Airports encourage you to spend as much time as possible in the duty-free aisles. But there are often far cheaper and more pleasant ways to while away stopovers or long check-in times.
BAA
Many of Britain's airports are run by BAA, but its site proposes nothing more stimulating than shopping, eating or buying a one-off lounge pass (though you might want to consult holidayextras.co.uk for a second quote). Instead, try gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk - the Terminal Facilities section explains where to find showers and internet access, and the bottom of the page links to similar guides for other UK airports.
Amsterdam Schiphol
Visit the free Rijksmuseum, watch planes take off and land from the terrace on the terminal roof, or take a shower (€12.50) in the Hotel Mercure beyond security.
Frankfurt International
Choose the Airport A-Z link on the left-hand side of the page for details of showers (€6), the casino, children's play areas and Beate Uhse, 'Germany's best-known erotic goods store'.
Zurich
A single dayroom with free tea, coffee, soup, showers and a wake-up call costs Sfr48 for up to six hours; a shower alone will cost Sfr10. Zurich has a number of wireless hotspots and particularly good nursery and play areas.
Singapore Changi
The site suggests a bewildering range of activities: watching a film, following the nature trail with its koi pond, joining a free Singapore tour, or taking a shower, sauna, massage or swim.
Dubai
Hotel rooms can be rented on an hourly basis; there's also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym ($5-$8) and massages. Two quiet lounges are free and have reclining chairs.
Vancouver
Pedicures and warm stone massages at the Absolute Spa, a barber's, shop, the National Geographic shop and (pre-security) the Spa at the Fairmont.
Chicago O'Hare and Midway
Terminal 3 has a walk-in spa ($10, or $5 for a tanning session) and back and neck massages.
