Things to do while in transit at busy airports

GOING away these Christmas holidays? Getting stuck in transit for hours on end can suck so here are some hidden things you never knew you could do to fight boredom at the airport.

Willow away the hours at the rooftop pool at Singapore's Changi Airport. Picture:...

THERE is nothing more exhausting than being stuck in transit for hours on end, especially on long haul journeys. With the four main transit airports from Australia being Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai, Travelzoo Australia's associate publisher, Allison Wallace, has looked into the amenities and services available at these international airports. Here, her tips to help you arrive at your destination feeling fresh.

Bangkok

• Check out the children's playground near the transfer passenger lounges so you can let the kids run out some of that energy.

• Chang Foot Massage & Spa is the best place to relax. All their spas are located at the international departure hall offering a great variety of spa treatments and foot massages. The service is reasonably priced and booking is not essential, you can just walk in.

• There are a few great food options available at Bangkok so no need to go hungry or thirsty, in fact you can make a bit of treat out it.

Hong Kong

• Explore the Aviation Discover Centre (ADC) with aviation-themed exhibits and graphics. Attractions include SkyDeck and the Cockpit Simulator. Perfect for those with teens or the young at heart!

• Catch up on what is happening with free wireless internet access at most seating and public areas in the passenger terminals with no registration required.

• There are several premium lounges. Relax in comfort in one of the pay-in lounges before boarding a flight or during transit. You can enjoy hot showers, all day food and beverage buffet.

Singapore

• All terminals feature good duty free shopping, this is handy especially on the way home.

• If you are there for eight to ten hours, there is a day tour for tourists with a hop-on/hop-off bus.

• The airport features a bunch of accessible activities including a butterfly garden (featuring state-of-the-art landscaping and garden design, this two-storey enclosed garden is also home to a six-metre grotto-waterfall), movie theatre (free of charge) and a children's playground in each terminal so the whole family can stay entertained.

• Soak up the sun and take a dip at the rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi. For a small fee, visitors can make use of the pool and enjoy shaded areas, a collection of books and shower facilities, and receive a free non-alcoholic beverage at the bar. .

Dubai

• Terminal 1 of Dubai International offers two quiet lounges, conveniently located at gates C23 and C9, complete with comfortable reclining chairs to ensure you have a peaceful nap between flights.

• If you really need to have a sleep, take advantage of the rooms and luxurious amenities at the Dubai International Hotel, located on the third level of the Sheikh Rashid Terminal. The Hotel offers fantastic views of the runway and is home to Dubai Duty Free. So, there's no real need for you to even leave the airport.

• G-Force, Health Club caters to fitness buffs but if you are into something less strenuous, there is a swimming pool, jacuzzi and gymnasium as well as massage services available.

"It's always a good idea to do your own research before you head off as the airports are constantly upgrading their amenities. The easiest way to research is to logon to the respective airport site and do a search!" adds Wallace.

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