Forced to wait? Spend your downtime wisely

Doing my best to endure a four-hour layover with some shred of dignity, I really just wanted to scream. My reasoning seemed on point since the journey thus far had been less than ideal. Indeed, I had been wait-listed for first class for the prior six-hour flight, only to be relegated, at the last minute, to the back of the plane.

Then, to add insult to this serious traveler's injury, I was assigned the middle seat on the left side of a 757 with two people talking through me as I tried to position myself for some sleep to make the flight go faster. Because the pair seemed to be well-acquainted, I asked if either wanted to swap seats but neither took me up on my offer, not breaking stride as they continued their conversation with me -- literally -- stuck between them.

So, by the time I reached Newark, I was meant to mind my time there in a very bad mood, dead tired and suffering a really big headache.

Thinking eating might cheer me up, I bought myself some cherry Lifesavers, in the back of my mind even hoping they would work in more ways than just as mere sustenance. That didn't work at all, so after a quick window-shopping expedition, looking at overpriced items I would never own, I headed to my gate at a very slow pace.

Nearly there, I noticed a small group of people doing what looked like some sort of slow-moving calisthenics. As I approached, I realized the four travelers were copying each other in yoga poses, an unusual sight that pulled me in. Before long, I was one of the exercisers, doing my best downward dog right next to an expert. Together, we tried position after position, and after about five I noticed I was feeling better. I smiled and thought how strange it was it would come to a long layover and strangers getting fit, both mentally and physically, before I would give in to experiencing exercise.

That being said, following are some other good ways to wait out downtime in an uncharted airport:

• Take along a DVD you've been meaning to watch but never had the time. Watch it on your laptop or rent a personal DVD machine from an airport concourse kiosk.

• Pay to stay in the airline lounge of your choice. I plunked down $45 on my return trip from Europe through Newark for a single stay at Continental Airlines' President's Club since my layover on that leg was a full six hours. I toiled at the workstations, had a few drinks at a bar, chatted with a couple of Aussies and freshened my makeup in the luxurious ladies room. By the time I made my plane, I felt refreshed and productive.

• Try an airport spa if you can find one, even if that means going to another terminal. These personal nurturing stations are popping up in concourses all over the world, giving busy business travelers a good reason to surrender to a professional Swedish massage or to a rejuvenating facial while waiting for the right time to board their next flight. I hold no doubt that this kind of supreme airport treatment will ensure that the journey onwards will be far less painful -- no matter where on the next plane you happen to find yourself sitting.