Once upon a time an airport was a place where you raced in and caught a flight ? and nothing more. Today the world’s most modern airports are mini-cities where passengers do anything from surfing the net to catching a movie. And, if that doesn’t catch your fancy you could have a coffee or cocktail or step out for a spot of sightseeing (rent a car and mobile too). The kids can, in the meanwhile, do their own thing at entertainment areas meant solely for them.

We chart a route through Asia from Dubai to Hong Kong to see what makes these airports great during layovers.

Dubai International Airport

nThe smart Sheikh Rashid Terminal is the jewel in the Middle Eastern crown, ? very hi-tech, very swanky, like the city itself.

What to do: Frankly, just shopping. It’s here that the world’s best products converge. The golden palm tree in the middle of its shopping mall is its signature. When you can tear yourself away from the glitter of 24-carat pure gold at the gold counters, head for the shops where everything from high-end electronics, computers and luxury brands vie for attention. Prices can be considered a bargain (that is, if you are not buying clothes and sports goods). If you are lucky and there’s a promotion on, you may just win a luxury car.

But if you want to skip the shopping, then transit passengers stopping for over five hours are entitled to a transit visa to take a tour of the city which costs between Dh. 95 and Dh. 115 (Rs 1,130 - Rs 1,369). The transit hotel offers rooms on an hourly basis and has a health club and other regular hotel facilities.

Singapore’s Changi Airport

nIts two terminals could hold a smallish city! And efficient Changi is a foretaste of the rest of Singapore.

What to do: Transit passengers who have five or more hours to kill can take off for a city tour ? for free. A tiring tour calls for foot reflexology or a relaxing massage at Shower, Fitness & Lifestyle and costs between S$10 and S$15 per hour (Rs 260 - Rs 390). For foodies, the airport has a host of restaurants, caf?s and food courts right from a sushi bar to Burger King.

Though a tad expensive, it’s a great place for picking up garments (check out the Nike and Versace showrooms), perfumes, cosmetics, cigars, digital cameras and accessories for your computer and palm-top. Warning: you might get these cheaper at other airports.

Where to stay: The airport has 73 transit hotel rooms in Terminal 1 and another 73 in Terminal 2. You do not have to clear immigration to get to the hotels. A six-hourly rental will just set you back between S$56 to S$64 (Rs 1,456 - Rs 1,664). Saunas and gyms at your disposal, gratis.

Bangkok International Airport

nIt’s the hub for Thailand and South-East Asia but not in the big league of airports.

What to do: Take a guided city tour, but at your own risk as Bangkok’s traffic jams are the stuff of legends. Depending on how much time you have in-between flights, tours could last anywhere from three to five hours and cost between Baht 600 and Baht 800 (Rs 600 - Rs 800). You could head for Bangkok’s temples and palaces, the exotic night markets, hit the shops, visit the handicrafts centre or take a boat trip.

But hang on at the airport to pick up some of the best bargains at its duty free areas. Look for jade jewellery, Thai handicrafts and silk, maybe the usual camera, handycam, watch trio. And don’t forget those beautifully packed orchids before boarding your next flight.

Where to stay: Around a hundred day rooms are available at both terminals on a four-hourly basis. But if there’s nothing better on the agenda, then the transit lounge has a salon where you can opt for a Thai massage while the kids take over the play area dedicated to them.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

nFor the first-time traveller to the country, the airport comes as a complete surprise. You don’t expect the lush greenery or ultra-modern look. If the airport’s area includes the Formula 1 race track, information kiosks in terminals have touch-screens that seem to be everywhere.

What to do: To begin with, just absorb your surroundings, wander around the facility and be surprised by the tropical greenery that seems to surround the airport. You’ll also enjoy the ride on the aerotrain between the terminal and the duty free area. Once there, browse around for the duty free shops have enough to buy. If you have over six hours, avail of the half-day sight-seeing tour by the Traveller’s Service Centre.

Where to stay: The Airside Transit Hotel has it all ?a snack bar, spa and business centre. Even if you choose not to stay, you can use the gym, spa and sauna before you board again.

Hong Kong International Airport

nA while ago landing at the airport was the first thrill as you cruised low several miles over the city to Kai Tak Airport. But the new airport has certainly more on its menu and is a state-of-the-art traveller’s paradise.

What to do: With more than four hours to spare, go for a city tour. Or hop on to the Airport Express train that’ll take you to the city in 23 mins. You could also opt for the Hong Kong transit tour, the Hong Kong island orientation tour or the Lantau island and monastery tour.

Back at the airport, look for its serious pampering facilities. The hair and beauty salon has everything from manicures to massages. Passengers also book themselves at the relaxation lounge to take a nap or just freshen up. The Oriental massage centre offers herbal remedies and massages. So next time you make a pit-stop you can safely slip into your gymwear.