Travel Tip 149

How to live in airports

Big airports have everything from food to clothes, but it’s best to bring with you everything you’ll need.

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Considering how frequent US government shutdowns affect TSA and how many flights are being cancelled for the rising cost of jet fuel, we may be spending more time in airports this year. With airlines warning that jet fuel at any price may be difficult to get in 2026, I want to share some tips for being in an airport longer than the usual 2-hour layover.

Whether you go to the airport four hours before your flight because TSA wait times are long, you miss a flight and have to stay at the airport for hours while they rebook you, or find yourself stuck for any number of reasons, you need to know how to survive at an airport.

Here are my top three tips for being at the airport so long you feel like you live there. 

Some airports have decent food options but don’t count on it. Research the airport ahead of time and bring food with you.

1. Research restaurant options and bring food.

It’s worth your time to check the food options at the airports you’re flying out of and have layovers in. Some airports have lots of restaurants, even if prices are inflated over what the same restaurant chain would charge at a franchise outside the airport. Some airports are food deserts with only one burger joint and one convenience store with junk food.

If you’re going through an airport with few restaurants, you don’t like the restaurant options or you’re unwilling to pay the high airport prices, make sure you bring food with you. Don’t bring peanuts and chips because you can always find those in airports. Bring something substantial like a pasta salad or sandwich and snacks you can’t easily find in airports, like carrot sticks and beef jerky.

Airports increasingly have sleep pods, like these ones at the Lima, Peru airport.

2. Research where you can sleep or at least rest.

The website Sleeping in Airports has great information for most airports around the world. Also, sleep pods are becoming more common and even if you’re not staying overnight can be a quiet and relaxing place to stay for a few hours.

Some airports have phone charging stations like this one, at the Lima Peru airport. Sometimes you have to hunt for a wall plug.

3. Bring a charged power bank and something to do that’s not electronic.

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to charge your phone. I’ve seen people hunt for an available plug in vain at main airports around the world. Bring electronics fully charged and have a fully charged power bank if you know you’ll need your phone more than the battery will last. Also, bring a book or analog games that you can use if you need to save your phone, tablet or computer battery.

The bottom line: Do your research and go to the airport prepared for a delay.

Blog: Cusco Airport Tips

I’ve put this blog off for years because I didn’t think there was much to say about the Cusco airport, besides that it’s small and easy to get through. Then I started writing and found I have a lot of tips for the Cusco airport. Send this to anybody you know flying to Cusco!