, use this time productively. As a writer and a blogger, I often work in airports. Even without my laptop, I jot down ideas on my phone or a new notepad. Staying productive helps make the delay feel less annoying.

Check for Compensation

Websites like Flightright can tell you if you’re eligible for compensation due to the delay. Knowing you might get some money back can make the wait more bearable.

Enjoy a Nice Meal

When your flight is delayed for a few hours, you often get vouchers for food and drinks. Many airports have decent restaurants, so take this opportunity to have a good meal.

Go Shopping

Treat yourself to something nice or start shopping for birthday or Christmas presents. I once managed to buy all my Christmas gifts in Duty-Free in under an hour!

Check into an Airport Lounge

Airport lounges are not just for rich first-class fliers. Affordable options like those from No.1 Traveller offer luxury and exclusivity at a reasonable price. If you’re stuck in the airport, you might as well be comfortable.

Relax and Find a Comfortable Seat

If nothing else works, find a quiet and comfortable seat near an information screen to keep track of updates. Grab a coffee and a piece of cake, put on some headphones, and dive into a good book. With our busy lives, relaxing with a book is a rare luxury, and there’s no better time to indulge than during an airport delay.