Why You’ll Want to Get to the Airport Hours Early (On Purpose)
With everything from spa sanctuaries to gaming rooms, these days, you’ll want to arrive at the airport extra early
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Airports are transforming into a playground of luxury delights, redefining the travel experience to offer everything from wellness centers to entertainment.
In the ‘Airport Experience Research 2025’ report, Airport Dimensions – sister company to Priority Pass – surveyed 10,300 global travelers and found a strong bleisure trend.
Mignon Buckingham, Airport Dimensions CEO, said: “We continue to evolve our airport lounge and experience propositions utilizing insights from our annual Airport Experience research. What began as lounges for business travelers has transformed into dynamic, inclusive spaces shaped by the needs of today’s passengers – especially the affluent leisure traveler, who represents 42 percent of our base but drives 81 percent of airport spending. We blend strong design, local culture, and wellness-focused experiences to enhance the airport journey – 97 percent of lounge program members say lounge access is essential to their trip.”
Spa sessions
Be Relax airport spas are present at key global travel hubs such as Los Angeles, with facials, neck massages, or even manicures – and complimentary treatments for Priority Pass members in Canada and the US.
Elsewhere, Air France premium passengers can enjoy complimentary facials at the Clarins Spa in its lounges in Paris and New York JFK, while the Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK offers LED face masks and Normatec recovery boots. United’s Polaris Lounge in San Francisco meanwhile, features Therabody Loungers, combining sound and vibration therapy for full-body relaxation.
Fitness
If your idea of wellness is of the more vigorous kind – feel free to get physical. You’ll find a fully equipped gym and 25-metre swimming pool – plus squash courts, a golf simulator, and spa services – at the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre in Doha’s Hamad International Airport, or free weights, Jacuzzi, and pool at G-Force Health Club in Hotel DXB at Dubai International Airport.
Gaming
Game Space at Dubai International Airport offers a premium gaming experience across PCs, consoles, and VR. Enjoy leading titles like League of Legends with a Priority Pass membership. In Los Angeles (LAX), Gameway offers a similar setup, with luggage storage so you can get fully absorbed in your quest and snacks to refuel. This lounge was named ‘A Pioneer of the Year’ in the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2024 for its innovative take on a traditional lounge experience.
Did you know?
With Priority Pass memberships purchased directly via prioritypass.com you get free access to fitness app WithU for personalised routines to follow – both on the road and at home.
Lounge act
Four entertaining Priority Pass lounges and experiences
The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon)
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Where: International Concourse C, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand
Why visit: Coral-flavoured coffee, onsite mixologists, complimentary 15-minute massages, and a cinema.
VIP Lounge Punta Cana
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Where: Terminal B2 Domestic, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic
Why visit: Take a dip in the outdoor pool with views over the airfield before relaxing on a sun lounger.
PGP MSP Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Where: Terminal 1, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, US
Why visit: This golf-inspired lounge is complete with a putting green, golf simulators, and more.
Primeclass Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Where: Muscat International Airport, Oman
Why visit: Facilities include a pool table, sports screens showing live matches, a children’s play area, and family rooms.
Beyond the lounge
What services are travelers most keen for?
- Entertainment – 53 percent
- Family zones – 50 percent
- Sleep pods – 49 percent
- Gaming – 41 percent
Source: Airport Experience Research 2025, Airport Dimensions
Long layover
Turn hours or days into a minibreak
Numerous airlines now offer curated stopover packages to encourage visitors to explore their home cities. Finnair offers six, 12, and 24-hour adventures in Helsinki, from architectural tours to delving into the city’s heavy metal scene. Stopover in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and you’ll get a free hotel stay with time to explore the city’s sights. Emirates’ Dubai Connect service meanwhile comes with a free hotel, meals and airport transfer.
Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass
Priority Pass members (who purchased via prioritypass.com) can access Destination Deals from Attraction World Group, with more than 25,000 experiences from Universal Studios to luxury yacht cruises.
