The needs of tightened security can mean far longer waits in airport lounges, as travelers learn to arrive early to account for potential delays. Instead of spending that time watching planes fuel at their gate, travelers leaving from, transferring through or arriving at the Jet Blue terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport will soon be able to spend some of that down time getting a facial or massage.

On October 17, New York-based Oasis Day Spa will open a full service spa at JFK's terminal six, offering a variety of treatments, massage, manicures and pedicures, or just the ability to freshen up after a long flight. "With airport security and early check-in requirements, passengers can always use the downtime to relax," says Amy Starr, the spa's general manager. "It's all about convenience and ease for the client."

While this will be JFK's first spa, Oasis is not breaking new ground by opening in an airport. Neighboring Newark International Airport is home to a pair of D-parture full service spas, while Detroit's Wayne County International Airport has a branch of OraOxygen, which offers facials, massage, manicure/pedicure, an oxygen lounge and showers to travelers. Indeed, there are spas offering a varying range of treatment in at least nine airports across the United States and Canada, according to the International Spa Association (ISPA).

"Spas are becoming more mainstream," says Lynne Walker McNees, executive director of Lexington, Kentucky-based ISPA. "When someone goes to a health or fitness center, a resort or hotel, or even a mall or an airport, they want a place where they can 'get it all,' which frequently includes having a spa treatment."

Airport spas often offer services and treatments to fit their surroundings. Oasis will keep track of a scheduled guest's arrival, and have a masseuse waiting. It also keeps track of guests' departures, to let them know when it's time to leave. Both D_parture and OraOxygen offer oxygen bars, which they say helps reduce jet lag, as well as showers for guests who just want a quick refresher.
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