Layovers, But Make Them Luxe: The Best Airport Hack You’re Not Using

Hey girlfriend! I used to be that traveler who would do anything to find a direct flight. No stops, no breaks, just straight there. But when I was in school in Virginia (Hail State!) and coast-to-coast flights became a regular thing, I quickly changed my mindset. Six hours in the air across the country is no joke—even when you can sleep on planes. At some point, I’d be wide awake, bored, and restless. Not to mention sore from sitting too long. I truly love to travel, but the trips were a literal pain in the ass, and the whole experience left me drained. That’s when I realized… layovers might actually be the better option. A chance to stretch, move around, and grab a bite? I think yes. Little by little, I started to see the journey as just as important as the destination—and I’ve never passed up on a layover since.

Recently, I discovered a little layover hack that completely leveled up my experience: dining in.

Now, hear me out. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of eating at an airport restaurant. Why would I? Prices were already outrageous. But then I thought—if I’m going to pay $20+ for a burger and fries at a food court, why not spend the same for a sit-down experience? It’s actually a no-brainer.

My first test run was at PF Chang’s in the ATL airport, and let me tell you—it instantly converted me. The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet upstairs corner, completely removed from the chaos of the terminals. For an hour, I got to breathe, relax, and enjoy a real meal instead of standing in line for 10 minutes only to wander around for another 10 looking for a seat. Long gone are the days of awkwardly eating at the gate or at an overcrowded, under-cleaned food court. A restaurant has its own little je ne sais quoi—a vibe, an aesthetic—that Chick-fil-A or Popeyes just can’t deliver. And if you’re a content creator? Even better—the backdrop is practically made for your feed.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even take it a step further: leave the airport and explore the city during your layover. I did this once in Chicago with friends—we hopped on the train, saw The Bean, tried Harold’s Chicken… the full tourist experience. It felt like a mini trip within the trip, y’know? That said, if you’re short on time, staying put and dining in is definitely the safer (and still fabulous) option.

At the end of the day, it’s all about romanticizing the little moments. The Italians call it Dolce Far Niente—the beauty of doing nothing. They linger over meals, sip their wine slowly, and soak in the experience. Why shouldn’t we do the same—even at an airport? Travel is stressful enough, but carving out a cozy, elevated moment for yourself makes it feel less like a chore and more like self-care.

So the next time you’re stuck on a layover, skip the food court chaos and treat yourself to a proper sit-down meal. Bon appétit and bon voyage, girlfriend!