With all the enhanced security at an airport and the endless layovers to get from point A to point B, chances are, you’ll spend several hours in an airport, waiting. So why not go do something productive with that time, like get a massage, take a shower or read a book beside a pond filled with Koi.
In a variety of airports all over the world, there are hidden rooms, activities and gems that are put there to keep you from losing your marbles during your endless travel.
Take a look.
Secret bedrooms in the Las Vegas airport
Generally, when you’re in Vegas, sleeping is the last thing on your mind. So if you want to catch up on your shuteye before you hit the strip, there are secret sleeping rooms at McCarran Airport.
For 5 bucks an hour (or less if you buy longer blocks), you can grab a private room with access to a gym and showers. It’s mostly used by airline and airport employees, but is open to the public, if they want a quick nap or they met someone on the flight over, and wanted to exchange genetic information.
Join the “Smile High Club” at JFK Airport
In business since the 50’s, the current dentist has been there since 1985. Hiding in Cargo Area A, Building 14, there’s even a walk-in clinic right beside.
The majority of the patients work at the airport, but they do get the occasional walk in for broken crowns or busted teeth from airport accidents.
The hidden gardens at the Honolulu Airport
Sure, it’s hard to hide a garden as large as this one, but most travellers through the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (once known as Honolulu Int’l), claim they’ve never noticed it.
The Cultural Gardens are a mix of Japanese, Hawaiian and Chinese themes are are located near the Y concourse in the main international terminal lobby. Take a second to enjoy the foliage and watch the fish, before you move along your journey.
Yoga at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport
Having just flown through there, I didn’t even know it existed. But if you’re stuck there for a long layover, then here’s a place to get your zen on.
If you hit up the Terminal 3 Rotunda, you’ll find a 16’x15′ room with mirrors and windows to help you practice finding your calm.
Hidden showers at the Taiwan Taiyuan Airport
In one of the premium lounges in the airport, there’s a hidden sign that takes you to some refreshing shower area. While the shower itself is free, there’s a catch. You have to buy the towel from the Spa and you only get 15 mins of hot water.
I’d take that in a second.
Chapel at the Amsterdam airport
Most airports are definitely not a place for calm and spirituality, but Shipol Airport is trying to change that. They offer a “Meditation Centre” that is non-denominational, and offers reading materials and staff to assist with your spiritual needs.
Pet relief area at the Atlanta airport
There’s over 104 Million passengers that go through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in a year, and a lot of those people have service animals and pets.
Each one of the seven concourses at the airport has a relief area for your animals to take a bathroom break. I’d probably take a leak in there too; that’s fancier than sweet tea in the summer.
The green roof at the Burlington, Vermont Airport
Back in 2011, a 13,000 square foot garden was installed on the roof of a parking garage at this airport. You’ll need to climb 6 flights of stairs and go through some unmarked doors, and you’ll find yourself in the green space.
Sadly, the roof has deteriorated over the years as no one’s been maintaining it.
Observation tower on top of the LAX Theme Building
Sitting in the middle of LAX is this flying saucer shaped building. Hosting the Disney-designed Encounter restaurant from 1997-2013, it’s now the Bob Hope USO centre.
If you take the elevator all the way to the top, there’s an observation deck that gives you amazing views and a sense of serenity amidst the bustling airport.
Munich Airport’s visitor terrace
If you’ve got time at this airport, there’s a visitor terrace that offers 9,000 square feet of fresh air. Located in Terminal 2, on the 7th level, you’ll get a panorama of the entire airport.
While watching planes come and go might not be for everyone, there’s also a restaurant that has food and a liquor license, so there’s that.
The walking tunnel in the Dubai International Airport
This one is still in progress, but it’s gonna be a doozy. This tunnel will run through the customs area of the airport and feature immersive, photo-realistic videos and panoramas to entertain travellers.
The hidden part of it, however, is that there will be over 80 face-scanning cameras that will match you to a database and determine if you’re a threat or not. Wow.
The hidden tunnels beneath the Denver Airport
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the Denver International Airport, including rumours of an Apocalypse bunker or secret base beneath the airport, and hidden satanic symbols.
In reality, there is an underground city with roads, freeways and infrastructure to get the luggage and staff where they need to be. Given that it’s millions of square feet of stuff down there, you’re guaranteed to find some creepy corners.
The Experience Zone at the Incheon International Airport
While you’re waiting for your next flight, you can head over to this lounge in the Seoul, South Korea airport and learn something new. The Traditional Korean Cultural Experience zone allows you to participate in free workshops to make kites, macrame, paper art and fans. You can also learn traditional Korean dances.
Rocking chairs in the Douglas International Airport
This North Carolina airport had an art instillation put in back in 1997 that wanted to recreate the feel of the traditional ‘southern porch.’ So rockers and trees were put in, and they’ve remained until today.
Unless you specifically go out of your way to find these, you’ll probably miss them.
The quiet area at Minneapolis Airport
This is an older airport, so it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing and is pretty crazy and noisy. Lucky enough, they found a way to build an upper level seating area that’s actually quite tranquil.
It’s in the Lindbergh Terminal and it’s a hard find, but worth it if you need a place to crash and decompress.
What else are ya gonna do while waiting? Get exploring!
Via The Travel
