Thank You For Flying

When most people think of airports these days, they probably think of long lines, security checks, and overpriced food. But why not think of these amazing amenities and features that will make you wish you had an even longer layover?

Robots

We were always told that robots would replace people one day. Well, that day is today—at least at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China. A fleet of robots roam the terminal, available to help travelers with flight information, directions, and more (they speak Chinese and English).

Shakkimatti, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rooftop Pool

In Singapore's Changi Airport—or should we say, atop Singapore's Changi Airport—lies a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi that you can access for just $13. Although, if you're staying at the Ambassador Transit Hotel, you can access it for free.

Robert S., CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nine-Hole Golf Course

Have some time before your flight at the Hong Kong International Airport? Why not get in a round of nine holes at the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course just outside Terminal ? It costs to play but if you just want to watch, that's free.

And after your round of golf, you can clean up at the...

LN9267, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Showers

Terminal 1 at the Hong Kong International Airport offers travelers free 24-hour shower facilities.

Zhanyanguange, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

72-Hole Golf Course

Nine holes not enough for you? Well, if you happen to find yourself with a nice layover at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, you can check out Sky 72—replete with the 18-hole Hanul course and the 54-hole Bada complex (featuring the 18-hole Ocean, Lake, and Classic layouts).

Ken Eckert, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cultural Center

The Incheon International Airport also offers travelers a taste of South Korean culture and tradition via the Traditional Korean Cultural Experience Zone. Make traditional crafts, try on clothes, and enjoy musical performances.

Nobohoshokorotoso, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hello Kitty

Say hello to Hello Kitty at the Taipei Taoyuan Airport. We're talking a full on Hello Kitty gate, complete with a Hello Kitty lounge, and even Hello Kitty-themed planes.

lasta29, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Fish Pedicures

Fish pedicures are just one of the services offered at the Ni'mat Spa, at Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport. After the fish take care of your feet, you can enjoy a steam bath and spend some time in the saltwater pool.

Dina Middin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Helicopter Tour

Want to see Cape Town from the air (and not just as you take off and land in a passenger plane)? The Cape Town International Airport in South Africa provides helicopter tours of the city—and the surrounding mountains. Check your luggage and see the city before you leave the city.

Xuan Shisheng, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Drinks Everywhere

Did you know that the Nashville International Airport has an airport-wide beer-and-liquor license? Well, it does. And that means you don't have to just sit at the bar to have a drink. You can take it to go as you meander around the secure side of the airport.

Mx. Granger, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Flight Simulator

Before you get on your flight, why not go fly a plane yourself—or at least simulate flying one with the Boeing 737 flight simulator at Germany's Frankfurt Airport.

Alex Beltyukov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Brachiosaurus Dinosaur Skeleton

They don't just have a dinosaur skeleton at Terminal 1's Concourse B in Chicago O'Hare International Airport—they have a four-story tall dinosaur skeleton on loan from Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. It's one of the largest dino skeletons in the world. But if you want to see something that is the largest of its kind in the world, head over to...

Vmenkov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Indoor Waterfall

Singapore’s Changi Airport features the largest indoor waterfall on the planet. But it isn't just the 130-foot waterfall that will awe you—there's also the jungle, greenery, and gardens all around it.

The "Jewel", as it's called, is more accurately described as a rain vortex and is the connecting tissue of an amazing 1.4 million-square-foot radius of multiple terminals—with shops, a movie theatre, and a hotel.

Matteo Morando, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Yoga And Meditation

Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport has a 150-square-foot yoga room you can use to get your stretch on. And if you just need a place for quiet introspection you can get your meditation on in the reflection room.

Immanuelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

30,000-Gallon Aquarium

30,000-gallons of water and 5,000 ocean creatures await those passing through the domestic terminal at Vancouver International Airport. There's also a separate tank just for jellyfish as well as a creek that runs through the terminal.

Ken Eckert, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Virtual Paris

Want to see Paris, but find yourself stuck at the city's Charles de Gaulle Airport? Well, have no fear, Instant Paris is here. It's a 3D walk that allows connecting passengers to take virtual tours of sites, including the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.

Greenboost, Wikimedia Commons

Beer Garden

Germany is famous for its beer—and at the Airbräu in the Munich International Airport, folks can sample many of the country's best foamy offerings. From October to May, the tavern also opens up the largest roofed beer garden in Europe and, for a little fee, you can take a tour of the on-site brewery before your flight.

But what if you need to see a doctor? This airport has got you covered there also.

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Doctors

The Munich International Airport doesn't just have a clinic and pharmacy (which it does)—there are also internal medicine, dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology, and travel medicine services available.

Asurnipal, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sports Equipment Rentals

If you ever find yourself at Switzerland's Zurich Airport and want to go for a bike ride or get in some rollerblading, you can just head over to the sports rental location in the airport and rent what you want for up to eight hours.

Feel like taking things a little more leisurely?

Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Observation Decks

Zurich Airport also has multiple observation decks where you can chill out, grab some sun, check out the pilots in the cockpits, and watch planes take off.

Philipp Dubach, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Bathhouse With A View

At the Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan, they also have an observation deck where you can watch the planes take off and land—but maybe even more fun is the bathhouse. Here, you can take a soak while you watch the planes coming and going (and see the sunset over the bay if you're there at the right time).

Nryate, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Glass Dome And Giant Bear

The departure hall at the Hamad International Airport in Doha features a beautiful geometric glass roof that wonderfully illuminates the entire floor plan, including the centerpiece: A 23-foot teddy bear created by Swiss contemporary artist Urs Fischer. 

Renek78, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam at the city's Schiphol Airport is the only museum on the planet to be annexed to an airport. The collection of 8-10 masterpieces will vary depending on the theme—but they will always be amazing and it's always free.

Shirley de Jong, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Airport Tour

We spend so much time in airports, but have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of these massive technological infrastructural wonders? Well, you can get a cool glimpse of the goings on behind the curtain—and all the inner operations—at the Zurich Airport with bus tours of the entire place. You'll even go under a runway.

Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The TWA Hotel

The city of New York spent years renovating the John F Kennedy International Airport, and one of the new features they added was the TWA Hotel. It opened back in 2019 and is the only on-site hotel at the airport. And it isn't just any run-of-the-mill hotel either. The hotel was built in an out-of-commission terminal that used to house Trans World Airlines—and the vintage vibe and design features will take you back to when flying was a truly special event.

w_lemay, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Samurai History

The Discovery Museum at the Tokyo Haneda Airport features art and artifacts related to the history of Samurai—and is the only airport museum in the entire country.

Granpark407, Wikimedia Commons

Huge Public Art Gallery

Many airports have public art galleries, but very few have one on the level of the Jaya He GVK New Museum at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. We're talking almost two miles of corridor and more than 5,500 pieces of artwork.

A.Savin, Wikimedia Commons

VIP

The Al Majlis service at the Dubai International Airport is a true VIP service with a private office, solo lounge area, and a private shower. But wait, there's more! Al Majlis VIPs can also relax in the VIP lounge while your own personal helper goes and takes care of the details regarding check-ins, immigration, and baggage clearance for you.

Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons