What turns an airport into a place where you might look forward to waiting for a flight?

Try cheap food, music, circus acts and $5 parking.

All are available on Fridays through Aug. 31 at the Vancouver (B.C.) International Airport (www.yvr.ca).

The airport's summer "Take-Off-Fridays" won it a place among Cheapflights.com's ranking of the world's Top 10 Layover Airports.

Passengers arriving early from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Fridays can take advantage of $10 lunch specials at 20 airport restaurants. Entertainment inside and outside security in the domestic and international terminals includes face-painting, live DJs, acrobatic acts and balloonists. Parking for up to four hours is $5 (regular rates apply after 4 p.m.).

Carol Pucci / The Seattle Times