Boarding Time: Sliding Doors

Security Line Dept: When you re stuck with a layover of such prodigious length, the en-route stop becomes more than just a transit between two points. It turns into a full-fledged destination to visit, including a foot-dragging resistance to leaving, according to The Star. Unfortunately, there s no scientific formula for helping you determine whether to wait it out inside the terminal or to step out for a spell. You need to take into account many variables, such as the airport s proximity to attractions and ground transportation options. Another consideration: whether you need a visa. Many countries waive the document for transit visitors; China isn t one of them, charging $140 and at the end of a 10-hour layover in Beijing, I found myself begging other passengers for permission to jump the security line. I flourished my ticket with the boarding time of now, thankful that they didn t know the truth. Having had 600 minutes to make my connecting flight to Washington Dulles, I had no excuse for rushing - except a good one. No one wants to hang out at an airport for six, eight, 12 eternal hours. What makes the layover even harder is knowing that beyond the airport s sliding doors await cafes, shops, parks, museums, capacious legroom - and fresh air. As reported in the news.
@t ground transportation options, washington dulles