Airports should be like high streets

[NowWotsit]

Whys it just shopping- thus old school model they havent updated in decades?

If we are milling around in your police state style world for a few hours, why not give us a coworking space, hair salons, cinemas, a pool, GP, etc

I’m not sure boarded up shops, vape shops, hair salons, nail bars etc would help.

A huge ikea? For what? To bring a PAX as a cabin luggage? When was the last time someone was at the airport and thought "If only I could buy a wardobe"?

A GP?

Alternatively he could have seen a doctor at his destination.

"Right, now we're all checked in and through security for our flight to the Seychelles, let's just pop in and get a 100-pack of cheap tea-lights, a Poang chair and three wooden spoons"

I agree. Surely there is a risk some airlines would decide that if you needed to visit a GP in the airport then you may not be well enough to fly.

I've got visions of people at airports thinking "Hmm, I know what would be a really nice way to relax before my holiday - getting my haemorrhoids looked at. Could show him that patch of eczema on DH's groin while we're at it. Maybe make some enquiries about HRT and drop off DD's stool sample too."

How about a B&Q?
Although I'm not 100% sure you would be allowed to carry your new Black and Decker drill in your hand luggage 🤔

And then, in order to see that same GP again rather than have to explain it all over again to your own GP, you do what? Book another flight as soon as the haemorrhoids flare up again or the stool sample requires a follow-up visit?

not easy when you are flying into a prebooked schedule

Usually the rent in these airport units are astronomical - only certain business types will work for a long period.

I see your point on nail salons but probably only in long haul transfer hubs (Amsterdam has it for example) otherwise people will just get stressed with waiting times and now long the appointment takes.

i work in an airport and tbh I just crave healthy food options - salad bars, sushi places etc. not all have and I wish they did!

Why not have a system connecting with the same shop at the destination airport where you can buy something at one airport and collect on arrival. Like a click and connect. It makes no sense to bring the stuff, books or toys, cosmetics or even alcohol onto a flight to just take it off again and carry it around. You could arrive to the click and collect counter and have your holiday stuff there for you, or gifts on a return. It makes so much sense I'm not thinking it's ridiculous this doesn't already happen!

Fair enough but I don’t think you would get enough ‘proper patients’ at an airport to make it worth while. You would get an awful lot of time wasters and most doctors really do not want those.

That would look like charity shops, vape shops, beauty salons and barbers.

At least the tea lights (battery powered) would help for the 3am game of hunt the bathroom

I am thinking about a private purchase service. The doctor will get a consultation fee regardless. The doctor won't care.

I think people are getting the wrong end of the stick here. There are many minor ailments that are treated with POM's....sinusitis...shingles (yes you can fly with it if the lesions are fully covered) a UTI, eye or ear infection immediately spring to mind but I am sure there are others. Imagine that you are long haul, either changing planes or travelling home or like my husband, going into a week of non stop business activity, and you get something minor that needs a POM. Nowadays, I guess you could use telehealth and get the prescription sent to a pharmacy within the airport.

Ok, soft plays for us poor people then 😂

I thought this last time I flew! Fewer shops and more seating areas would be good, with some different layouts, not just those rows of seats you get by the gate.

Nail and a blow dry bar would be great

Because they don't generate enough income. Few people would pay for a co-working space when they can pay for the lounge already, or just sit with their laptop at a coffee shop.

Airports always used to have beauty therapies available and they just aren't popular because most people don't want to go for a swim whilst travelling, have their treatments, hair done etc in an airport where they'll pay a premium. Most people surely don't want to be in an airport for any longer than they actually need to be??

Very true.

The whole idea behind many airports these days is to keep people moving whilst taking money off them (to help keep the airport running).

Management often don't want too many people arriving too early with bags to check because they then have to hold unlimited amounts of said baggage somewhere for hours on end whilst the owners head airside for a day at the movies, spa or whatever.

It seems 2-3 hours is the optimum for getting people airside, taking their money off them (food, drink, shopping),.and then seeing them.on their way.

FWIW there is (or was) a small supermarket landside at Heathrow T5 (an M&S).

Also at least one Far East airport (possibly Changi) had a medical clinic airside...connecting passengers were sometimes gently directed to it if they felt a bit poorly on the inbound flight...not sure if did routine doctor type stuff.

Lots of airports have nails/massage bars etc.

cinema lasts too long. Unless you have long change overs or delays you don’t have time for things like cinema or swimming pools. Shops are easy to pop in to.

Where do you find time to get all that done?

Just read a book 😂