10 Tech Tips for Surviving an Airport Delay

Flights are never on time. I had a 4 leg trip earlier this year where 3/4 legs were delayed by over an hour with perfect weather. Today I write this while waiting out a 2+ hour delay. So how do you survive it? Be prepared. Here are my tips.

1. Bring headphones. I bring my noise canceling Bose QC 15s and they save my life. I can’t work with the noise of a busy terminal. I plug my headphones in, pump up some music, and I’m working as productively as at home.
2. Find the right spot before the delay. Once the delay is announced, the best spots for waiting it out will be taken. Look for a spot in a corner with a table, and outlets to keep your gear charged. Find a window to avoid the claustrophobia.
3. Tethering– Get it. I wouldn’t be writing this post without the 4G tethering on the galaxy note. You can do it on the iphone as well. At max it’ll cost you $20 a month, but when you’re stuck in an airport with no free wifi, you’re screwed. The slow broadband at some airports can cost more than $20 meaning you’ll save money, and have access to the tethering for the rest of the month as well.
4. Charge your devices beforehand. Say all the outlets are taken. You’re going to be mad when your phone runs out of battery and you’re stranded deviceless.
5. COFFEE– Buy yourself whatever type of coffee you prefer to keep yourself wide awake (unless you plan on sleeping).
6. Bring a laptop case. Laptops on your lap are actually dangerous due to the heat they produce. So much so, that companies are forced to refer to them as notebook computers instead of laptops by law now. It also makes it much more comfortable.
7. Bring alternate entertainment. I pack every tech magazine known to man for example. Wired, Maclife, Macworld, I’ve got it all.
8. Download stuff beforehand. Once again, the wifi issue. Don’t expect to be able to stream netflix, or download a season of the office in the airport. Download it beforehand to be safe.
9. Use social media and the web to your advantage. Have a problem? Reach out to the airline’s twitter team. Most US airlines have it. Rebook using an online travel service.
10. Don’t be unprepared. I’m saying it now, and I’ll say it again, and I’ve said it before. Be ready for anything.

Hope these help.