Stuck for four hours in Chicago, Atlanta or Dallas? Road warriors share their 10 favorite things to do on long layovers at these popular hubs.
If you find yourself at O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson or DFW with time to kill, check out these 10 fun things to do on long layovers.
Work Out
At O’Hare International Airport, get a day pass at the Hilton Athletic Club, located in the Hilton Hotel outside Terminal 2. Facilities include gym equipment, lap pool, sauna Jacuzzi, and full-service locker rooms. Source: Sleeping in Airports
Try the Local Specialties
O’Hare is full of options, according to The Points Guy. In all three domestic terminals you can find locally brewed beer from Goose Island Beer Company, Garrett Popcorn and Chicago-style hot dogs piled high with onions, tomatoes and pickles. Those traveling in Terminals 1, 3 and 5 should check out the authentic Mexican at Torta Frontera, owned by local celebrity chef Rick Bayless.
Shop for Artisan Wares
The Field Museum and Hoy Poloi, a Chinatown art gallery, also have outposts at O’Hare. You’ll find the former in Terminals 1 and 3 and the latter in Terminals 1 and 2.
Chill Out
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, The Club, which charges $40 a day, is an alternative private lounges of the major airlines. Ot try Minute Suites in Concourse B, which offers TV, WiFi and napping for $42 per hour. Source: The Culture Trip
Step Back in Time
The ATL Insider blog suggests a visit to “A Walk Through Atlanta History” in the Transportation Mall between Concourses B and C. Also, look for the rotating exhibit, “Courage Under Fire,” in the Domestic Atrium. It features photographs of the Freedom Riders during the civil rights movement.
Catch Some Culture
If you hit it right, Atlanta Airport hosts four annual concerts in the Atrium. It also has a robust art program, the largest art exhibition in the city at any given time, with $15 million invested in public art. The installation “Flight Paths” by artist Steve Waldeck is the largest single public art project in the city of Atlanta’s history and is located in the underground walkway between Concourses A and B.
Lounge Away
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Club at DFW at Terminal D does not require an annual membership; just $40 will get you one-time access.
Have Breakfast Any Time
If you’re a person who would just like to eat breakfast all day, Cereality at DFW’s Terminal C is a cereal bar that’s open for lunch and dinner, too. You can pick two cereals and a topping, along with your choice of regular, soy and lactose-free milk.
Try Texas BBQ
Two in-airport favorites are Stampede Express by Chef Stephen Pyles at DFW’s Terminal D and Austin’s Salt Lick in Terminal A.
See Some Sculpture
There is also a Sculpture Garden outside Terminal D in arrivals. The airport’s $8 million art collection includes four sculptures on loan from the Nasher Sculpture Center. Source: The Layover Guide
Road warriors: Also don’t miss Prevue’s Packing Tips from the Pros.
