things to do during airport layovers
 

I am arriving at O"Hare Saturday morning at 4:45 a.m. and continuing on to London at 9:10 a.m. (same airline, both American). Should I even consider doing anything away from the airport (I was thinking maybe breakfast at Lou Mitchell's?), or is the time too short (am I going to have a long check-in for an international flight?)

If I should stay at O'Hare, any thoughts for making this more interesting for me?

Similar situation on the way back, only it's 4 hours at JFK.

Thanks for anti-boredom tips!

Stay at the airport and have breakfast.
I always check-in for an international flight about 3 hours before takeoff, get through security and read in the quietest corner I can find!

If you get in early, and if you hire a limo or taxi, you could squeeze in a 75 minute tour - downtown would be about 25 minutes away by car at that hour. I'm not recommending it, mind you, but it is possible. I certainly wouldn't spend the $60 or more just to go eat at Lou Mitchell's.

You shouldn't have a long check-in; American's international flights leave from the same terminal 3 as their domestic flights. Be aware though, that they sometimes play "musical gates" with their departing flights. Keep checking those screens!

If you stay at O'Hare, there is usually a photography exhibit between terminals 2 and 3. I don't imagine much will be open at 5 a.m.

I am pretty well known for cutting it close schedule wise to do a bit of local touring between flights, but I would NOT try this at O'Hare on your schedule. Security can be an atrocious wait at times, and there's no way to predict when.

Did you know that there's a Lou Mitchell's at O'Hare? It's at the International Terminal. Just stay at the airport, there's plenty to do.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/f...he-airport.htm

Go get a manicure or chair massage, then read.

I would have breakfast then do a power walk in the terminal, get a quick massage then pick out a new book.

I have an upcoming 6 hour layover in Atlanta...I intend to go get something to eat and then I will watch a movie on my portable DVD.