These airports are doing way too much, and we kind of love it!

Terminals with personality

These airports are doing way too much, and we kind of love it!

Airports used to be all about waiting: waiting to check in, waiting to board, waiting for delays you didn’t ask for. But somewhere along the line, a few airports decided boredom was optional. Around the world, terminals now feature attractions that feel more like resorts, museums, or theme parks than places to catch a flight. Here are some of the wildest airport amenities that might make you wish for a longer layover.

Therapy dogs roaming the terminal

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport sends certified therapy dogs around the terminal to comfort nervous travelers. You can pet them, talk to them, or just smile as they wander by. For many people, this beats a cup of coffee.

A real indoor jungle in Malaysia

Image: Ani Rain

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you can stroll through a jungle without leaving the terminal. There’s a wooden boardwalk, real trees, and even birdsong. It’s warm, humid, and surprisingly peaceful. Sure, the waterfall is artificial, but when you’re surrounded by greenery instead of gate numbers, you don’t think much about that.

An indoor waterfall in Singapore

Image: Faris Ariffin

And if there’s a jungle, why not a waterfall? Singapore’s Changi Airport takes things to another level. Right in the middle of the terminal is a 130-foot indoor waterfall pouring from the ceiling. It’s part of a massive nature-themed complex with walking trails and gardens. You might even forget you’re supposed to catch a plane.

A full aquarium in Vancouver

Image: Brandon Griggs

Vancouver International Airport is home to a massive saltwater aquarium filled with local marine life. There’s also a jellyfish tank that’s oddly calming. Instead of staring at departure boards, you can watch fish glide by and imagine you’re already on vacation.

An ice skating rink in South Korea

Image: Karl Hörnfeldt

If you’ve ever thought airport walking wasn’t enough exercise, Incheon Airport has an ice rink in the basement. For a small fee, you can rent skates and glide around before your flight. It’s not something you’d expect to do between security and boarding.

A swimming pool with runway views

Image: Sean Wang

At Punta Cana Airport, some travelers can cool off in an outdoor pool while watching planes take off and land. It’s part of a VIP lounge, but anyone can pay to get in. Floating in a pool while jets roar past feels like a travel brag waiting to happen.

A working vegetable garden in Chicago

Image: David Syphers

Chicago O’Hare Airport has a garden that grows real vegetables and herbs right inside the terminal. It uses misting systems and recycled air, and nearby restaurants actually cook with what’s grown there. Fresh food and airports don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but here we are.

A museum inside an airport in Amsterdam

Image: Jessica Tan

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has its own mini museum featuring real works from the Rijksmuseum. Famous Dutch paintings hang quietly upstairs, free to visit. It’s a nice reminder that culture doesn’t stop just because you’re in transit.

A rooftop pool in Singapore

Image: Adrien Olichon

Yes, Singapore again. For a small fee, travelers can swim in a rooftop pool at the airport, soak in a hot tub, or lounge in the sun. It’s hard to complain about a layover when you’re poolside with your carry-on nearby.

A brewery that actually brews beer

Image: David Syphers

Munich Airport has the world’s only airport brewery. You can drink freshly made beer, watch the brewing process, and even take a tour. Somehow, this feels exactly right for Germany.

A runway that crosses a public road

Image: Michal Mrozek

Gibraltar’s airport runway cuts straight across one of the main roads. When a plane is coming, traffic stops, much like at a railroad crossing. Watching cars wait for a jet to land is a sight you won’t soon forget.