The Window Seat: Ten Things to Do on the Tarmac

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You're side lined. Suddenly, unexpectedly, your plane taxies to a holding area, and you're far from the gate's amenities to occupy your time. Now that you're stuck sitting on the tarmac, you need some inspiration, which is where I come in. No need to curse the airlines for wasting your time when you can make use of it.

Sure, we can all make use of the time if our laptops and cell are fully charged. But what happens if the batteries are running low? Suppose you're saving the last juice for a call upon arrival? If you're like many people, this is when you start to curse the airlines, unless of course, you can make productive use of the time on the tarmac, or at least pass it pleasantly. You may even wonder when it was that you had such solid time without interruption. It's kind of nice.

Here are 10 suggestions for the next time you find yourself sitting on the tarmac:

Empty your wallet and toss away all the junk stored in it. (Be discreet you don't want to flaunt your cash to other passengers.)
If your batteries allow, play solitaire on your computer, or a game like backgammon on your palm pilot. If you travel often enough and find yourself with time on your hands frequently, it may be worth buying a pocket-sized game to entertain yourself; it works as a stress reliever too. (Many pocket games are available for under $30.)
Make friends with your neighbor (but remember: once you start, you may not be able to stop.) Be sure to have a magazine or book handy, should you feel like politely ending the conversation.
Play I Spy.
Make a "To Do" list of all those errands and outstanding tasks you've been meaning to do so you can actually start putting them into action. When was the last time you had your oil changed? Bought stamps? Called your cousin?
Write a letter! When was the last time you actually did that? You don't have any paper? No matter--be playful and creative. You can write a friend on airplane napkins, paper towels, or even the airsickness bag as a whimsical twist on traditional letterhead.
Test your memory by giving yourself 20 seconds to note everything you can about your surroundings. Next, close your eyes and see what you can recall.
Practice deep breathing. Yoga instructors often say the key to practicing good yoga is managing your breathing skills. You can actually relax yourself by taking deeper inhalations and exhalations. Close your eyes, breath, and picture yourself on a quiet, sunny beach. Before you know it your plane may be in the air and on the way! (You may also fall asleep, which is another perfectly good way to pass the time.)
See how many words you can make out of the each of the following words: airport, flight attendant, and destination.
Get clean and lean! Sort through your address book or palm pilot. Be sure to cross out or delete old contacts and remove secondary entries and unnecessary items. While you're at it, remove any unnecessary names stored in your phone.

Frequent travelers know that there is no guarantee of an absolutely flawless travel experience. But without adding much, or any, weight to your baggage, you can make use of the time and yes, it's true, actually enjoy your detainment on the tarmac.

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