World’s best airport entertainment

Some of the world's best airports are known for accessibility, infrastructure and customer service, but also boast entertainment to pass the time like no others. So if you ever find yourself waiting to depart from one of these cities, know they offer high-calibre attractions to make time fly.

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Seoul's Incheon Airport

Equipped with a synthetic ice rink and a two-screen movie theatre, Seoul's Incheon Airport also has two Korean cultural zones with daily live performances and Korean craft workshops.

Flight delayed? No worries. Just take the free shuttle to the casino and golf course minutes away. Or if you prefer, the departure area's equipped with free (and clean) showers, a spa, yoga classes, free massage chairs and recliners, computer terminals, book rental, and a gallery of Korean arts and crafts.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport

Departing from Amsterdam? Might as well get one last hit of culture, by taking in its collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces from the famous Rijsmuseum. If you're out of reading material, Schiphol also houses the world's first permanent airport library, with a collection of 1,200 books in 29 languages.

More of an aviation enthusiast? Then check out the airport's large rooftop viewing area, called the Panoramaterras. It's free of charge, and offers great views of all the runway action, in addition to cockpit and other plane simulations.

Vancouver International Airport

The winner of many an airport honour, Vancouver's International AIrport reflects the culture of its province in its ambience and attractions. Featuring an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest Coast Native art, the facility's designed in blues and greens to reflect the colours of land, sea and sky.

Taking that motif one step further, a 2007 expansion lets patrons take in a 114,000 litre aquarium with more than 5,000 creatures from wolf eels to sea stars, and a separate jellyfish exhibit from the Pacific sea.

Hong Kong International Airport

One of the busiest in the world, Hong Kong International Airport also boasts entertainment for those crowds. That includes an IMAX movie theatre playing current blockbusters, and an aviation discovery centre with cockpit simulator.

Getting restless from all your sitting around? Then check out the airport's sports simulators, including soccer, basketball, golf, boxing, skiing, and car racing. Or for the real deal, head to the nine-hole golf course adjacent to terminal two, complete with clubhouse, pro shop and putting greens.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

For a city that claims to be the live music capital of the world, you better believe the international airport in Austin TX stands by that claim. More than a dozen live concerts take place across four stages each week, ranging in genre from jazz to swing to soul and indie pop.

Singapore Changi Airport

Experience nature without stepping outdoors by visiting one of the six open-air garden areas in the Singapore Changi airport. In addition to 200 different plants, these gardens allow you to get up close to multiple species of butterflies.

With more than 750,000 square feet of shopping and eating spaces, brands including Prada, Gucci, Bulgari and Hermes have opened outlets in the airport. Napping areas, showers, spa and pool facilities round out the offerings.

Of course, with facilities like these, the question then becomes: How much of a rush are you really in to cram onto your flight?