Image Source: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Let’s face it: most of us don’t relish going to the airport.

We don’t want to shop there, eat there, or relax there.

We just want to get through the airport to reach our destination.

But as most travelers know, it doesn’t always work out that way. Unfortunately, airports have slowly become ground zero for acting out frustration and anger at the overall flying experience.

But a number of airports are now trying to lower the anger thermometer.

Many have installed rocking chairs throughout the terminals hoping to soothe the long waits.

Of course, there’s a subliminal message to those well-intentioned chairs—you’re going to be here a while.

San Francisco Airport now brings therapy dogs to the terminals, the thought being that a friendly, pettable animal might help defuse hot tempers.

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport brings in miniature horses to roam the gates.

I’m serious. Same hope—cute, pettable horses=less angry flyers.

For the moment, the horses are not being used to haul passengers off the planes. Happy trails.

For more information about airlines and airports, check out:

• Where You Can Find Therapy Dogs at Airports
• The Best Airports for Long Layovers
• Airports Where You Can Sleep Easily During a Layover

Keep reading for more travel tips.