How to pass the time on a long airport layover

Airport layovers happen—and sometimes, they last a lot longer than we want them to. If you’re making a connecting flight to your destination and need to kill a few hours, here are some of the best airports for making the most of your layover.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

If you have over an hour…

take a five-minute massage in one of the Massage-O-Matic chairs for just two euro.

If you have over two hours…

swing by the House of Tulips to browse the colorful bouquets and feel like you’re at an outdoor flower market.

If you have over three hours…

browse the Airport Library and curl up to read one of your favorite books.

Paris Charles de Gaulle

If you have over an hour…

head straight to your gate! This airport is massive—we don’t schedule flights here if layovers are less than two hours, just to ensure you have plenty of time to change gates.

If you have over two hours…

play at each of the six 80s-themed arcade games throughout the airport.

If you have over three hours…

treat yourself to a hot stone massage or facial to erase any evidence of jet lag.

Hong Kong International

If you have over an hour…

learn about Hong Kong’s aviation development with some interactive learning at the Aviation Discovery Center.

If you have over two hours…

catch a movie at Hong Kong’s largest IMAX theater—without leaving the airport.

If you have over three hours…

play a round of golf at GreenLive AIR, a virtual reality version of the beloved sport. Choose between 9- and 18-hole simulated games to enjoy some leisure time, regardless of weather conditions.

London Heathrow

If you have over an hour…

freshen up after a long flight with a free beauty service or makeover.

If you have over two hours…

take in fine art at the one-of-a-kind T5 Gallery, featuring local artists and ongoing exhibitions.

If you have over three hours…

hire one of Heathrow’s personal shoppers to help you scoop up an assortment of souvenirs and designer clothing.

Munich International

If you have over an hour…

walk along the Skywalk and take in the scenery from the visitor’s terrace.

If you have over two hours…

test your luck by playing the slot machines at Casino Royale.

If you have over three hours... pony up a cool 300 euro per person for a decidedly luxurious visit in the VipWing, where you’ll be treated to a personal assistant, buffet with made-to-order coffee concoctions, an open-air beer garden, lounge spaces for work, day rooms for resting and more.

Zurich Aiport

If you have over an hour…

take a revitalizing shower—shampoo, soap, and towels included—for 15 Swiss francs.

If you have over two hours…

get your hair cut and colored (complete with a scalp massage) at the airport’s hair salon, no appointment necessary.

If you have over three hours... explore nearby Zurich by renting bikes, rollerblades or walking poles from the airport Service Center.

San Francisco International

If you have over an hour…

look for one of the cute puppies in the “Wag Brigade,” a service that brings trained dogs through the terminals to perk up tired passengers.

If you have over two hours…

take some time for personal reflection and meditation at the Berman Reflection Room.

If you have over three hours…

stretch your plane-weary back and legs with some yoga in the Yoga Room.