No more excuses for wandering during layovers

In a perfect world, the flight arrives on time at airport X, the relaxed business traveler strolls to gate Y and within minutes boards a connecting flight to destination Z. The airline scores another perfect departure and the seamless flow of worldwide commerce continues.

Harsh statistics in the U.S. Department of Transportation's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report reveal the true picture. Details of delayed flights, bumped passengers, mishandled luggage and consumer complaints tell a gloomy tale that is all too familiar to business travelers.

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But things are looking up. Thanks to architects and planners who recognize that airports are more like small villages than holding pens, business travelers can find a number of options for passing time in productive and even enjoyable pursuits at airports around the world.

Internet access is becoming easier to find in airports' public places. Browse airport Web sites to pinpoint connection locations (see www.air-info.net/US/airports.php for access to more than 900 airport Web sites). Rent private office space at one of the Laptop Lane facilities (www.wayport.net/laptoplane) in several U.S. airports. To maximize time on longer layovers, schedule a client meeting at an airport conference center, or for smaller meetings, use an airline membership club (many offer day passes). For a lower-cost alternative to an exclusive club membership, look into Priority Pass (www.prioritypass.com) for access to 450 airport lounges around the world.

At Las Vegas McCarran Inter-national, work out your frustration at 24 Hour Fitness, a full-service club. For health clubs under that banner in central and western U.S. states, visit www.24hourfitness.com. Look for OraOxygen at Detroit Metropolitan for a chair massage, an aromatherapy oxygen treatment or a quick manicure. At www.airportgyms.com, search a comprehensive list of exercise facilities at or very near airports.

At 22 locations in the United States and Vancouver, rent a DVD player and movies from InMotion and watch while you wait or take it with you on the flight. If you're not flying to or through one of their destination airports, they'll deliver selections to your home or office. Find more information at www.inmotion.com.

The Architectural Enhancement Program at Ronald Reagan Wash-ington National showcases 30 works of art. San Francisco Inter-national offers themed exhibits in several concourses (www.sfoarts.org). Tampa International displays a stunning array of original art. Nashville International and Austin-Bergstrom International in Texas welcome travelers with live musical performances.

At Vancouver International Airport, rent a MetroPod for a quick nap set to music. Hong Kong International offers napping rooms equipped with beds and pillows. Some hotels located next to major airports sell day rooms at reduced rates for transiting passengers. For advice on low-budget places to catch an airport snooze, browse www.sleepinginairports.net.

When long flights are followed by longer layovers, nothing revitalizes like a shower. Several airline clubs, especially flagship clubs at a carrier's major hub, offer shower facilities. At Copenhagen Airport, the Transfer Hotel sells access to its sauna and shower cabinets to guests and non-guests. At Narita International in Tokyo, shower rooms are available for about $5 for a half hour. Vancouver International Airport has shower facilities in both the arrival and departure lounges.

Airport departure areas are being transformed into high-end shopping malls as retailers recognize the profit potential of transit passengers with time on their hands. Browse through the Books Etc. Store at London's Heathrow or Book Business at Atlanta's Concourse D. Museum stores like the Philadelphia Museum of Art shop at Philadelphia International Airport sell unique jewelry, calendars and educational toys. If you're faced with a long layover at Minneapolis/St. Paul International, hop onboard the new light-rail service to the Mall of America just 11 minutes away.

There's more to airport food than McDonald's. At Memphis International, sample barbecue and ribs at Corky's. Look for Godiva Chocolates' first stand-alone airport store here too. At Gate 15 in Dallas-Fort Worth's Terminal A, sample fine wines in a beautiful setting at La Bodega Winery and Tasting Bar. In San Francisco's international terminal, seek out Ebisu, an outpost of the city's popular high-end sushi restaurant. If you're craving an A&W rootbeer float, you'll find this American chain at several U.S. airports including Raleigh-Durham.

Though airport delays are unlikely to ease anytime soon, facility planners recognize the advantages of giving travelers what they want. The happy result is airports that are almost as interesting as the destinations they serve.