The layover: normally a time of soggy convenience store sandwiches and restless naps on plastic furniture. A long transfer once struck fear into the hearts of travellers, but at last airports have stepped up their game to become attractions in their own right.
Airports and airlines are getting creative about making flying less stressful, more comfortable and more fun. And we're not just talking about upgrading their food options and offering more power outlets. Some airports are going all out with amenities that seem better suited to a spa or a theme park.
Whether you're stuck for a long layover or just like to arrive ultra early for your flights, we've rounded up the oddest airport amenities from around the world that will make the wait “fly” by.
Art Museum | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Airports aren't generally go-to destinations for cultural experiences, but Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the exception. The city's premier art and history museum, the Rijksmuseum, has an outpost in the airport open daily until 8 pm. Travellers can visit for free to soak up a vast selection of Dutch-focused exhibits and paintings, some of which rotate throughout the year.
Aquariums | Vancouver International Airport
British Columbia's native sea life is on display in not one, but two aquariums in Vancouver International Airport. The main aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine plants and animals, including sea urchins, anemones and eels. A second, smaller tank houses Pacific sea nettle jellyfish. There's also a creek running through the terminal and the largest green wall in North America.
Golf Course | Hong Kong International Airport
Up until July 2015, golfers who missed their morning games to catch a flight could play nine holes at Hong Kong International Airport. At the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course, located just outside of Terminal 2, players could bring equipment or rent it, and even hire a caddy. In the wake of the course's closure, golfers passing through HKG can still play simulation games at GreenLive AIR.
Yoga Rooms | San Francisco International Airport
Where do you go to escape the hustle and bustle of California's second busiest airport? San Francisco International offers passengers serenity and silence with free yoga facilities open at all hours of the day and night. The chakra-opening oasis comes equipped with mirrored walls and yoga mats (and you can freshen up afterwards in a rented shower room).
Oxygen Lounge | Tokyo Narita Airport
Tokyo's Narita International Airport offers a service you never thought you'd need: extra oxygen, pumped directly into your lungs. We're not talking about your regular ol' O - this oxygen comes in exotic flavours like eucalyptus menthol and cinnamon. As for the benefits, many claim increased oxygen eases headaches, induces alertness and reduces the effects of jet lag.