Thanks to delays and overcrowding, airports are a second home for many business travelers. A number of international airports are responding by adding amenities. If you fly through Paris-Charles de Gaulle, for example, take a break to play Grand Theft Auto. The airport has set up three PlayStation 3 areas and a few PlayStation 2 consoles. Similarly, Singapore’s Changi airport (above) has an entertainment area with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles.
A majority of elderly mice died after experiencing the physiological equivalent of eight flights from Washington, D.C., to Paris, according to a University of Virginia study. We’re just saying, you deserve a little pampering. XpresSpa offers foot massages, masks, and “gentleman’s facials” at 14 airports, including Boston-Logan, San Francisco (above), and Dallas-Fort Worth.
If you are passing through Hong Kong, hit the links at the Skycity Nine Eagles Golf Course. Players have to clear airport security and customs in order to play there, but the course is a free, five-minute shuttle ride away from Terminal 2. Skycity Nine Eagles offers seven par three holes and two par fours, including a signature “Island Green” hole in the middle of an artificial lake inspired by the renowned 17th hole at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Florida. Night golfing is available, and the cost for nine holes begins at HKD 400, which is roughly $50 in U.S. currency depending on the exchange rate.
Travelers at JetBlue’s new Terminal 5 at JFK can now enjoy a meal at the gate. Just find one of the 208 Re:vive kiosks, pull up a menu, and order. Orders take 12 minutes on average, jetblue says, and there are tables next to every kiosk. Let’s hope Re:vive escapes that “two-hour delay” curse that hits everything else coming through JFK.
These days, even the hoi polloi can hang out in airline lounges by buying a temporary pass. The new reLAX Lounge ($25 for three hours) at the Los Angeles airport (above) offers free Wi-Fi and snacks. Vancouver International Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge ($30 Canadian for three hours) throws in buffet meals and alcoholic drinks.
