So, you made it to the airport just in time for the government to shut down and airport security lines to grind to a halt. Lucky you!Fear not, hopeless wanderer. Since we don’t want you to completely lose your mind — or waste your time — we’ve rounded up 17 of the best activities you can do while standing in what may seem to be a never-ending security line caused by a seemingly never-ending government shutdown.1. Apply for CLEAR, PreCheck and Global EntryBecause over your dead body are you waiting in a line like this again. Pro tip: Get a credit card that pays for it. You’re welcome.

 

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  While there have been reports of long @tsa lines at various airports, my experience with Pre-check has been business as usual (5-10 mins) for my 10 flights this past month. What has your experience been? A post shared by Brian Kelly (@briankelly) on Jan 21, 2019 at 12:12pm PST

  1. Marie Kondo Your InboxIf you’ve been dreaming of Inbox Zero but can never find the time, well, now you have time! Lots of it. Does this work email spark joy? Nope? Bye!!3. Play a GameHow about a round of “Would You Rather?” For example, would you rather spend the rest of this day on a security line or never be able to travel again? Would you rather get stranded in Newfoundland or Siberia? Decisions, decisions.4. Get Some PerspectiveRemind yourself that, although you are stranded in a TSA security line, at least you’re not, you know … stranded in Siberia.5. Start the WaveYou have a big, probably restless group of people. Get everyone in the spirit with the wave, or form a giant conga line.6. Strike up a ConversationMisery loves company. Chat with the people in front of and behind you. Ask them about their hopes, dreams and their preferred credit card. If they say the words, “debit card” you know what to do, disciples.7. Go Through Old Facebook MessagesYou thought wasting away in an airport security line was bad? Try reading through old Facebook messages from your ex. We finally found something more uncomfortable than sitting in economy for 18 hours!Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.8. Quiz Yourself on PlanesWhat aircraft can cram in 10 economy passengers in a row? What models are double-deckers? Depending on the airport and how long the line is, you might even be able to spot actual planes in the wild while you wait. What fun!9. Listen to a PodcastWell, not any podcast. Our “Talking Points” and “Miles Away” podcasts.10. Start Writing a BookOr finish a book! You’ll never have more inspiration for characters than the airport security line.11. Answer Questions That Haunt YouWhat does your favorite credit card say about you? When should you use cash instead of miles for a flight? Why are people paying money to sit in a box the size of a bathroom stall at LaGuardia? What a world we live in.12. Sign up for Our NewsletterCould there a better way to start your day than with the latest from your favorite website? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Plus, it’s new and improved!13. Make a Bet With Your Travel CompanionWho in this line is going to opt for a pat down rather than go through the scanners? What fool is going to forget about the grenade-shaped item they left in their carry-on and cause an airport shutdown? Winner gets both armrests.14. Follow Us on InstagramWhat did you expect? I do manage our social media.15. Spread the WordTell everyone within earshot about this website called The Points Guy and brag about how you’re on your way to Nirvana (a fancy airport lounge and free lie-flat seat paid for with points and miles). Assuming you ever get through airport security, of course.

 

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  While there have been reports of long @tsa lines at various airports, my experience with Pre-check has been business as usual (5-10 mins) for my 10 flights this past month. What has your experience been? A post shared by Brian Kelly (@briankelly) on Jan 21, 2019 at 12:12pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

While there have been reports of long @tsa lines at various airports, my experience with Pre-check has been business as usual (5-10 mins) for my 10 flights this past month. What has your experience been?

A post shared by Brian Kelly (@briankelly) on Jan 21, 2019 at 12:12pm PST