LAX Theme Building

Father’s Day at the LAX Theme Building

Los Angeles International Airport is hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee for plane spotters, aviation enthusiasts and the general public on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011 on the Observation Deck at the top of the iconic Theme Building. The recently refurbished deck has a 360-degree view of LAX’s terminals and airfield, with telescopes for free viewing.

If you plan to attend, go early. The first 300 people (over 12 years old) will get a special commemorative coin. There will also be a free raffle for a die-cast scale model of the new Singapore Airlines A380 super jumbo jet that begins LAX service July 1. 

Can’t attend this Sunday’s coffee event? You can go another time: the Theme Building Observation Deck is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fish valet and other posh airport amenities

Spas, saunas, swimming pools, giant slides and sunflowers. That could be a list of swanky amenities to look for at upscale resorts or hotels. But it’s actually a sampling of some of the Posh Airport Amenities I featured in a slide show for Bing Travel.

Here’s a sample.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport fish valet

Travelers at Vancouver International Airport can take care of dry cleaning, shoe-repair and medical/dental services during a layover in the terminal. But those heading home from a fishing trip with a 100 pound halibut in tow can seek out the services of the Fish Valet and the special “visiting fish” freezer at the on-site Fairmont Vancouver Hotel.

Hong Kong airport gold course

There’s a putting green in the terminal at Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport, but the USGA-approved, nine-hole Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2 out-poshes that. Nine Eagles has a Thai restaurant, club house, putting greens, and plenty of night golfing opportunities. Soon Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport will have a golf course next door too.

LAX Theme Building

When it comes to posh airport bars, GateGuru data analyst Zachary Einzig gives high marks to the Encounter Restaurant, perched on top of the recently-restored Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Inside, the Encounter’s space-age décor is something the Jetsons would appreciate. Outside, the views of the airfield are out of this world.

There are more… check back to find out which airports offer libraries, saunas, exotic gardens, bike rentals, museums, breweries, make-your-own sundae machines, and weekly tributes to Frank Sinatra.

Have a favorite posh airport amenity? Please add your comment below.