There are two words that send me into a screaming frenzy: Airport Layover. First I have to deal with the high prices, the long lines, unfriendly employee, and let’s not forget the sick, groping session from the bastards at the TSA. Now I have to deal with layover BS?
For those of you who know exactly how I feel, I have a few travel aids for you, if you use the iOS platform. These are the five apps I use to occupy my time while I’m stuck in hell, surrounded by grouchy, smelly people.
Trust me on this, when I say you’re going to fall in love with Om Nom, the sweet little monster of this game. You get a package and when you open it, you find Om Nom, who has one simple obsession, candy. Using some brilliant (and utterly lifelike) physics, awesome colors and constant FREE updates, Cut the Rope is a fantastic way to zone out from the airport environment. With more than 60 million downloads, it has 275 levels to keep your attention for only $.99.
Want more personal interaction in a game to keep you occupied? Then you have to try Burn the Rope. The object is as simple as the name indicates; you have to keep the rope burning, like on fire, but it only burns upwards. This means you have to tilt and turn your phone to keep it going! It may sound simple, but it’s not easy—the higher you progress, the more complicated the challenge. Bugs react to flames, but they can also help you if you’re clever. The fire physics are hot (pun intended) and this original game provides 112 amazing levels with unique controls that quickly become addictive. Another game that’s only $.99.
If you’ve noticed the backpacks, the posters, the stuffed animals and swag with the fat, growling red bird on the front, then you’ve seen Angry Birds. This game has become the #1 paid app for iPhone in more countries than I can list. The Pigs have stolen the eggs and the Birds are, well… angry. Hiding away, protected in their structures, you must send these pissed-off-poultry through the air to destroy the pigs. Each bird comes with its own set of unique abilities, so be wise in your tactics. Again, just $.99 for a whole lot of fun.
Don’t want to play a game? That’s fine. I like to stay distracted by venturing into a new world that can grab my attention and keep it. Try these last two apps for that entertainment bliss if you want to relax:
The world leader in subscription-based entertainment for TV shows and movies on your phone, the application is FREE, but you do have to have an active Netflix account. Think about it—thousands of shows at your fingertips and all you have to do is pick and play. Plug yourself into your phone or iPad and shut out the noise, chaos and aggravation. For one low monthly price, you can have a theater in your pocket. This works on the iPhone, iPad, and anything that uses the iOS platform (iOS 5.0 or greater).
There are a few times when I don’t want to have my nerves rattled by media overload. That’s when I prefer a quiet moment to read, even in the midst of the airport. The iBooks app allows me to do just that (add to that a good set of cheap earplugs picked up from Walmart). The .epub is the most widely used format for eBook, so iBooks is a perfect way to have your favorite books on your phone or iPad and keep them organized at the touch of a finger. The application is FREE and available on iOS 4.2 or later, so pick it up and give it a try!
There you have it, five apps to keep your wits about you (not to mention your sanity) when you have a layover.
Tagg writes for CableTV.com. He typically writes about technology and entertainment. When he’s not writing, he’s an avid mountain biker & skier. You can follow him on Twitter @CableTV.
