When you find yourself with a long airport layover, don’t resign yourself to sitting at the gate (or in the lounge) staring at a screen. Think of it as an opportunity to experience a little of the local scene.
More and more airports are making themselves travel destinations, offering a bit of local culture and providing travelers with health and wellness amenities.
Explore
Review the airport’s website and social media. Along with all the logistical information, you’ll find guides to the amenities, services, attractions, and events all available behind security.
I’ve found everything from emotional support llamas at Portland, Oregon (PDX), a meditation center at Amsterdam (AMS), and a whiskey tasting at Singapore (SIN).
Make Art Part of Your Journey
Many airports include art in their public spaces. For example,
SFO Museum has been providing free exhibits in the San Francisco International Airport for visitors since the 1980s. Making it one of the more established programs, it celebrates aviation history and San Francisco culture.
Throughout Charles De Gaulle airport (CDG) you’ll find a mix of photos, sculptures, and other work celebrating current happenings along with established artists such as Rodin. Terminal 2E houses a dedicated museum space.
Istanbul Airport (IST) hosts two permanent installations in its international departures area.
Türkiye's Treasures
showcases the country’s culture with works on loan from 29 museums. Pioneers of Modern Science - the History of Islamic Science and Technology Exhibition
contains interactive displays about Muslim pioneers of modern science and tech.
Get Your Steps In
Airports offer plenty of opportunities to walk around. Some of them have upped their game by mapping out fitness trails.
Phoenix airport (PHX) has mapped out a loop that features views of the landscape surrounding the airport. Along with runways and the Phoenix skyline you’ll see beautiful mountains and buttes.
Singapore airport (SIN) lists more than a dozen walkable gardens among its attractions. Everything from sunflowers to cactus are highlighted in their own discrete grounds, alongside the
Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Even if the airport you’re at doesn’t have a designated path, you might find paths saved in walking apps like Map My Walk and Strava. Or capture your own and share it online.
Find Some Peace and Quiet
Travel can be stressful and noisy. Meditation centers and yoga rooms are common among the amenities you’ll find at most major airports.
Meditation centers, sometimes referred to as interfaith rooms, provide a quiet space for reflection and prayer. Generally, they are nondenominational, but they might make special accommodations during particular religious observances.
Yoga rooms are available in some airports including Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) which has two rooms that can be used free of charge. Other airports might charge a fee.
Eat Local
Airports in towns with vibrant foodie scenes often incorporate notable, local restaurants in their offerings. Eating local at the airport can, at the very least, leave you with a positive impression of the place you’re traveling through.
Many airports serve local fare: barbeque at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), crab cakes at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), and creole dishes at Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY).
Look at the airport’s website. Check for food and travel reviews online. Also, ask people you know who have traveled through the airport for recommendations.
Plan Ahead for the Best Airport Experience
Here’s the bottom line: Just a little research and planning can make a long layover a pleasant experience. Be sure to look up what’s available at your airport as you plan your itinerary. You might be surprised by what you encounter.
