Flying out of LAX can be a nightmarish experience at the best of times, but when your flight is delayed you could be forgiven for shaking your fist at the sky and cursing your misfortune.
Fortunately, while it’s natural to feel initial anger and disappointment at a delay in your journey, there are a number of ways to enjoyably pass the time at LAX while you wait for your new departure time. Read on to find out more.
*This is a collaborative post. Image Source
*This is a collaborative post. Grab A Bite To Eat
Sometimes, there’s no better way to soothe your soul than with a tasty snack or a hearty meal. While you may feel understandably frustrated at having your flight delayed – particularly if you made sure to arrive early, found the perfect affordable parking near Los Angeles International Airport, and didn’t forget a single important document – it may help to distract you if you check out the airport’s array of food outlets.
There are plenty of culinary options to choose from at LAX, whether you are just looking for a light snack – Dunkin’ Donuts anyone? – or something a little more filling. If you’re hankering for a burger, you can grab a table at Planet Hollywood in Terminal B, with its mouth-watering menu that includes all-day breakfasts, tacos and quesadillas, and healthy salads.
Alternatively, if you have a craving for the umami flavors of Asian cuisine, make your way to Asian Street Eats, also in Terminal B. Here, you can choose from a menu of tempting rice bowls, pot stickers, and scallion pancake wraps.
Refresh Yourself With Some Retail Therapy
Another way to kill some time while waiting for your flight is to browse through LAX’s selection of stores, newsstands, and duty-free offerings. If you have loved ones who you want to present with some LA souvenirs, then the best place to go is the I Love LA airport gift shop. You will find all manner of Los Angeles-inspired goodies here to give out to your nearest and dearest upon your arrival.
On the other hand, if you just want to grab a couple of magazines or a newspaper to help you while away the time, there are a few newsstands to choose from, including Access Hollywood and Hudson News.
Admire Some Artwork
Los Angeles International Airport has been using a variety of art exhibits, installations and performance art sessions to help make travelling more of an enriching and enjoyable experience for passengers.
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As a result, the airport is home to a number of permanent art exhibits as well as temporary installations. You can also watch live performances that reflect the rich culture and diversity you will find in LA.
Check If You Are Due Some Compensation
In some cases, a delayed flight could result in remuneration, so it’s worth checking if you are entitled to compensation by your airline.
For example, while a delay caused by bad weather will not result in a payment, if a delayed or cancelled flight was caused by the airline’s own error – and if the delay is of a certain length of time – then you could be eligible for a pay-out.
While you’re waiting for your rescheduled flight to depart, it’s worth double-checking your airline’s refund policy. After all, if there’s a chance of making some money out of an unpleasant situation, why not take it?
Keep Yourself Busy
If you now find yourself with a couple of hours to kill before your delayed flight will take off, you can use the time to do something useful, like catch up on some work. Perhaps you have some important emails to send, or a document or presentation to prepare. If so, then there’s no better time than the present to get it done. Not only will focusing on work help the time to fly by faster, but you will also have less to do later on.
Stretch Your Legs
Flying can be taxing for your body, especially if you take regular long-haul flights. As a result, if your flight is delayed, it gives you a good opportunity to get some exercise and boost your circulation before you have to squeeze yourself into a cramped airline seat.
The simplest way to do this is, of course, simply to walk about. However, you can also try some other tips and tricks, such as carrying your bags around, which will help to work your core (provided you are careful and maintain good posture while doing so), doing wall sits and seated leg lifts, or even trying some lunges (the latter is for those fliers who don’t embarrass easily).
You may be surprised how many ways there are to exercise at the airport; in fact, you could probably complete a full workout routine before your delayed flight takes off.
Catch Up On Some Reading
If you have packed a book in your carry-on luggage, then a delayed plane gives you the chance to escape into a literary world and forget about your interrupted journey.
Find a quiet spot somewhere, open your book, and lose yourself in the plot; you may be surprised how quickly time can pass when you’re absorbed in a good story. Of course, if you haven’t brought a book with you, you can always pick one up at one of the airport’s newsstands; or, failing that, grab a few magazines to keep you going while you wait for your flight to be called.
Keeping Your Kids Entertained
Being delayed at an airport is never fun, but when you have kids in tow it can feel like being trapped on an uncomfortable fairground ride that you can’t get off.
A great way to keep your little ones entertained is to treat them to some tasty snacks; after all, kids are easily pleased, and fast food favorites such as pizza and donuts are one of the most effective mood-boosters, if admittedly not the healthiest.
If your kids are aged between 2 and 11, you will also be able to take advantage of the beach-themed play area located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. With its beach toys, slide, and dolphins, this children’s zone is sure to keep your young ones amused until it’s time to get ready for your flight.
Conclusion
While getting delayed is always going to be a frustrating experience, there’s no need to be bored or at a loose end while you’re waiting for your plane to depart from LAX. From snacking to exercising or catching up on work, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.
