Airports, boy have they come a long way! One of my favorites has to be US Airways Terminal B, Gate B-9 Departures at Philadelphia International Airport! That’s the one that has Vino Volo right there at the gate. Say goodbye to sitting in those uncomfortable chairs! You can pull up a bar stool, sit down and have a nice glass of wine or a wine tasting, depending on how much time you have. As if pre-flight wine wasn’t amazing enough, they also have an exquisite charcuterie plate to go with it. This kind of relaxed atmosphere makes traveling so much nicer! The cherry on top is that if you don’t finish your plate, they’ll wrap it up for you and you can take it with you on your flight. Sure beats airline peanuts!

While Philadelphia has certainly stepped up its airport game, Chicago’s O’hare airport is easily one of my top five favorite airports. Why you ask? They have a spa! That’s right, you read correctly: a SPA…in an airport! After walking for five days in Chicago, I needed a little bit of reflexology, so I stopped and had a great treatment right there in the airport!

Now, I know what you must be thinking. If that isn’t your favorite airport, what could possibly top a spa?! If you’ve ever traveled to London, you’ll be familiar with Terminal 5 in Heathrow International Airport. When you step off the plane, right in front of you is Wagamama. If you haven’t been, get your tail over there! Last time I was in London, I tried Wagamama, it had just opened. I popped in and had something simple to eat, some pad Thai, another night a Lo Mein dish. Seeing it right at the airport was like seeing an old familiar friend. They treat you so well and the food is just as delicious as I remember!
As if amazing food weren’t enough, it only gets better at Terminal 5. Being here is like being transported to Fifth Avenue in New York City! Every store you can think of is there, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Hermes, every beauty line you can think of is there—Chanel, Dior, La Mer; you name it! And, they have reclining chairs and chaise lounges! You don’t have to pay for them, you just sit yourself down, relax and recline! You can even take a nap! Because Terminal 5 is so big and is a hub for British Airways, you’re bound to run into someone you know!

I moved across the Terminal to find a docking station for my phone and as it was charging, I looked up from my crossword puzzle and there was my partner-in-crime, Marguerite! Traveling with friends is the absolute best, it makes five hours of waiting feel like five minutes when you’re laughing and catching up!
I wish I could say airplane food has caught up to all the amazing things happening in the airport terminals; but I’m afraid that looks like it might be miles away from happening!

Safe travels during the holiday season!