There is, of course, no such thing as a pleasant airport experience - with the possible exception of Stansted's coffee bar on a sunny afternoon - but there are ways of making the interminable wait between check-in and take-off more exciting. Perhaps surprisingly, the web is rather a good place to alleviate the tedium.

If you're travelling with children, bear in mind that most big airline sites devote a considerable amount of space to their fleet. Diagrams of a Boeing's seat plan or photos of a gleaming new Airbus may not excite you, but they can help to distract children from fears about flying and provide an opportunity for plane-spotting in the departure lounge.

British Airports Authority
For some, an hour isn't enough to weigh up the merits of Russian and Finnish vodka or discounted French moisturisers. BAA recently launched an online store encouraging customers to buy ahead and collect their tax-free purchases on the spot. It's also possible to pre-order currency and book parking in the same way. The central site has real-time flight arrival details.

Holiday extras
The lugubrious Holiday extras claims to offer up to 55% off car parking and hotel bookings at UK airports. When I visited, the pages downloaded more slowly than luggage on a carousel but, if it speeds up, the site could prove useful.

New York JFK's site is a disappointment, and although Paris Airports and Schipoll are better, navigating them is unlikely to markedly improve your stopover. Hong Kong's new Chek Lap Kok has some impressively detailed maps and photos of the world's largest enclosed public space and the "tranquil" passenger terminal.

Sleeping at Airports
Can an airport double as a hotel? Sleeping at Airports is devoted to this ghastly prospect. Recommended only for the most desperate backpackers who carry a padlock and a thick sleeping-bag with them at all times.