THE LAYOVER SHOWER
Layovers sucks. Simple as that. If given the option, I’m certain everyone would choose a direct flight over aimlessly wandering around an airport trying to find a way to fill their time. Funny enough, there are actually a few things worth doing while slogging through a layover, if time permits.
First, food. It's pretty obvious, but there’s a bit of a caveat: good food. It turns out that a pound of poutine isn’t going to sit very well at 15,000 feet in the sky. Stick to something light like fruit, veggies, salads, or even sushi, so you can avoid having to be wheeled onto your connecting flight.
Today, most airports are built with layovers in mind. What's the best by-product of that thinking? Showers. Many modern airports offer shower services for the weary-eyed travelers who have a few minutes to spare. It’s my opinion that this is the greatest flight-related invention since the airplane. Wash off that disgusting airport feeling minutes after stepping off your 8-hour flight. You’ll be surprised at just how good you feel; aside from actual sleep, it’s the best way to curb jet lag. Most hub airports offer fully stocked shower services directly or through in-airport hotels. Be sure to check below for hours, locations, and more.
AIRPORT SHOWERS:
DFW (DALLAS/FORT WORTH)
Name: Minute Suites
Location: Terminal D at D23 and Terminal A at A38
INDIRA GANDHI (DELHI)
Name: Plaza Premium Suites
Location: Domestic Arrivals Level (after the baggage reclaim), Terminal 3
www.plaza-network.com/location_detail?city=New%20Delhi
HARTSFIELD JACKSON (ATLANTA)
Name: Minute Suites
Location: Concourse B & T
CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL
Name: Minute Suites
Location: Atrium
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL
Name: Minute Suites
Location: A-B Link
HANEDA (TOKYO)
Name: Shower Rooms
Location: Arrival Lobby, 2nd floor
www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/mo/en/premises/service/relaxation_shower.html
AMSTERDAM SCHIPOL
Name: Yotel
Location: Lounge 2 in piers D and E, next to the food court
www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol
Name: Mercure
Location: Upper level in Lounge 3 in piers F, G and H, opposite the KLM Crown Lounge
www.accorhotels.com/en/hotel-1730-mercure-hotel-schiphol-terminal/index.shtml#origin=mercure
MANCHESTER
Name: Radisson Blu Hotel
Location: Terminal 2, connected to all terminals by an elevated walkway
www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-manchesterairport
ABU DHABI
Name: Airport Lounges
Location: Near departure gates 32 & 37
www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/airport-information/airport-facilities/toilets-and-showers.aspx
AUCKLAND
Name: Auckland Airport
Location: Ground floor arrivals in the International Terminal and on the first floor opposite the Air New Zealand premium check-in
www.aucklandairport.co.nz/information/terminal-services-and-facilities#Showers%20and%20toiletries
SYDNEY KINGSFORD SMITH
Name: Shower Facilities
Location: Terminal 1, International Terminal, near the check-in counters A and K on the departures level
SAN FRANCISCO
Name: Freshen Up
Location: Pre-security, International Terminal, Main Hall near the entrance to Gates G91-G102
www.airporttravelagency.org/freshen-up/
FRANKFURT AIRPORT
Name: Airport Showers
Location: Terminal 1, Concourse A, Level 2 (near Gate A 50)
Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 2, Shopping Boulevard ( pre-security)
Terminal 1, Concourse B, Level 3 (near Kuffler & Bucher)
Terminal 1, Concourse Z, Level 3 (near Gate Z 50)
Terminal 2, Concourse D, Level 3 (opposite the security control for Gates D 5 to 8)
www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/travel/transfer.detail.suffix.html/service/at-the-airport/showers.html
HONG KONG AIRPORT
Name: Shower Facilities
Location: Near Gate 22, Arrivals Level (L5), Terminal 1 (Restricted Area)
www.hongkongairport.com/en/passenger-guide/airport-facilities-services/shower-facilities
ZURICH AIRPORT (SWITZERLAND)
Name: Shower Facilities
Location: At the Transit Hotel at Gates D. At the Family Center at Gates E
www.zurich-airport.com/passengers-and-visitors/airport-services-en/layover-and-lounges/showers
KANSAI AIRPORT (JAPAN)
Name: KIX Airport Lounge
Location: Terminal 1: 2F (North), International Gate Area Center, Aeroplaza: 2F
www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/service/relax/01.html
CHANGI AIRPORT (SINGAPORE)
Name: See below
Location:
Terminal 1
Airport Wellness Oasis: Departure Hall (near D Gates), Level 3, Transit Hall
Plaza Premium Hall: Departure Hall (near C Gates), Level 3, Transit Hall
Terminal 2
Ambassador Transit Lounge:Departure Hall (near F gates), Level 3, Transit Hall
Transpa: Departure Hall Central Level 3, Transit Hall
Spa Express: Departure Hall, Central Level 3, Transit Hall
Terminal 3
Ambassador Transit Lounge: Departure Hall, Level 3, Transit Hall
Be Relax: Departure Hall, Level 2, Transit Hall