As the Icelandic volcano continues to spew ash and lava from an eruption that has gone on for several days, most flights across Europe have been grounded, stranding air passengers in some 23 countries.
According to CNN.
com, only about 6,000 flights will be taking off today, compared to a normal Saturday when 22,000 planes would usually be departing from European destinations.
If you are one of the unfortunate masses stuck in airport chaos, you may be considering suicide right about now.
Unfortunately, when disaster strikes, there is very little we can do but wait it out.
But there are a few options for passengers who are desperate to get to their destinations, or simply desperately bored.
Use ground transportation.
Planes are affected by the volcanic eruption because ash and soot can stick in their engines and cause flight failure, but ground transportation options, like trains, cars and ferries, are still in operation.
Even still, if you do opt to take ground transportation, be aware that waits might still be incredibly long as more and more passengers head for ferry terminals and train stations.
Change your destination.
For some passengers, this may not be an option.
However, if you're just going on holidays to Europe, you can still change your destination.
Avoid the awful wait by lounging on a beach in the Caribbean or shopping in New York.
Get out of the airport.
No matter how desperate you might feel, your presence in the airport isn't going to make the ash cloud pass any quicker and it certainly isn't going to make you (or the airport staff) very happy.
Get out of the airport, head back to the city and relax for a couple of days while things blow over (literally).
See the local sites.
While you're stuck, you might as well take advantage of some local sightseeing.
If you're stuck in your hometown, take the chance to see some of your city's finest sites, or maybe explore that museum you just haven't had the chance to see.
Likewise, if you're stranded on holidays - look on the bright side.
You've just been given an extra few days of vacation time - use it! Get some relaxation time.
For some, the awful truth is that they must simply hang out in the airport and wait for the next flight.
Use this time to seek out the most relaxing corners of the airport.
Many airports have spas where you can get a massage or a facial - a great way to relax and de-stress.
Similarly, check out the airport bar and have a margarita or a beer while you wait.
According to CNN.
com, only about 6,000 flights will be taking off today, compared to a normal Saturday when 22,000 planes would usually be departing from European destinations.
If you are one of the unfortunate masses stuck in airport chaos, you may be considering suicide right about now.
Unfortunately, when disaster strikes, there is very little we can do but wait it out.
But there are a few options for passengers who are desperate to get to their destinations, or simply desperately bored.
Use ground transportation.
Planes are affected by the volcanic eruption because ash and soot can stick in their engines and cause flight failure, but ground transportation options, like trains, cars and ferries, are still in operation.
Even still, if you do opt to take ground transportation, be aware that waits might still be incredibly long as more and more passengers head for ferry terminals and train stations.
Change your destination.
For some passengers, this may not be an option.
However, if you're just going on holidays to Europe, you can still change your destination.
Avoid the awful wait by lounging on a beach in the Caribbean or shopping in New York.
Get out of the airport.
No matter how desperate you might feel, your presence in the airport isn't going to make the ash cloud pass any quicker and it certainly isn't going to make you (or the airport staff) very happy.
Get out of the airport, head back to the city and relax for a couple of days while things blow over (literally).
See the local sites.
While you're stuck, you might as well take advantage of some local sightseeing.
If you're stuck in your hometown, take the chance to see some of your city's finest sites, or maybe explore that museum you just haven't had the chance to see.
Likewise, if you're stranded on holidays - look on the bright side.
You've just been given an extra few days of vacation time - use it! Get some relaxation time.
For some, the awful truth is that they must simply hang out in the airport and wait for the next flight.
Use this time to seek out the most relaxing corners of the airport.
Many airports have spas where you can get a massage or a facial - a great way to relax and de-stress.
Similarly, check out the airport bar and have a margarita or a beer while you wait.