Featured Press & News
10 Great Places To Wait Before Boarding
USA Today - November 2009
With millions hitting the skies for Thanksgiving, there's bound to be a delay or two. But airports are doing more for travelers with long layovers. Rudy Maxa, host of the radio show Rudy Maxa's World with Christopher Elliott, shares with Kelly DiNardo for USA TODAY his favorite airports to wait out a flight.
Miami International Airport
"It is not a very efficient airport, but it's great for people watching," says Maxa
of the airport that also features exhibits by emerging artists throughout the terminals. Maxa recommends
pulling up a seat at the Cuban restaurant La Carreta, sampling the roasted pork and black beans, and
watching folks go by. miami-airport.com; 305-876-7000
Changi Airport Singapore
Amid the koi and lily ponds, you'll find a plethora of options to keep you busy. Catch a flick at the movie
theater, challenge fellow passengers at Xbox in the entertainment lounge, sneak a workout in at the gym
or ditch the airport altogether with a free city tour for those really long waits. changiairport.com
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
The airport features many amenities, from a play area for children to free wireless to an
inMotion Entertainment store, where you can rent DVDs for your flight. But what really sets the airport
apart is an "ambitious collection of art and sculptures," says Maxa. More than 30 artists from around the
world were selected to design works that are featured throughout the airport, including a sculpture garden
outside the Terminal D parking garage. dfwairport.com; 972-973-8888
Munich Airport
Munich Airport is very kid-friendly, with Kinderterminals, or touch-screen monitors that let kids learn how
an airport works. A small theater shows free, aviation themed movies each day. And there are three
historic aircraft for kids to explore. All ages love the Christmas market, which is set up right outside the
terminal each year. "People go to Europe just for these Christmas markets," says Maxa. munich-
airport.de
Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara, Calif.
The Santa Barbara Airport is a smaller airport without many luxury amenities, but the coffee shop has an
outdoor balcony with unbelievable views of the Pacific. "It's a very soothing way to wait out a flight," says
Maxa. flysba.com; 805-967-7111
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
There are entertaining options for almost every personality type at Schiphol. Fitness aficionados can hit
the gym, which offers day passes, personal training sessions and physiotherapy training. Art fans will
want to wander through the Rijksmuseum, with its exhibit of works by the Dutch masters. And others may
want to try their luck at Holland Casino. "There's no better way to kill time than with a few hands of
blackjack," says Maxa. schiphol.nl
John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York
"Generally, JFK is a mess, but the JetBlue terminal is great," says Maxa. "It's a real dining experience,
with a sushi place and a bistro." There's a central board with menus for all of the restaurants, so you can
decide where you want to go before schlepping up and down the terminal. Or settle into the long work bar
where passengers can plug in, use the free Wi-Fi and order food while they stay tapping away on a
laptop. jfkiat.com; 718-244-4444
Incheon Airport
Seoul
The airport in Seoul includes a children's playroom, sauna and spa, an art museum, several gardens and
a casino. But golf lovers will thrill at the opportunity to drive
one home at the 330-yard driving range, take a round on the 18-hole putting course or get their swing
analyzed at the Incheon Golf Club. airport.kr
Zurich Airport
In the midst of the airport is a grand piano, which shouldn't be too surprising, considering there's also a
Zurich Airport Orchestra made up of employees like cabin crewmembers, pilots and IT technicians. The
airport also features very high-end stores such as Gucci, Bulgari and Hermes. "You want to go there just
to shop," says Maxa. zurich-airport.com
Heathrow Airport
London
"Heathrow is a sprawling city," says Maxa. "They have caviar bars, wine stores, spas and great
shopping." You'll find Harrod's, Burberry, Armani, Cartier and other shops. And those passengers who
just want to relax can check into a Yotel, a cabin with a bed, bathroom, free Wi-Fi and entertainment
system. heathrowairport.com