rub-down on the run by amy reiley I’m a huge supporter of those layover spas popping up in major airports from Seattle to Atlanta. And by supporter I mean financial supporter. Yep, I’m one good customer of mini spa spots. For anyone who suffers from back, neck, hip, foot, shoulder, knee, arm, head, ankle or any other chronic pain, a 15 minute working-over can mean the difference between survival and suffering in silence on long legs on the frequent flier program.

Now, if you’ve strolled passed these massage-in-a-box shops with a skeptical gaze, slowing perhaps to check the prices but never stopping long enough to try this seemingly touristy service, you’re not alone. It took me about three years of gliding by before I ever made that initial contact. But once I felt the pressure of an elbow to that knot in my left shoulder, I was sold. And I’ve been stopping at every lengthy layover ever since.

Despite the un-theraputic vibe most airport spas telegraph, the staffs are surprisingly serious, trained therapists, many of whom have magic practically pouring from their fingers. And unlike many hotel spa therapists, who tend toward the pat and fluff school of massage, airport therapists generally work hard for the money.

Much like the massage therapists employed in chiropractic offices and health clubs, airport therapists are working on clients with some fairly serious aches and pains—and they have an abnormally short amount of time in which to earn their tips (typical airport massages last from 10-30 minutes). Additionally, keep in mind that most airport massages are administered to customers in seated massage chairs (as opposed to lying down). This places the customer in an excellent position for a therapist to hit shoulder and neck tension—those areas that require the therapists to use some serious muscle to coax their client into relaxed bliss. In other words, airport therapists spend their days building up hands of steel.

And how, exactly, do I, a wine writer and chick best known for pushing aphrodisiac foods, know? Because once-upon-a-time I worked as a massage therapist. Yep, California certified as a matter of fact. Which, although I’m no longer in the kind of shape to deliver deep tissue myself, affords me the ability to evaluate well-oiled fingers dancing along my levator scapula.

I admit, as a food writer, massages stray somewhat from my topics of norm (nothing to eat in your average salon), I would like to point out that airport massages can most definitely contribute to the preservation of your most sexy self. For about the price (and amount of time) it takes to imbibe in a round of drinks at a jet liner bar, you can have your muscles kneaded and lengthened. While a cocktail will serve to dehydrate you in flight, a massage will improve your circulation, your palor and energy level. Instead of settling into a bar stool, you can work on your muscle tone (massage is actually a form of passive exercise!).

My airport massages have varied in results from good to excellent. Like hiring an unknown therapist in any spa, there is a little luck of the draw that you and your practitioner are a match. However, I have most definitely never had an outright bad airport spa experience. The services and fees vary from spa to spa but the norm is a 15 or 20 minute seated massage to the back, neck, head or hand and foot reflexology. If your aches and pains linger more in your low back or legs, look for spas that offer massages on traditional tables. These are more rare, but as the popularity of airport massage rises, more and more airports are offering this luxurious service.

To get the most from your massage, don’t go in with the hopes of an ultra-relaxing or pampering experience. There is no soundproofing in these quickie massage spots to drown out the thumping of roll-a-boards and the bleep of those horrible golf cart-style people movers. Do explain to your therapist as specifically as possible your desires and any trouble spots to which you want them to devote their attention. Let them know throughout the massage if you would like less or more pressure. These massages are short, so don’t hold back in letting them know if you’d like them to spend a little more time on the left or if they could just move down a couple inches… Remember, their sole purpose for your time together is to give you what you need. And please, if you enjoy your massage, give the therapist a token of your appreciation. As with restaurant servers, massage therapists’ work is demanding and much of their salary is based on tips.

Then sit back, relax and enjoy the friendly skies.

Some of the airport spas I’m happy to endorse include:
Massage Bar at SeaTac
Massage Bar at Newark
Jetsetter Mini Spa at Boston Logan
(Jetsetter also has a location at Miami Intl)
XpresSpa in McCarran
(Other XpresSpa locations include SFO, PGH, Orlando and Atlanta)

And for the ultimate in luxury, plan an extended transit time at Vancouver International and check into the full-service spa at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.
Although I’ve never had the opportunity to experience it, I hear the massages in Thai airlines Royal Orchid Spa, exclusive to first class and select voucher holders, is RIDICULOUSLY decadent.