Mother nature is trying to tell us something with all the recent bad weather and flight cancellations. She’s telling us to relax and head directly to the airport bar so that Cupid can do his job! Love is in the air and with all that newly found spare time from your flight delay, why not enjoy yourself and let cupid work his magic.  When you think about meeting someone, the term airport bar probably doesn’t jump to the front of your cerebral files as a hot meeting spot. However, Boston Logan recently asked its fans to share love stories from the airport and they were inundated with responses… it happens!

With love in the air and Valentine’s day just around the corner, Gailen David (@SkySteward) requested that we share some of our insider knowledge on the best airport bars to meet someone or as the kids say ‘hook up’.  Since we are the authority on airport bars throughout the world, he came to the right place.  The best part about airport bars is that people tend to be very friendly and willing to chat with just about anyone.  If you haven’t experienced this phenomena, simply start up a conversation the next time you are at the airport bar, you will be amazed. Even the shiest of travelers seems to find courage and confidence at airport bars.

Our list is made up of the best of the best for meeting up or hooking up. It is in no particular order as it truly depends on what type of bar you are looking for, your geographic location and the style of beverage that you prefer.   Our love and knowledge of airport bars is so vast, it was a slight challenge to narrow this list down, but these are the stand outs:

One Flew South is a super hip bar in the Atlanta airport (ATL). It is a very good example of how the airport bar experience is changing. This bar has a very modern yet fun feel to it.  They are even offering a seasonal drink in honor of the Saints recent win in the Super Bowl. The drink is called ‘Vieux Carre’ which translates to ‘old square’, better known as The French Quarter.  Talk about a great conversation starter!  One Flew South is also an enticing culinary destination, featuring ingredients from regional farmers, as well as an exceptional sushi menu.  So not only can you enjoy some fabulous cocktails and delicious food, you can meet your souls counterpoint while doing so!

Vino Volo is an incredible wine bar that can be found at multiple airports throughout the United States and always after security.  There is a bar to saddle up to as well as open seating throughout. They serve flights of wine and mouth watering small plates to make even the casual connoisseur feel like royalty.   Vino Volo is getting into the spirit by offering wine flights with clever names such as Valentine Vines, Romance Reds and Valentine Sparklers. Also available are baby Rose Prosecco bottles for grab and go, which are perfect for celebrating on the plane!                      

For the craft beer lover, your choices have become so much more exciting over the last few years. You can now enjoy REAL beer while waiting in the airport. If you are on the west coast, go to Laurelwood at PDX (our 2009 Top Bar of the year), they actually have two locations, so it doesn’t matter what airline you are flying, you’re in luck! If you’re in the middle of the country, check out the New Belgium Hub at DEN, it’s a little out of the way, but so worth the journey. Craft beer lovers are a passionate people, and these airport microbreweries make it simple to find a ‘new friend’ while waiting for a flight.

Encounter Restaurant and Bar at LAX is unlike any other airport bar you will ever visit.  It should be on your bucket list of places to visit. It’s literally in the middle of the airport and will both bring you back to the days of Austin Powers, and wow you with its space age design.  As a bonus, patrons enjoy 360 degree views of the airport. Stick around this place too long and you might just be asking the question, ‘shall we shag now or shall we shag later?’.

Need we say more than JFK Jet Blue Terminal 5? If you’ve ever been through here, you know what we are talking about.  Every bar in this place is worthy of praise. This terminal was done right. Whatever your style or desire, the Jet Blue terminal will take good care of you: from a steak house, to fine Italian, to sushi.

And for our international travelers,  Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport boasts a champagne bar aptly named Bubbles. As you can imagine, many different types of champagne are available by the glass and the bottle. There is an impressive saltwater aquarium and a raw bar featuring sushi, oysters, and caviar. If you are lucky enough to be overseas, what better way to meet someone new than sipping different styles of champers before the flight.

Just remember, no matter which airport you end up at on Valentine's day, airport bars are great places to meet someone new. It is unlike drinking anywhere else in the world.  Strike up a conversation with someone new over a couple of drinks at a great bar with the help of AirportBars.com and let your love take flight!

Cheers!