The Most Unusual Airport Amenities Worldwide

Not long ago, features like in-lounge spas and yoga rooms would have astonished travelers; today, they are becoming standard. As airports compete for passengers, they are also seeking unique ways to stand out by providing entertainment options that alleviate travel monotony.

With travel rebounding strongly, you might find yourself spending more time in airports. Whether you’re trying to pass the time during a layover or looking for enjoyable activities for the whole family, here are some of the world’s most unusual airport amenities.

Medical Services

There's nothing worse than falling ill or getting hurt while traveling. Fortunately, these airports have got you covered.

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): If you need a chiropractic adjustment before or after your flight, visit Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C12. Chiroport offers services like trigger point massage, stretching, and adjustments.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): The SFO Medical Clinic, located in the International Terminal Main Hall (pre-security), provides travel medicine, urgent care, immigration physicals, occupational health services, as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The Vancouver Airport Clinic offers primary, family, and specialized care for travelers and the airport community. Services include travel medicine, physiotherapy, podiatry, acute injury management, and specialized aviation and corporate health services. PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 testing are also available, with a full-service pharmacy next door.

Cinemas

While more travelers rely on digital devices, nothing compares to the experience of a big screen. You can easily pass the time during a long layover here:

• Portland International Airport (PDX): A 17-seat micro-cinema in Terminal C showcases short films created by Oregon filmmakers, free of charge. It is currently closed until further notice due to the pandemic.
• Singapore Changi (SIN): Two theaters operating 24 hours (Terminal 2, Level 3 near the Sunflower Garden; Terminal 3, Level 3 near the Ambassador Transit Lounge) screen blockbuster films at no cost; however, they are temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
• Seoul Incheon International (ICN): Two CGV Theaters at Gate 1B are open daily from 9 am to 11 pm (currently closed due to the pandemic).
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP): The See 18 Film Screening Room (Concourse C, near Gate C18) is open 24/7, showcasing short films and documentaries by filmmakers from the Upper Midwest.

Swimming Facilities

All locations, except the one in Punta Cana, are found in airport terminal hotels and are accessible to transit passengers for a nominal fee:

• Singapore Changi: Located in the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel at Terminal 1, this rooftop pool features a Jacuzzi, poolside bar, and showers. The usage fee is $17.
• Hamad International in Doha (DOH): For a $50 charge, guests can access the Vitality Well-Being and Fitness Center in the transit hotel, which includes a temperature-controlled 25-meter (82-foot) lap pool, a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy tub, and two squash courts.
• Dubai International (DXB): The Health Club of the Dubai International Airport Hotel in Terminal 3 offers a pool, gym, massage services, showers, and separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women.
• Punta Cana International in the Dominican Republic (PUJ): The VIP lounge features an infinity pool with views of the runways, though access is restricted to homeowners of the Puntacana Resort and Club, Priority, Dragon, and Lounge Pass cardholders, First and Business Class travelers, and those purchasing the airport's VIP services. Priority Pass membership is included with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and others.

Slides

• Singapore's airport features several exciting slides to keep you entertained. The highlight is Singapore's tallest slide, situated in Terminal 3, which offers a complimentary ride with a receipt for every $8 (approximately) spent at the airport. However, this slide has been closed since May 10, 2021, and will remain unavailable until further notice.

Golf Course

Unfortunately, the Nine Eagles course at HKG has shut down, but there are other options available:

• Seoul Incheon: The Sky 72 Golf Club, just a five-minute free shuttle ride from the airport, allows visitors to play either nine or 18 holes on its putting course. If you're short on time, you can also practice your swing at the driving range.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport: The PGA MSP Lounge may not be a full golf course, but it offers the chance to practice your swing or putting closer to home — potentially for free if you have a Priority Pass membership, which grants you a credit to use inside the lounge (this benefit is not available for those holding The Platinum Card® from American Express). (enrollment required)

Nature Trail

While airports are typically all about runways, this one embraces the beauty of nature with thoughtfully designed green spaces:

• Singapore Changi features an impressive Nature Trail, which includes the Cactus Garden in Terminal 1 (a rooftop haven boasting over 100 species of cacti from Africa and the Americas), alongside the Sunflower and Orchid Gardens in Terminal 2. Additionally, there's the stunning Canopy Park.

Wedding Chapels

If you become so engrossed in planning your honeymoon that the ceremony slips your mind, these airports blend the enchantment of travel with romance:

• Frankfurt International (FRA): For 1,500 euros, you can secure an all-inclusive wedding package that includes a wedding planner, a professional photographer, a wedding cake, and a reception for 15 guests at one of the airport's luxury hotels, along with a night’s stay in a suite.
• St. Louis Lambert International (STL): With 26,000 square feet of event space boasting panoramic runway views, it’s perfect for hosting receptions of any size.
• Stockholm Arlanda (ARN): Offers an extensive array of VIP wedding services including catering, Champagne, photographers, private lounges, and even officiants from the Church of Sweden. You can even tie the knot in the control tower.
• Manchester International (MAN): Exchange vows beneath the wings of a British Airways Concorde, followed by a delightful three-course meal onboard.
• Ronald Reagan National Airport: The airport's Historic Lobby in Terminal A provides a unique setting for weddings, featuring stunning views of the airfield and Washington D.C.

Ice Skating Rink

Put on your skates, glide around, and relax after your flight:

• Munich Airport (MUC): Besides two seasonal ice skating rinks, travelers can explore a full-fledged Christmas Market at Munich Airport.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): Fly out during the holiday season to enjoy a complimentary ice skating rink.

Aquarium

You’ll find an array of sea creatures in a surprising location:

• Vancouver International (YVR): This architectural wonder features a manmade stream flowing through the International Terminal, leading to a 30,000-gallon aquarium showcasing marine life from British Columbia. Notable attractions include 20 fish species and a nearly 500-gallon jellyfish tank.

Car Wash

• Spokane International (GEG): While you might not find a free lunch, Spokane International provides a complimentary car wash for those parking in the two garages or the outdoor lot. The automated wash only cleans the exterior, but at no cost, it’s hard to complain.

Prunier Caviar Bar

You don’t have to miss out on luxury just because you’re flying:

• The renowned Parisian restaurant features a Caviar and Seafood bar at various international airports including Hong Kong International, London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), New York-JFK, Copenhagen International (CPH), Dubai International, and both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly International (ORY) in Paris. Savor specialties like Balik smoked salmon, king crab, lobster, and fish roe, all paired with fine Champagne.

Beer Garden

If you have just a few hours in transit but crave an authentic German experience:

• Munich International: Airbräu is a classic Bavarian beer garden accommodating 600 guests, offering a variety of salads and hearty German dishes like sausages and pig's knuckles, along with eight beers brewed by master brewer René Jacobsen. Airbräu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also offers tours of the microbrewery for a small fee.

Distilleries

With the surge in popularity of craft cocktails, it was only a matter of time before distillers began to open locations in airports:

• Portland International (PDX): If you're a Priority Pass member (noticing a trend?), you can enjoy a $28 credit to visit a whiskey tasting room and discover the entire grain-to-glass process at the Westward Experience near Gate C6.
• London's Gatwick: Home to The Nicholas Culpeper, named after the 17th-century herbalist and physician. Though the pub and restaurant are open 24/7, its landside location means you can't take any of their small-batch gin past security. Note that it is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.