How to Make the Most of Layovers During Business Travel

11 February 2026

Let’s face it — layovers can feel like a cruel joke. You’re en route to an important business meeting, and suddenly you’re stuck in an unfamiliar airport for three… maybe even six hours. Sounds dreadful, right?

Well, not so fast.

Layovers don’t always have to feel like wasted time. In fact, with the right mindset and a sprinkle of creativity, you can actually transform that "dead time" into one of the most productive or rejuvenating segments of your trip. Whether it’s knocking out a few to-do items, refreshing your mind, or sneaking in some sightseeing, a layover can become a golden opportunity in disguise.

In this article, we’re diving into how to make the most of layovers during business travel. Ready? Let’s turn that wait time into game time.

Why Layovers Don't Have to Suck

When you hear the word “layover,” your brain probably jumps straight to delays, waiting lounges, and overpriced airport snacks. But here’s the kicker: layovers can be exactly what you need—a pause button. If you’re constantly on the move for work, your body and brain are screaming for a breather. A layover gives you that rare slice of time that isn’t booked solid.

You could use it to rest, reset, or even recharge your business game. Instead of doom-scrolling through your phone in gate B18 until boarding begins, why not use that time with purpose?

Tip #1: Create a “Layover Toolkit” Before You Travel

One of the smartest things you can do is plan your layover strategy before you even board your outbound flight. Think of it as having a Swiss Army knife for travel—you’ll have what you need, when you need it.

Here’s what your toolkit could include:

- Noise-canceling headphones – A must for drowning out that crying baby or loudspeaker repeats.
- Charged portable battery – Your phone dying midway through a Zoom call? Nightmare fuel.
- Offline entertainment – Podcasts, audiobooks, or downloaded Netflix content.
- Snacks – A protein bar beats mystery airport sushi any day.
- Travel pillow and eye mask – Just in case you grab a power nap.

Having these essentials with you can put you leaps ahead of other travelers. It’s like wearing sneakers to a marathon while everyone else is in flip-flops.

Tip #2: Get Work Done — But Not ALL of It

Sure, you probably have a backlog of emails and files screaming for attention, but don’t feel pressured to grind through your entire to-do list during your layover. Use this time intentionally. Handle those small, manageable chunks of work you can do with minimal internet distractions.

Try these low-effort, high-payoff activities:

- Clear your inbox – This one feels so satisfying.
- Plan meeting notes or presentations – Without the usual office noise.
- Read up on the client you're about to visit – Show up impressively well-informed.

Treat it like a warm-up round rather than the championship game. A layover isn’t the time for deep work, but it’s perfect for checking off those pesky little tasks.

Tip #3: Seek Out Airport Lounges Like a VIP

If you’re not already using airport lounges, it’s time to change that. Lounges are like the grown-up playgrounds of travel. Think comfy chairs, fast Wi-Fi, decent food, and blessed silence away from crying toddlers.

Many credit cards or airlines offer lounge access – even for economy flyers. If you travel for work often, splurging on a lounge membership can be a total game-changer.

Not only can you work more efficiently in lounges, but you can also freshen up (showers, anyone?) and relax like you're in a hotel lobby. Feels less like a layover and more like a mini staycation.

Tip #4: Move Your Body — It Misses You

You've been crammed in an airplane seat for hours. Your back is stiff, your neck's sore, and your legs haven’t stretched since you left the house.

Guess what? Airports are big — use them to your advantage. Walking around isn’t just a way to kill time, it’s also a great way to revive yourself before your next flight.

Try these micro workouts between flights:

- Brisk walking – Do a full lap around the terminal.
- Wall stretches – Loosen up tight shoulders or lower back.
- Mini yoga session – Find a quiet corner and get zen. No shame.

You’ll board your next flight feeling a heck of a lot better than if you spent your entire layover slouched in a chair.

Tip #5: Upgrade Your Food Game

Airport food often gets a bad rap, and sure, some terminals are pure junk-food jungles. But many larger international airports now offer gourmet restaurants, local cuisine, and even plant-based menus that rival what you’d get downtown.

Here’s how to elevate your dining experience:

- Check the airport map – Don’t just settle for what’s near your gate.
- Opt for local delicacies – Find something that gives you a taste of the region.
- Stay hydrated – Air travel dries you out faster than a desert.

Eating well makes a huge difference in your energy levels. Besides, nourishing your body before another long haul isn’t just smart—it’s self-respect in action.

Tip #6: Squeeze in Local Sightseeing (If Time Allows)

If you have a longer layover—say, 5+ hours—you might actually have enough time to leave the airport and enjoy a quick city adventure. Sounds crazy? Tons of travelers do it every day!

Just make sure to ask yourself:

- Do I need a visa?
- How far is the airport from the city center?
- Can I make it back through security with time to spare?

If the answers are favorable, toss your carry-on in a locker and go exploring. Even grabbing a quick coffee near the Eiffel Tower or visiting a local market can add a little magic to your corporate itinerary.

Pro tip: hop-on, hop-off city tours are perfect for these quick escapes. They pick you up and drop you off with minimal fuss.

Tip #7: Meditate or Journal to Mentally Reset

Sometimes the biggest productivity boost comes from doing… absolutely nothing. Seriously.

Layovers offer a rare pause in a usually grinding schedule. Use the free time to clear your head.

Try this:

- Plug in a mindfulness app like Headspace or Calm.
- Find a quiet gate and do 10 minutes of deep breathing.
- Pull out a notebook and jot down your goals or reflections.

Traveling for business can be mentally taxing. Taking just a few minutes to reconnect with yourself can give you mental clarity, reduce stress, and set you up for a strong finish to your trip.

Tip #8: Catch Up on Sleep — Guilt-Free

No judgment here: sometimes you just need to knock out. If you're on a red-eye layover or jet-lagged from crossing time zones, treat this as a mini power-nap window.

Snag a quiet seat, throw on your eye mask, pop in some earplugs, and let your brain reboot. Even a 20-minute nap can reset your system like a charm.

Bonus hack: some airports have designated nap zones or even rentable sleep pods. Yes, that’s a thing. And yes, it’s amazing.

Tip #9: Network With Fellow Travelers

You never know who you’ll bump into on the road. That person sitting next to you at the lounge? They might be a potential client, recruiter, or collaborator. Airports are global hubs full of professionals from all industries.

Don’t be shy. Spark up a conversation. A simple, “Where are you headed?” can lead to a connection that pays off down the road.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll even score a business opportunity while sipping coffee next to gate 19.

Tip #10: Do Some Future Trip Planning

Finally, use your time as a strategic planning session. Research your next destination, check out restaurant options, or lock in transportation from the airport to your hotel. You’d be surprised how many future headaches you can eliminate with a bit of quiet planning time.

Apps like Google Maps (download offline maps!), TripIt, and Rome2Rio can make travel planning a breeze—even with sketchy airport Wi-Fi.

Bonus: Know When to Skip the Layover Altogether

All that said, sometimes layovers just aren’t worth it—especially if you’re drained, traveling with checked luggage, or on a super tight timeline.

If your company’s willing to budget a bit more, always weigh the cost of a direct flight against the productivity lost in layovers. Time is money, and sometimes paying for convenience saves you both.

Final Thoughts

Layovers during business travel don’t have to be a drag. With a shift in mindset and a bit of pre-planning, you can use these mini time capsules to recharge, reset, and even achieve more than you thought possible.

So next time you find yourself stretching out hours between flights, remember—you’re not just waiting; you’re winning.

Now go make the most of your next layover. Happy travels, road warrior!