Wyndham Wisdom

Prepare for Takeoff

Now that airports have lavish spas, you may be grateful for a flight delay

Do airports make you crazy? The crowds, the flight delays, the security bottlenecks--flying is stressful even before you set foot on the plane. That explains the recent proliferation of airport spas, where harried travelers can indulge in anything from a 15-minute facial to a massage to a haircut. We've uncovered some of the best spots to relax and rejuvenate, so before takeoff (or during a layover), pamper yourself at one of these eight flight-friendly retreats--no reservation required.

NEWARK LIBERTY

When it opened in 2000, the chic D_parture Spa was a pioneer in the grab-a-treatment-at-the-airport game. Now in three locations (two at Newark, one at Orlando), the bright, cheerful spa tailors services to travelers. The Scalp and Eye Massage (25 minutes; $45) relieves stuffed-up sinuses; the Long Haul Reviver (one hour; $75) includes a pedicure and a foot and calf massage to pump up circulation. departurespa.com

NEW YORK JFK

International Manhattan's Oasis Day Spa now has a branch in JetBlue's Terminal 6, with many of the same services--purifying facials, full-body massages--only faster. The popular Jet Set Facials (15 minutes; $30) are designed for specific skin types (the Jet Set Calm rehydrates puffy eyes, while the Jet Set Cleanse purifies oily skin). oasisdayspanyc.com

DETROIT METROPOLITAN

Flying for hours in a metal tube and breathing recirculated air can rob your body of oxygen, causing fatigue and jet lag. To refresh yourself, try an oxygen session at OraOxygen, where you can lie down and breathe aromatherapy-scented, 98-percent pure oxygen (15 minutes; $18). You can take your O2 on its own or combine it with another service, like a hot-stone massage (30 minutes; $50). (There's another OraOxygen at Calgary International in Alberta, Canada.) ora-oxygen.com

SEA-TAC INTERNATIONAL

The Seattle-based company Butter London only does nails, but it does them exceptionally well. The décor at the Seattle airport branch--funky English wallpaper and huge chandeliers--is nothing like what you'd find at your typical mani-pedi joint. Treatments use the company's own nontoxic polishes. For those with time to kill, there's a 40-minute pedicure with massage ($40); if you're in a rush, go for a quick shaping, shine and polish ($10 for hands only). (Also at Washington Dulles and Sacramento International.) butterlondon.com

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL

The three airport outposts of Absolute Spa, one of Canada's most exclusive chains, offer innovative Flight Delay packages (starting at one hour; $75). During that all-too-inevitable airport holdup, you can stop by for a chair massage, oxygen treatment, facial and manicure/pedicure. Unlike most airport spas, these have showers. absolutespa.com

REYKJAVIK KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL

Iceland is a geothermal wonderland, so it's no surprise that spa treatments at Blue Lagoon make use of the country's natural healing waters. Energizing hand and foot treatments start with a soak in mineral-rich geothermal seawater, followed by massages with silica mud and salt crystals (20 minutes; $40). The treatments claim to relieve swelling and encourage circulation. The spa carries its full line of healing beauty products (or "naturceuticals"), including mineral exfoliants and toners. bluelagoon.com

AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL

The Dutch have carved much of their country out of land below sea level, so they know a thing or two about utilizing water without getting wet. At Back to Life, that know-how is on display with the innovative Aqua Massage (20 minutes; $43). Lie down in a special pod, fully clothed and protected by a waterproof sheet, while 36 customized water jets pulsate up and down. The pressure massages your body, leaving you dry but invigorated for your journey. backtolife.nl

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL

This ultramodern terminal has instituted a more democratic version of the members-only airport lounge-- Plaza Lounges, open to anyone willing to pay. At the Plaza Shower & Relaxation Lounge, freshen up with a hot shower and a quick massage (five-hour usage, including 15-minute massage and shower, $53). Go to the Plaza Hair & Beauty Salon to get highlights (from $49) or have a lymphatic drainage facial, which is said to improve circulation and immunity. (Also at airports in Beijing, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Vancouver.) plaza-ppl.com

McSPAS

Airport chain spas seem to be as ubiquitous as McDonald's these days. XpresSpa already has 33 locations, including Orlando, Boston, Vegas and Cancún; the 34th opens early next year in Atlanta. These surprisingly spacious facilities offer a huge menu of services, from full-body massages to the Gentleman's Facial (both start at 30 minutes; $65). xpresspa.com

Across the pond, Be Relax has opened airport spas that provide standard treatments (massages, mani-pedis, facials, waxing) in Milan's Malpensa, Paris's Charles de Gaulle and seven other airports. Both chains sell travel-size products (skin serums, aromatherapy, oils) in case you need your beauty to go. berelax.com