Not all airports were built the same. For many of us, and in most situations, airports can be an unenjoyable experience. Long queues, airport security, and simply a method of transport from A to B.
However, some airports around the world have changed the game. From movie theatres to rooftop pools and even waterfalls, airports are becoming a part of the journey and experience.
Surfing In An Airport – Munich, Germany
Munich Airport has its very own surf machine in Summer. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo … [+] credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
You read that right. Munich airport sets up a wave pool in the centre of the airport every summer that attracts more than 4,000 visitors to try it out. The airport even offer lessons, and if that’s not for you, this makes a great spectacle to watch at the very least between flights.
Sunflower, Cactus and Orchid Gardens – Singapore Changi
Tourists take photo of the Rain Vortex, a 40 metres high largest indoor waterfall in the world at … [+] the Jewel Changi Airport on December 05, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by WF Sihardian/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Singapore Changi Airport has won many awards and consistently been crowned the world’s best airport. It’s not hard to see why. Fresh air and gardens are aplenty in Changi airport which could be the perfect antidote before boarding another long flight.
Ice Skating – Seoul Incheon, South Korea/Denver, USA
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 3: People ice skate at Denver International Airport on January 3, 2018 in … [+] Denver, Colorado. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Post via Getty Images
South Korea’s largest airport, Incheon, has something referred to as the “Ice Forrest”. This artificial ice skating rink is open to travelers year-round and could serve as a nice break between flights. Denver Airport in Colorado have also offered an ice skating rink at the airport.
A Quick Round Of Golf – Hong Kong International
( From Left to Right )Airport Authority Commercial Director Hans Bakker, The King Power Group’s … [+] Director Ayub M Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong Dr David Pang, Robert Fung Hing-piu, chairman of Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF and Couple QiQi and Simon Yam Tat-wah attends Media briefing on Airport Skycity Nine Eagles Golf Course at Chek Lap Kok Airport. 28 March 2006. (Photo by Felix Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
South China Morning Post via Getty Images
Hong Kong Airport has a small golf course! Skycity Nine Eagles is open to anyone crossing through the airport but it is best to make reservations, but walk-ins are possible, despite high demand for this hidden gem.
Movie Theatres – Multiple Locations
Imperial Stormtroopers from the Star Wars film franchise travel down an escalator during a … [+] promotional event at the Changi International airport in Singapore on November 12, 2015. A promotional event for the Star Wars film franchise was held at Singapore’s Changi airport as part of the arrival of an All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 787 aircraft painted in special Star Wars livery in the likeness of popular robot character R2-D2. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Movie theatres are becoming a more common theme in airports around the world. The setting at Singapore Changi airport can be spectacular watching aircraft arrive and depart but other airports such as Portland, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Hong Kong also offer movie theatres for travelers.
Puppies! – LAX, U.S.
A truly hidden gem at LAX is the PUP program—“Pets Unstressing Passengers”. At any given time there … [+] can be up to 30 adorable dogs being walked around the gates by volunteers to destress passengers. Photo: Friso Gentsch/dpa (Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images)
picture alliance via Getty Images
A truly hidden gem at LAX is the PUP program—“Pets Unstressing Passengers”. At any given time there can be up to 30 adorable dogs being walked around the gates by volunteers to destress passengers. For all the many dog-lovers out there, this could be the winner!
Rooftop Pool And Jacuzzi – Singapore Changi
Singapore Changi Airport features yet again with a fantastic abyss to de-stress before flying. … [+] Deckchairs, poolside bars and a jacuzzi might make you feel like you’re already on holiday, not in transit.
Getty Images
Singapore Changi Airport features yet again with a fantastic abyss to de-stress before flying. Deckchairs, poolside bars and a jacuzzi might make you feel like you’re already on holiday, not in transit.
Recording Studio – London Heathrow, U.K.
If you are flying Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow in Upper Class you can access The Clubhouse, which as well as having a great bar and even a barber-shop, comes complete with a recording studio if you wanted to quickly record a track before your flight. This is a nice little homage to Richard Branson’s start owning a record store.
Yoga Room – San Francisco, U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 26: A sign is posted in front of the new Yoga Room at San Francisco … [+] International Airport’s terminal two on January 26, 2012 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco International Airport opened the doors to what they are saying is the first-in-the-world yoga room inside an airport terminal. The small room in the newly constructed terminal two is dimly lit with soothing blue light provides weary travelers a place to relax or practice yoga poses once they have clearing security. The yoga room is open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Getty Images
This could be the perfect way for passengers to unwind and get in a little yoga time before a flight. San Francisco airport comes complete with a yoga room for Californians and visitors to get on the mats and have a yoga session.
A Four-Story Slide – Singapore Changi
SINGAPORE – APRIL 11: A reflection view of the visitors walking through the Discovery Slide at the … [+] Jewel Changi Airport on April 11, 2019 in Singapore. Officially opening on April 17, Singapore’s Changi Airport Jewel includes a 40-meter indoor waterfall contained under a steel-and-glass dome reportedly built for SGD 1.7 billion. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)
Getty Images
If you want to whizz down a four-story slide, the tallest in an airport anywhere, then head to Singapore Changi Terminal 3. This beats getting an escalator to your boarding gate!
Recent Comments