Airport hideaways

O’HARE
Look for quiet zones between terminals—we like the spacious, naturally lit stretch between Terminals 1 and 2. For a faster pick-me-up, hit Goose Island Brewery in Terminal 2—at least you’re being swindled for decent beer. Get sunlight, greenery, café tables, a hot dog/beer vendor and hard-to-come-by quiet at the “Butch O’Hare WWII Fighter Airplane” exhibit area in Terminal 2. A little tense after that third delay announcement? The Back Rub Hub (773-601-0630) in Terminal 3 offers a ten-minute escape from reality for $15, or if you’re in for the long haul, get a day pass to the Hilton O’Hare’s pool and fitness room across the street for $15 (773-686-8000).

MIDWAY
Options are fewer and farther between here, but then again, flying via the Southwest Side ’port is less likely to result in a comedy of horrors. The lines are usually shorter if you venture outside of the main restaurant-and-bar nexus, so mosey down to the far reaches of Concourse C for treats like tres leches cake at the coffee-and-pastries nook Let Them Eat Cake and a meditation session in the Midway Interfaith Chapel. Or, find one of the painted rocking chairs scattered randomly around the airport and rock back and forth while chanting a prayer to the airline gods to get your plane out of the gate.

NEXT>>