Airport Relaxation Oases

By Wednesday--Thanksgiving Eve--the massive holiday airport traffic will be in full migration with its attendant annual messages: Come early. Expect delays. Anticipate long lines. And try not to ruin your vacation by stressing out.

But at growing numbers of airports there are new relaxation-inducing options for travelers on layovers or waiting out long delays. Massages, chiropractic adjustments, running tracks, pools and workout equipment are within easy reach of major airports around the United States.

In the massage category are: seated massage, which targets the neck, back, arms, hands and shoulders, and is generally given while the recipient is clothed, making it easy for an in-a-hurry traveler to manage; full body, a standard massage usually done unclothed on a table and perhaps better left to those with several hours to kill; and foot massage, which requires only a few minutes. Most massage and workout facilities are open for walk-in service; many are inexpensive.

At Anchorage International Airport, Touch ‘N Go Massage is on the main level of the terminal between the A and B concourses. It specializes in seated massage: 15 minutes for $15. It’s located behind the United Airlines ticket counter. Hours are noon to midnight, but sometimes vary; telephone (907) 278-4646.

At Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the O’Hare Hilton Athletic Club--just a short walk from the baggage claim areas--offers access to its workout facility for $9. Use of workout equipment, pool, showers and lockers is included. Full body massages are also offered, with rates of $65 for one hour and $35 for 30 minutes. Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Appointments are recommended for massages; one hour’s notice is usually sufficient; tel. (773) 601-1722.

In Denver, the D.I.A. Chiropractic and Relaxation Center offers chiropractic adjustment and massages to travelers. Chiropractic adjustments are $40; a 15-minute massage is $20; a 30-minute massage is $40. Both seated and full body massages are given. The center is located in Concourse B at Denver International Airport. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; tel. (303) 342-3600.

A visitor’s pass for $10 offers access to 24-Hour Fitness--a health club in the lower levels of the Hilton Hotel at 5711 W. Century Blvd., about three blocks from Los Angeles International Airport. Travelers can take the hotel shuttle or a taxi there. Workout facilities include aerobics classes, treadmills and other aerobic and weight equipment. Hours are 24 hours a day from 5 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Baby-sitting is available ($2 per child for two hours); tel. (310) 410-9909.

Travelers through Miami International Airport can take advantage of a health club on the eighth floor of Miami International Airport Hotel in the airport. It contains a running track and workout rooms, a treadmill, stair-climbing machines, weight machines and a pool. A one-day guest pass is $5. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily; tel. (305) 871-4100.

In Pittsburgh, Touch ‘N Go, a massage service in Concourse C of Pittsburgh International Airport, offers seated massages for $1 per minute. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; tel. (412) 472-3323.

The Massage Stop opened in June on Concourse B of the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. It vends Japanese-style acupressure massage of the head, neck, shoulders, arms, back and hands, starting at $9 for 10 minutes. Five massage therapists are on staff. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; tel. (702) 329-3115.

At Seattle Tacoma International Airport, the Massage Bar on Concourse C offers seated massages of 15-minutes ($14) or 30 minutes ($27). During happy hour, 9 to 10 a.m., customers get $1 off massages. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; tel. (206) 781-7819.

In Tallahassee, Fla., Stressbusters Zone is across from the Jetport Diner at Tallahassee Regional Airport. Seated massages are $15 for 15 minutes. Combination seated and foot massages are $29.95 for 30 minutes. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; tel. (904) 576-3281.

The Healthy Traveler appears the second and fourth week of every month.