TRUE ROAD WARRIORS KNOW THAT A LONG LAYOVER AT TH AIRPORT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A ONE-WAY TO BOREDOM
BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Re-create history: Have your own tea party on Boston Harbor. Just take the Massport courtesy bus (Route No. 66) from the airport to Logan Dock, where you can catch either a scheduled catamaran to Long Wharf downtown and Quincy and Hull on the South Shore or pick up a water taxi to more than 10 different jumping-off spots. Depending on your destination and schedule, you may have time to explore on shore, too. Just remember to BYOT (Gourmet Bean in Logan's Terminal B is a convenient source). About $10 one way, plus tea. For more info, see www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_water.html
Distance from airport: half a mile. Best transportation option: courtesy bus.

CHICAGO O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
There's so much of Chicago at O'Hare now, there's no need to take a train ride to get your taste of downtown. The Terminal 1 outpost of the Billy Goat Tavern and Grill delivers the infamous Coke (no Pepsi), cheezborgers, and cheeps; in Terminals 3 and 5, Gold Coast serves up Chicago-style hot dogs; O'Brien's Restaurant and Bar in Terminal 3 replicates its Old Town location's deli-and-burger menu. Afterward, mosey on over to the Field Museum Store (773-462-9465) in Terminal 1 or the Chicago Historical Society gift shop (773-601-9272) in Terminal 3 for souvenirs. The kids'll never know you didn't set foot in the city. A pedestrian tunnel links the terminals. Passengers can also use the ATS airport train.

DALLAS-FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT