Many people consider layovers, especially long ones, to be the worst part of traveling. Often, passengers are stuck at airports across the world with very little to do except for sitting and counting the minutes past while waiting for their connecting flights.
However, many airports across the world have realized this and have begun transforming their terminals in recent years to better accommodate passengers stuck on long layovers. Some of the world’s best airports now offer amenities such as luxury lounges, aquariums, gourmet restaurants, sleeping pods, pools, cinemas, and much more.
Let’s explore some of these airports and what they offer that can improve long layovers. Travelers should consider routing their flights through these airports to better deal with layovers.
5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is a futuristic, high-tech facility. Some of its more unusual amenities include magic mirrors that let travelers try different clothing items virtually. Along with the new technological amenities, the airport also boasts its own IMAX theater, an outdoor mini golf course, and even an iSports simulator.
One other unique aspect of the airport is its direct connection to public transportation. Just outside the front gates is a subway station that can transport travelers to the nearby Disneyland within 30 minutes. The airport’s Sky Garden is also an excellent place to catch some fresh air after, or before, a long flight.
4. Munich International Airport (MUC)
Munich International Airport (MUC) is a great place to travel year-round, but it is extra special during the Christmas season. The airport is home to a festive Christmas market that includes an ice skating rink, a carousel, and an open market selling handmade crafts, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Also available year-round is an extensive visitor’s park, which includes an aviation-focused movie theater and a mini-golf course. Munich Airport also holds a Bavarian tavern with its own beer garden and brewery. For those wanting to catch up on sleep, there are nap cabins available, while general recreation areas are a good place to relax during a prolonged stopover.
3. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Although Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is over 100 years old, it has experienced many layers of renovations that make it one of Europe’s best to travel through. Because of its central location in Europe, many travelers find themselves with a layover stopping through.
Along with many restaurants and eateries, the airport boasts several unique amenities to improve a traveler’s stay during their layover. This includes a mini-art exhibit – courtesy of the city’s famous Rijksmuseum – that shows off famous paintings and sculptures from Dutch artists like Van Gogh. An on-site library can be an ideal place to unwind with a good book, or consider taking the one-hour Schiphol Behind the Scenes bus tour, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the airport’s operations.
The airport also has an indoor park for passengers to relax and listen to the birds chirp. This park features a unique set of electric bikes that can charge the traveler’s phone while they exercise. As you would expect, AMS delivers when it comes to dining and retail options
2. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
The city of Dubai is known for its tourism and luxurious attractions, and its main airport is no different. Dubai International Airport (DXB) boasts a vast shopping area packed full of luxury shops, including the likes of Chanel, Armani, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co, Rolex, and many more.
As for its more unique options, DXB has a 24-hour fitness center with a large pool and locker room equipped with showers. There are also several open-air gardens – including the Zen Garden – for travelers to get fresh air, or its “Snoozecubes” to catch some shut-eye. These soundproof pods also feature a touch-screen television for quiet relaxation.
1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Probably the most predictable entry on this list is multiple Skytrax ‘Best Airport’ winner Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Changi was one of the first global airports to incorporate an array of amenities usually associated with high-end shopping malls, including its spectacular Rain Vortex located in the Jewel Changi Airport complex.
Photo: Photo_J | Shutterstock
A layover at Changi Airport is unlike any other, with many passengers deliberately booking extended layovers to explore everything on offer. The airport’s multiple gardens are unmatched and include a butterfly garden, cactus garden and water lily garden. As for retail and shopping, the Jewel alone is home to hundreds of options, while each terminal is packed full of shops and restaurants.
There are free movie theaters available 24/7, as well as entertainment rooms featuring video games and more. Traveling families will be spoiled for choice to keep the kids occupied – consider visiting the 12-meter-high Slide at Terminal 3 or the Family Zone in Terminal 2.
Source: Simple Flying
