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Like everything else in the world of travel, airports are in a state of constant evolution. Only a few years ago, amenities such as in-lounge spas and yoga rooms would have amazed passengers; today, they are becoming commonplace. Just as airports are competing for traffic, they’re also looking for ways to separate themselves from the competition by offering diversions that take the boredom out of travel. Here are some of the world’s most unusual airport amenities:
In This Post
Movie Theaters
While more and more people have digital devices, the iPad-and-earplug experience still pales next to the big-screen environment. You can burn up several hours of a long layover here:
Swimming Pools
All facilities, except for the one in Punta Cana, are located in airport terminal hotels, and are available to transit passengers for a small fee:
Golf Course
The Nine Eagles course at HKG has closed, but this one is even better:
- Seoul Incheon: The Sky 72 Golf Club, five minutes from the airport on a free shuttle ride, gives visitors the opportunity to play either nine or 18 holes on a putting course; if you’re pressed for time, you can practice your swing at the driving range.
Nature Trail
Airports are all about asphalt, but here’s one place that celebrates the great outdoors with carefully planned pockets of greenery:
- The elaborate Nature Trail at SIN includes the Cactus Garden in Terminal 1 (a rooftop garden with over 100 species of cactus from Africa and the Americas), and the Sunflower and Orchid Gardens in Terminal 2
Wedding Chapels
If you get so wrapped up in planning the details of the honeymoon that you forget about the ceremony, these airports combine the romance of travel with romance, period:
Ice Skating Rink
Lace up your skates, cut some figure eights, and unwind from your flight:
- ICN: The Ice Forest Skating Rink is located at B1, and will rent you skates, gloves and a helmet (open daily from 10am-8pm)
Aquarium
One of the best collections of sea creatures is in a place where you’d least expect to find it:
- Vancouver International (YVR): This engineering marvel begins with a man-made stream running through the International Terminal and culminates in a 30,000-gallon aquarium filled with British Columbia sea life; highlights include 20 species of fish and a nearly 500-gallon jellyfish tank
Car Wash
- There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Spokane International (GEG) offers a free car wash to anyone parking in the two garages or the outside parking lot; the automated wash covers the outside of the vehicle only, but given the price it’s hard to complain
Beer Garden
If you only have a few hours in transit, but want an authentic German experience:
- Airbrau at Munich International (MUC) is a traditional Bavarian beer garden with seating for 600, a mix of salads and hearty German specialties such as sausages and pig’s knuckles, and eight beers crafted by master brewer Rene Jacobsen; Airbrau serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; and tours of the brewery are available for a modest fee
Distilleries
Given the current popularity of craft cocktails, it was inevitable that distillers would set up shop in airports:
Prunier Caviar Bar
You don’t have to forgo the good life simply because you’re flying:
Bottom Line
As the travel experience becomes more diverse, airport amenities have expanded to include movie theaters, swimming pools, wedding chapels and golf, as well as dining options such as distilleries, beer gardens and caviar bars.
Source: thepointsguy.com