Airport Amenities

Turning Airport Time to Renewal Time

So you've got a lengthy connection--or worse yet, an unexpected delay. If you're like most business travelers, you pull out your laptop and get down to work. Or stop by the newsstand to bulk up on reading material. But sometimes (maybe when you've had one of those weeks) the time may be better spent taking care of yourself. A little pampering can be a superb time investment, restoring your spirit and energy level. More and more airports today offer ways to take care of yourself during your layover.

Get a massage

Nothing rejuvenates faster than a massage, so what better venue than the airport? An increasing number of airports offer massage concessions. Services in airport locations generally range from chair massages to full-body massages for 15 to 30 minutes, or even an hour. Prices can be by-the-minute or flat fees for various time-lengths. Check out these airports with massage concessions (and inquire, too, at salons because some offer massages):

Anchorage ANC
Right Touch Massage (main level of terminal between A and B concourses)

Baltimore BWI
Destination Relaxation (Piers B and D)

Boston BOS
A Relaxed Attitude (upper level of terminal A), Polished (near gates 25-36)

Chicago ORD
Back Rub Hub (terminal 3 west hall)

Denver DEN
A Massage Parlor, inc. (main terminal west, 6th level near U.S. Post Office)

Detroit DTW
OraOxygen (by gate A45)

Orlando MCO
Profiles Express Salon/Massage (south walk)

Newark Liberty International Airport
Massage Bar (A Terminal, A-3 Connector), D_parture Spa (Terminals B and C)

Nashville BNA
Massage Bar (at A/B security point)

New York JFK
XpresSpa (Terminal 1 Departure, Terminal 1 Arrival, Terminal 4)

Philadelphia PHL
XpresSpa (Terminal C), Oasis Day Spa (Terminal 6)

Pittsburgh PIT
Touch 'N Go Massage (concourse C), XpresSpa (concourse A, concourse B)

Port Columbus CMH
Massage Bar (Concourse B)

San Diego SAN
Express Bodicare (terminal 2)

San Francisco SFO
Gateway A

Seattle/Tacoma SEA
Massage Bar (concourse C and north satellite)

Vancouver YVR
Absolute Spa (level 1, domestic arrivals – pre-security)

Washington DullesIAD
Massage Bar (Concourse B)

Primp and pamper

Why not treat yourself to some personal grooming while en route? You'll feel taken care of, and save yourself the time you'd spend doing it at home. Have a haircut, manicure or even a facial. Some salons offer massages, too. These hubs offer the opportunity for some restorative grooming:

Boston BOS
The Classique Salon (terminal C)

Chicago ORD
Francolynn Hair Salon (lower level of O'Hare Hilton)

Dallas/Ft. Worth DFW
Jet Cuts Barber Shop (B24), DFW Barber Shop (C17), Texas Hairline Barber Shop (E17)

San Francisco SFO
Hair Salon/Showers (between north and international terminals)

St. Louis STL
First Flight Out (B/C connector)

Vancouver YVR
Salon YVR (level 1, domestic arrivals - pre-security)

Get pumped

Those endorphins will be flowing after a layover workout. A few airports feature clubs on-site. But most in-airport hotel fitness clubs offer day passes. And don't overlook the nearby hotels that are just a free shuttle-ride away. They may require a little more research and legwork, but if you have the time, why not? Here are some airport fitness clubs for relieving stress:

Chicago ORD
O'Hare Hilton (lower level)

Las Vegas LAS
24 Hour Fitness (level "0" beneath the north baggage claim area)

Orlando MCO
Hyatt Regency

Pittsburgh PIT
Airport Fitness (next to International arrivals)

Go to the movies

Find a popcorn vendor, then lose yourself in a movie while you wait. InMotion Pictures (877-DVD-TO-GO or inmotionpictures.com) is setting up shop in many airports. The company will rent you a DVD, player, batteries and headsets. Or if your laptop has a DVD player, just opt for the movie (or be prepared by renting from your local video store before your trip). Games, their players and music players are also available. While most people watch these movies during a flight--nothing says this can't be a great way to pass the time during a delay at the airport. Return everything on your way home, or at your destination (if it has an In Motion outlet). InMotion stores are currently in these airports:

Anchorage ANC
Atlanta ATL
Chicago ORD
Cincinnati CVG
Cleveland CLE
Dallas DFW
Denver DEN
Houston IAH
Jacksonville JAX
Las Vegas LAS
Miami MIA
Minneapolis MSP
New Orleans MSY
New York JFK
New York LGA
Newark EWR
Orlando MCO
Philadelphia PHL
Phoenix PHX
Pittsburg PIT
Portland PDX
Sacramento SMF
Salt Lake City SLC
San Diego SAN
San Francisco SFO
San Jose SJC
Seattle/Tacoma SEA
Tampa TPA
Washington Dulles IAD

Get a check-up

Have a nagging medical or dental situation? In some airports you can take care of it, while never leaving the terminal. You may even be able to get a flu shot, check your blood pressure, or be immunized. This, of course, doesn't exactly qualifying as "pampering," but it is taking good care of yourself:

San Francisco SFO
SFO Medical Services (international terminal)

Toronto YYZ
Pearson Airport Medical Clinic (all three terminals)

Vancouver YVR
Airport Clinic (domestic terminal, level 1)

Meditate or enjoy quiet time

Whatever your religious inclination, sometimes a spot for soul-searching can create a peaceful layover. Visit any of these in-airport sanctuaries:

Atlanta ATL
Interfaith Airport Chapel (atrium)

Boston BOS
Our Lady of the Airways Chapel (between terminals B and C)

Chicago ORD
Chapel (second-floor mezzanine above terminal 2)

Denver DEN
Interfaith Chapel (Jeppesen terminal)

Houston IAH
Chapel (terminal C near gate C-30)

Miami MIA
Meditation Room (between concourses C and D)

New York JFK
Tri-Faith Chapel (second floor of International Air Terminal 4)

• The Web site of the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains has an extensive listing of airport chapels worldwide.