Roberta Aguirre
Although some airports do have gyms, many travellers have wondered why most airports don't. Some people relish the idea of squeezing in a workout during a layover or before a flight. However, others have concerns about the stench of sweaty travellers on planes, the cost of gym access, and the space required for gym kits in hand luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of steady income stream | Airports gyms would be dependent on pay-as-you-go fees and day passes |
| High day pass costs | Due to high airport rent, day passes could be $25-40 |
| Congestion and delays | Providing distractions can lead to more congestion and delays as people get lost |
| Lack of space | Airports are focused on getting people on and off planes, and linking them with their luggage |
| Stigma of body odour | People may not want to sit next to someone who has just worked out |
| Existing alternatives | Some airport hotels have gyms, and some airports have walking trails |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of steady income stream
One of the main reasons why airports might hesitate to open gyms is the lack of a steady income stream. Unlike traditional gyms, an airport gym would not benefit from monthly membership fees. Instead, it would rely primarily on day passes, which may not be a sustainable source of income. Additionally, with the current restrictions on hand luggage, travellers may not have the extra space to pack gym attire and equipment.
Furthermore, the high rent and operational costs associated with airport locations could result in higher day pass prices, potentially deterring customers. The success of an airport gym depends on attracting a significant number of users, which may be challenging considering the limited time travellers have during layovers or before their flights.
While some travellers may be willing to pay for the convenience of a workout during their waiting time, others may opt for alternative entertainment options available at the airport, such as dining, shopping, or relaxing in airport lounges. Competing with these established sources of revenue could be difficult for an airport gym.
To overcome the challenge of an inconsistent income stream, airport gyms would need to strike a balance between pricing and accessibility. They would need to set a price point that is attractive to travellers while also covering the high costs of operating within an airport.
Despite these challenges, there are successful examples of airport gyms, such as ROAM Fitness at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which offers daily and monthly passes, providing travellers with a quality workout experience, complete with rental attire, showers, and post-workout nutrition options. Additionally, some airport lounges have started incorporating fitness facilities, such as the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow, which previously offered peloton bikes.
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High day pass costs
One of the main reasons why airport gyms are not common is the high day pass costs that would need to be imposed to make them financially viable. An airport gym would need to rely on day pass fees as it would not have a steady income stream from monthly memberships. While regular gyms typically charge around $10-15 for a day pass, an airport gym would need to charge significantly more to cover the high rent costs associated with operating at an airport. It is estimated that a day pass for an airport gym would likely range from $25 to $40, which may be unattractive to potential users.
Furthermore, the presence of gyms may encourage people to linger at the airport, causing congestion and delays. This could be exacerbated by the time required to use the gym facilities, shower, and change, especially if the gym is located in an airport hotel that requires additional travel and security checks. The high day pass costs aim to discourage excessive usage and ensure that the gym does not become a source of delays for travellers with tight schedules.
However, some travellers may still find value in having access to a gym during long layovers or transit times. For example, ROAM Fitness at Baltimore-Washington International Airport offers a day pass for $40, which includes access to workout clothes, running shoes, shower facilities, and post-workout nutrition. Similarly, GoodLife Fitness at Pearson Airport charges $17 for a day pass, providing luggage storage and clothing and shoe rentals.
While high day pass costs may be a deterrent for some, they also reflect the convenience and amenities provided by these airport gyms. These facilities cater to travellers who prioritize fitness and are willing to pay a premium for the opportunity to exercise while on the go.
In conclusion, the high day pass costs associated with airport gyms are a result of the unique operational challenges and high rent costs of operating at an airport. While these costs may limit the accessibility of airport gyms, they also ensure that those who can afford the service have access to a quality workout experience while travelling.
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Space constraints
Space is a valuable commodity in airports, which are primarily focused on the swift movement of people and their luggage. The introduction of gyms could potentially increase congestion and delays, as passengers seek out these additional facilities, and this could be a major concern for airport operators.
Airports are often vast spaces, but the usable space within them is limited, and the priority will always be the core functions of the airport. The space available is often taken up by shops, restaurants, and other revenue-generating businesses. These outlets are attractive to airport operators as they provide a stable income stream, whereas a gym would rely on day passes and casual users, which may not be as financially viable.
