XpresSpa

Robot Manicures at JFK Airport

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Back around 2001, when Stuck at the Airport was launched, airport manicure stations were an unusual sight.

“Ridiculous,” one reader commented. “Who would do that?” said another.

Now, airport spas with technicians on duty for drop-in manicures and pedicures are quite common.

What’s Next?

Looks like robot manicures are what’s next.

XWELL, which operates airport XpresSpa locations, has teamed up with the Clockwork company to bring an AI-powered manicure ‘robot’ to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4, near Gate B22.

The Clockwork MiNiCURE robot promises to paint nails in under 10 minutes without human intervention.

Here’s how it works:

You need to file and shape your nails yourself and remove existing polish (nail polish remover is provided). Once seated at the robot manicure machine a touchscreen will guide you through the experience,w ith a live support feature available.

The price? $20.

XpressSpa hopes to add at least five of Clockwork’s AI-powered robots across the company’s portfolio of 31 spa locations this year with the goal of deploying as many as 25 units.

Will you use this?

(Clockwork photos courtesy Karston Tannis / Monmouth Media House).

XpresSpa company adds another brand: Treat

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The company that offers airport passengers XpresSpa, now with massage and manicure service in 26 locations in 13 airports globally, and ExpresCheck for airport COVID testing, is rolling out a new brand.

This one is called Treat. And it is an upscale airport spa and wellness concept with medical services, state-of-the-art testing, “and a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.”

The menu of services includes:

  • Relaxation services such as manual massage and hydro massage
  • Self-guided wellness services such as visual decompressions with VR goggles, meditation room, workouts
  • Health services such as IV drips, injections, consultations with providers for acute illnesses, mental health coaching
  • Wellness products to help combat fatigue, relieve stress, boost stamina and promote healthy systems such as adaptogenic herbs and supplements, teas, and tinctures
  • Women’s health products that support reproductive health, pregnancy, and intimacy
  • Beauty and hygiene products such as hydrating masks and lotions, soaps, shampoos, and hand sanitizer
  • Travel products such as compression socks, eye masks, pillows, and blankets.

To schedule an appointment or to see what specific health services are offered and what the charges are, you’ll need to sign up for a free membership on the Treat website or the Treat app.

We took a look at the price list for medical services and found $50 for a flu vaccine or a vitamin injection and $175 to be seen for a wide range of other issues, including eye problems, cold/flu symptoms, sinus infections, wound care, allergic reactions, and pregnancy or STD testing.

The fee for IV therapy or a COVID test is $250.

Under the Wellness Services tab, you’ll find showers (30 minutes for $35), yoga ($30-60), as well fees for meditation time, and a wide variety of fitness programs.

Current Treat locations are Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Concourse B at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

If you try it out before we do, let us know what your experience is like.

Tidbits for travelers: PHL gets a new spa; United goes cashless; Alaska gets Wi-Fi

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XpresSpa has opened a new location at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – in the International Terminal, Terminal A West – offering massages, aromatherapy products, and other personal care items.  There’s another branch of XpresSpa on Concourse C that offers massages as well as manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and reflexology.

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This week United Airlines announced that starting March 23rd, passengers will be asked to pay for on-board purchases (cocktails, sandwiches, snacks, etc.) with credit or debit cards instead of cash.  There are some exceptions. According to a United press release:

“United will continue to accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards on flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America.  On United Express flights cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment.”money

And, starting this week, Alaska Airlines is testing its new in-flight Wi-Fi service on one Boeing 737-700 airplane.

The in-flight Wi-Fi is provided by Row 44 and will be  offered free for the next 60 days or so while the airline tests the service.  Then the plan is to install Wi-Fi on the airline’s entire fleet of aircraft – and start charging.

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