Readers' picks: Best airport restaurants, shops and services

— -- For many fliers, waiting in an airport is as exciting as waiting in the dentist's office.

Some airports, though, have hidden treasures — a special shop, restaurant or service — that make it easier to while away the minutes or hours.

USA TODAY surveyed its panel of Road Warriors — nearly 1,500 frequent fliers who voluntarily provide travel information — to identify their favorites.

The survey found that some fliers are so fond of a shop, restaurant or service that they look forward to visiting certain airports or make flight connections through them.

"In years past, an airport was just a place to travel through," says George Geary of Corona, Calif., who was in airports more than 125 days last year. "But the past five years, they've become more of a destination, a place you do not mind spending time in."

Geary, a culinary teacher and cookbook writer, says he looks forward to visiting Denver International and sometimes leaves time to get a massage there before a connecting flight.

"There is nothing like a quick chair massage and oxygen before or after a flight," says Lauren Fix, an automotive analyst in Clarence, N.Y., who's a fan of OraOxygen at Detroit's airport. "Sometimes things get stressful on the road, and this is a great way to de-stress and clear your brain."

Food and drink a draw

Many Road Warriors say they love airport bookstores, particularly independent ones such as the one at Milwaukee's airport, Renaissance Bookshop, which specializes in used and rare books.

Linda Curran, a food and beverage industry consultant, says she's bought many used books there and likes the consignment section where paperbacks can be bought or exchanged.

"What a concept for business travelers," says Curran, of Las Vegas.

A few frequent business fliers appreciate an airport for something simple, such as a shoeshine.

"I love a good shoeshine," says Marc Belsher, an information technology consultant in Newberg, Ore., "and nobody is better than old Joe" on Concourse B of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.