The space required for a gym to be worthwhile for customers would need to be substantial. It would need to accommodate a range of equipment and facilities, such as showers, to encourage usage. The challenge of fitting such a facility into an already busy airport, without causing disruption to the flow of passengers, is a significant design and logistical hurdle.
Furthermore, the space constraints of hand luggage restrictions should be considered. Passengers are already limited in what they can bring onto a plane, and adding gym gear to that may be impractical for many. While some gym operators provide clothing and shoe rentals, this adds another layer of complexity and cost to the operation.
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Passenger preference for shorter linger times
While some airports do have gyms, many do not. One of the main reasons for this is that an airport gym would not have a steady income stream from monthly membership fees. Instead, they would be dependent on day pass fees, which would need to be relatively high to cover the cost of rent and still deliver the same financial return as a shop or restaurant.
This may be changing, however, as passenger preference for shorter linger times at airports is leading to a growing trend of passengers wanting to exercise during their downtime. Some passengers are even bringing their own portable yoga mats to the airport and doing bodyweight exercises in the terminal. For those with long layovers, it is sometimes possible to use the gym in an airport hotel, and some airports, such as Baltimore-Washington International Airport, offer a gym with workout clothes and running shoes for rent, as well as showers and post-workout nutrition.
In addition to the demand for airport gyms, there are other ways in which passengers are expressing a preference for shorter linger times. For example, a 2019 survey found that 72% of passengers wanted to be kept informed throughout their journey via travel notifications sent to their personal devices, and 83% wanted to receive information on the status of their flight. The same survey found that 45% wanted information on their baggage, and the same percentage wanted to know wait times at security and border control.
Another way in which passengers are seeking to reduce linger times is by speeding up the processes of checking in and boarding. More than half of passengers (53%) said that they would be more likely to check their bag if they were able to track it throughout the journey, and 70% were willing to share additional personal information, such as biometric identifiers, to speed up processes at the airport. In addition, 46% would prefer to use biometric identification instead of a paper passport, and 30% would opt to use a biometric token to board the plane.
Shorter linger times can also be achieved by choosing smaller airports, which benefit from lower passenger volumes, allowing for faster security clearance and quicker passport control processing.
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Alternative ways to exercise
While some airports do have gyms, they are not as common as many travellers would like. However, this does not mean you cannot exercise while travelling. Here are some alternative ways to exercise when you are on the move:
Walking
Walking is an excellent way to experience a new place and get some cardiovascular exercise. Walking just 4,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of dying from any cause, according to one study. If you are waiting for a flight, consider taking a walk around the terminal.
Biking
Riding a bike through a new city is a fun way to explore and get some exercise. You can either bring your own or rent one when you get to your destination.
Hiking
Hiking is another great way to get some exercise while travelling and can be done almost anywhere. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and train in a new activity.
Bodyweight exercises
Bodyweight exercises are incredibly effective and time-efficient and require no equipment. You can do squats, push-ups, Russian twists, and handstand shoulder taps, as demonstrated by Sara McInerney, who shared her airport workout routine.
Hotel gyms
If you have a long layover, you can use the gym in one of the hotels that are often attached to the airport. For example, the Westin Hotel at Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers a day pass for $15 and you don't have to be a guest to use the gym.
Airport gyms
Although rare, some airports do have gyms. For example, ROAM Fitness at Baltimore-Washington International Airport offers a great workout experience, with workout clothes and running shoes available for rent and healthy meals and recovery drinks available after your workout.
Remember, exercise doesn't have to be a chore, and you can still stay healthy and fit while travelling and having amazing adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports are primarily about getting people on and off planes, linking them up with their luggage, and turning a profit from shops and restaurants. An airport gym would not have a steady income stream of monthly membership fees and would be dependent on high day pass fees to cover the cost of rent, which may not be acceptable to customers.
Yes, some airports do have gyms. For example, the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow previously had peloton bikes. GoodLife Fitness in Toronto's Pearson Airport offers a 10,000 square-foot gym with luggage storage and clothing and shoe rentals. ROAM Fitness at Baltimore-Washington International Airport also offers a similar service.
Some airport hotels have gyms, which can often be accessed by purchasing a day pass. For example, the Westin Hotel at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers day passes for $15.
With the concerns about deep vein thrombosis, there would probably be health benefits to having a gym at an airport. It would also be a good way to kill time during long layovers.
Some people may not want to work out before a flight, and there is also the issue of having to carry a change of clothes and dealing with post-workout sweat.
