Spending time at the airport isn’t exactly most people’s idea of a good time — but that’s starting to change in surprising ways.
“Airports have evolved so much in the last decade and now really try to prioritize comfort for passengers,” travel blogger Esther Susag told HuffPost. “Honestly, this might be an unpopular opinion, but I love going to the airport. And now with all the things they have to offer, it motivates me to get to the airport even earlier.”
In fact, many airports have even become destinations in their own right. From cultural exhibits and yoga rooms to rooftop views and therapy animals, your layover might hold more than just a food court and a crowded gate — if you know where to look.
With that in mind, here are 19 cool airport features you might not know about.
Free Cookies
One Midwestern airport has a sweet tradition that dates back about 25 years.
“Over at Indiana’s Fort Wayne International Airport travelers are handed cookies upon arrival,” said Kayla Inserra DeLoache, a consumer trends expert with Kayak.
Typically a “hospitality host” passes out these cookies to arriving passengers, but if no one is on duty when you land, you can snag one at the airport’s “cookie kiosk” by the security exit.
Therapy Dogs … And Llamas And Alpacas
“Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport has roving therapy dogs,” said Jamie Page, senior vice president of content at The Points Guy.
The CLT Canine Crew of volunteers and their registered therapy dogs offer a little comfort and stress relief to passengers throughout the airport. Similar programs have popped up at Istanbul Airport, Calgary International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Travelers can also find therapy dogs at Portland International Airport, which hosts therapy llamas and alpacas, too.
YASIN AKGUL via Getty Images
Swimming Pools
In some airports, you can swap your gate seat for a lounge chair.
“The lounge pools in Punta Cana have to make the list of cool airport features,” said Summer Hull, senior director of content at The Points Guy.
Indeed, two VIP lounges at the Punta Cana International Airport have pools for visitors to enjoy before boarding.
“The Singapore airport has a rooftop pool,” added Gabby Beckford, founder of the travel site Packs Light.
Yoga And Meditation Rooms
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