Travelers' Relief: Showers At The Airport

After a long flight, the idea of a shower can be very appealing. But do airports have showers? The answer is yes, but they're not always easy to find.

Airport showers are often located in airport lounges, which can be accessed if you're a member of a specific airline loyalty program, hold a particular credit card, or are flying first or business class. Lounges can also sometimes be accessed by purchasing a day pass.

Some airports also offer public showers, which are usually free to use.

- Abu Dhabi International Airport

- Hong Kong International Airport

- Istanbul Airport

- Los Angeles International Airport

- London Heathrow Airport

- Haneda Airport, Tokyo

- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

- Manchester Airport

- Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

- San Francisco Airport

- Frankfurt Airport

- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

- Philadelphia Airport

- Auckland Airport

Airport lounges with showers

While not all airports have showers, many do, and they can be a great way to freshen up after a long flight. Here are some airport lounges that offer shower facilities:

Minute Suites

Minute Suites offer rentable mini-suites at several airports, and their locations at Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte airports also provide private showers. It costs $30 for a 30-minute shower or $20 if you book a shower with a suite rental.

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass lounges can be found at many airports and offer various amenities, including complimentary refreshments, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and sometimes showers and daybeds. Access can be purchased as a membership, a day pass, or through certain credit cards. You can check the Priority Pass app or website to see if a lounge at your airport has showers.

Plaza Premium Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport

In addition to providing rejuvenating showers, this lounge also offers massages, manicures, and pedicures, among other services. It is located at the Domestic Arrivals Level (after baggage reclaim) in Terminal 3 and is open 24 hours a day.

XpresSpa at Philadelphia Airport

XpresSpa offers an essential part of a healthy routine – showers! Depending on the temperature, your time spent under the water can offer different benefits, from relaxation to better skin and improved circulation. It is located in Terminal C, near Gate C18, and is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Radisson Blu Hotel at Manchester Airport

Conveniently located in the heart of Manchester Airport, the Radisson Blu Hotel offers shower facilities for a small fee of £6.50 per person. It is open Monday to Friday from 6:00 am and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am.

Abu Dhabi International Airport

All first and business class lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport offer showers, including the lounges for Etihad Airways. If you don't have lounge access, free public showers are also available at gates 32 and 37. The cost of visiting the Etihad business class lounges starts at $100 or 14,100 Etihad Guest miles for two hours, and it's free if you're flying Etihad business or first class.

Cathay Pacific Lounges in Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific's The Wing first-class lounge offers private "cabanas" that include a soaking tub, rain shower, and plenty of space to relax. The staff will even iron your clothes while you freshen up. Cathay Pacific has several other lounges with showers as well. Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members receive free entry into The Wing.

American Express Centurion Lounges

Some Centurion Lounges offer showers, and access is limited to those who hold eligible American Express cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express. Cardholders can pay a fee for guest access or bring up to two guests for free if they spend more than $75,000 in a calendar year on an eligible card.

Public showers at airports

Airports are busy places, and sometimes it's necessary to freshen up before continuing your journey. Many people don't know that airport showers exist, but they do, and they can be a great way to wash away the germs and fatigue of a long flight.

Where Can I Find Airport Showers?

Airport showers are often located within airport lounges, which can be accessed if you are a frequent flyer with elite status, have certain credit cards, or are flying first or business class. Some airline lounges also allow you to purchase a day pass for access to their facilities, including showers. Additionally, some airports offer public showers outside of the lounges, which may be free of charge or have a small fee.

Airport showers are not like the basic showers you might find at a gym or school locker room. Instead, they tend to be more like luxury hotel rooms, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment with abundant towels and toiletries. They provide a private space where you can relax and enjoy some personal space away from the chaos of the airport.

Examples of Airports with Showers

• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Showers are available in the Etihad first and business class lounges, which can be accessed for a fee. There are also public showers available for free near departure gates 32 and 37.
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): The Cathay Pacific Wing Lounge offers elegant and comfortable facilities, including temperature-controlled cabanas with showers and daybeds. Access is available for first-class passengers or members of specific airline clubs.
• Istanbul Airport (IST): The Turkish Airlines business class lounge offers several amenities, including marble-clad showers. There are also public showers available for a fee of €15.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The Qantas Los Angeles International Business Lounge provides a tranquil environment and 16 showers stocked with complimentary wellness products. It is open to Qantas business class passengers and those flying business class on partner airlines.
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR): The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers a unique experience, including an outdoor terrace, exercise area, barbershop, and several showers with complimentary toiletries and towels. It is accessible to passengers traveling Upper Class, Delta One, or Aeromexico Clase Premier, as well as top-tier frequent flyers with specific airlines.
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte Airports: Minute Suites at these airports offer common shower rooms with towels and toiletries for a fee.
• Indira Gandhi International Airport: The Plaza Premium Lounge offers showers, massages, manicures, and pedicures for a refreshing experience.
• Philadelphia Airport: XpresSpa provides showers and highlights the health benefits of showering at different temperatures.
• Haneda Airport: This airport in Tokyo offers 15 shower rooms available 24 hours a day, including amenities such as towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a hairdryer for a fee.
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: YOTEL has two shower cabins available for an hour's use at a cost of 15 euros.

Tips for Using Airport Showers

If you plan to use an airport lounge shower, remember to sign up for access as soon as you enter the lounge to avoid disappointment, as there may be limited availability. Additionally, consider bringing your own soap and towel, as some airport showers may not provide these.

So, the next time you're facing a long layover or arriving early in the morning, keep in mind that a refreshing shower may be just what you need to boost your energy levels and enhance your travel experience.

How to access airport showers

There are a few ways to access airport showers.

Firstly, you can check the Priority Pass app or website to see if there are any lounges at your airport that offer showers. Priority Pass lounge access can be purchased as a membership, a day pass, or through a credit card that provides Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit. However, note that access is subject to availability, and showers may incur an extra charge at some lounges.

Secondly, some Minute Suites locations at airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte offer private showers for a fee. You can rent a suite for a few hours and book a shower for an additional cost, or just opt for the shower.

Thirdly, some airport hotels provide shower facilities for a small fee. For example, the Radisson Blu Hotel at Manchester Airport charges £6.50 per person to use their showers.

Additionally, some airport lounges offer showers, particularly for First or Business Class passengers. For instance, the Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong feature shower suites with daybeds, soaking tubs, and rain showers. Accessing these lounges may require holding certain travel credit cards or being a member of specific airline programs.

Lastly, some airports provide complimentary shower facilities for all passengers, such as Hong Kong International Airport, which offers free bathrooms with hair dryers, shampoo, and bath gel. Towels and other consumables can be purchased from vending machines.

Are airport showers hygienic?

Airport showers are available, but they are not always easily accessible. Some airports have showers in their lounges, but these are usually reserved for first or business class passengers, or those with a membership or day pass. For example, Priority Pass lounges offer showers, but access is subject to availability and sometimes incurs an extra charge.

Some airports have public showers, such as those at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which are free of charge. Other airports, like Auckland Airport, offer toiletries for purchase, but the showers themselves are free to use.

If you're looking for a more hygienic option, you might want to consider a private shower facility. For example, Freshen Up at San Francisco Airport offers 30-minute private shower facilities that include shampoo, soap, lotion, shower shoes, a towel, and a blow-dryer for $25.

It's important to note that access to airport lounges and showers may vary depending on your airline, status, or membership. It's always a good idea to check the airport's website or app for specific information about shower locations and availability.

Benefits of airport showers

Airports are busy, chaotic places, and air travel can be a stressful experience. Airport showers can be a great way to relax and refresh before or after a long flight.

A Comfortable Environment

Airport showers are often located in airport lounges, which offer a welcoming and comfortable environment. Showers in airport lounges are usually well-equipped with abundant towels and toiletries, and there is also space to change clothes and open your suitcase.

A Personal Space

Airports are crowded places, and personal space can be hard to come by. Airport showers offer a rare opportunity for privacy and a chance to close the door on the world for a few precious minutes.

A Great Way to Relax

Showers can be a great way to relax and unwind, and the combination of hot water and a comfortable environment can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental outlook.

Improved Hygiene

Air travel can be a germ-filled experience, and an airport shower is a great way to wash away those germs and improve your personal hygiene, especially after a long flight.

A Fresh Start

A shower can be a great way to reset and start fresh, especially if you are facing a long layover or a delayed flight. It can help you feel more energized and positive, and the simple act of changing into a fresh set of clothes can improve your outlook on a long travel day.

Additional Services

Some airport shower facilities also offer additional services such as massages, manicures, and pedicures, providing an even more comprehensive relaxation experience.

Frequently asked questions