You’re tired, fed up and just want to finish the least climatic aspect of travelling: airports. That’s right, if there’s anything all of us can agree on it’s that long layovers in airports – planned or unplanned – are truly the worst part of any adventure.
Why? Well, sometimes it feels as if airports are almost designed to make travellers uncomfortable.
At first, you consider your two options: sit on an uncomfortable chair, use the free wifi and guard your bags while trying to drown out screaming children with your headphones, or head to the bar and drink the hours away.
Neither of these is a bad idea, of course, but there are better options out there, airports that break the rules and instead are an attraction all on their own! Do your best to schedule your long layovers through these airports and, we promise you won’t regret it.
The Best Airports for Long Layovers
1. Long layover in Changi International Airport, Singapore
You may have heard a rumour that Changi Airport in Singapore is the king of all airports – some would say it even puts all other airports to shame. That may be a tad dramatic, but what we’re trying to get at is that this airport is the bee’s knees. Or rather the butterfly’s knees given that it has its very own butterfly garden.
Spend some time admiring those peaceful butterflies and you won’t even remember the sting of getting bumped.
Along with that, there’s a 40-foot slide (have a few drinks and keep going up and down this slide and it’ll be time to board your next flight in no time), a rooftop pool, napping cubicles to rent by the hour.
And if for some reason you don’t want to stay inside this playground – sorry, airport – then take the two-hour bus tour of the city, departing from the main terminal.
2. Long layover in Hong Kong International Airport
Home to the world’s first airport IMAX theatre, Hong Kong International Airport is the place to catch a movie between flights. If films don’t float your boat, check out the golf course or iSports simulator for car racing and basketball.
Or if you want to take things easy, latch onto the free wifi and cosy up in a rest lounge, or take a shower and steal a snooze in a sleeping room.
3. Long layover in Incheon International Airport, Seoul
With two movie theatres, an ice-skating rink, a golf course, gardens, and traditional dance performances, there’s not only endless entertainment in the airport but also the ability to hone your skills. There are also complimentary computers to use with free wi-fi should you find yourself in need of more than just your phone.
Leaving the airport in between flights is also a doddle if you want to explore the city; Seoul’s subway is directly connected with the airport and it only takes half an hour to reach downtown, or you can hop on a free city tour from the airport.
4. Long layover in San Francisco International Airport, USA
One for culture vultures, the Airport Museum holds a variety of exhibitions and similar to Vancouver Airport, this fellow west coast airport is making the most of its water-dwelling friends with a branch of the Steinhart Aquarium being viewable from the airport. If you’re looking for some zen before your flight or hate flying and could use a way to calm the nerves, SFO offers two yoga rooms.
There’s also great food and drink, especially if you’ve missed out on trying a few craft beers (head to the Anchor Brewing Company in T3).
5. Long layover in Dubai International Airport, UAE
A layover in Dubai’s airport can initially seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t let the mass of shoppers put you off. As with many things in Dubai, the airport is sparkly and glamorous and it shows no sign of stopping its growth, with a plan to reach 100 million people passing through its terminals each year by 2020. If this is all making your head dizzy, then when you’re on your layover here, settle your mind by visiting the two zen gardens in Emirates Terminal 3.
As this is Dubai, you can purchase gold bars at the airport. Informing you of this is less about us suggesting a pretty hefty investment and extravagant splurge and more about this being something you’ve got to see with your own two eyes. A museum attraction, of sorts.
6. Long layover in Munich Airport, Germany
Munich has one of the main airports for Europe-bound travellers, and it’s kicked up its amenities to match its traffic. Other than being efficient and clean, Munich Airport has pulled out some serious stops to impress passing travellers, such as a surf machine on site, which even held contests and allowed beginners to get into the sport for free.
Late November through to the end of December, there’s a German Christmas market right outside the terminal (which includes an ice-skating rink) – so if you want a dose of traditional Christmas markets but would actually rather jet off somewhere less chilly, a layover in Munich might just be the answer.
7. Long layover in Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch know how to take a tedious, grumbling experience like being in an airport and transform it into something sophisticated. Here in Schiphol Airport, you can peruse Van Gogh at the adjoining Rijksmuseum, the first of its kind to have been annexed in an airport – and admission is free! Schiphol seems to be making a habit of airport firsts, as it’s also the home to the first airport library, with books in 29 languages.
It’s also the place for some spontaneous romance: you can get married in the airport, helped along by their wedding-planning service (the new Vegas, anyone?).
8. Long layover in Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Sadly, no, this Swiss airport isn’t on the list for being made out of chocolate or cheese. What it does offer, however, is pretty awesome for an airport. Rent a bike, some inline skates or Nordic walking poles (because why not?) and explore the conservation reserve stationed between the terminals of Zurich Airport.
Considering airports are awful for the environment, this addition Zurich has made is a little touch of genius.
9. Long layover in Taipei Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan
This Taiwan airport has really taken creativity to the extreme: gates and waiting lounges here have different themes. To name a few: environmental conservation, SONY products, tea shops and even a Hello Kitty gate. After you’ve treated yourself to this extravaganza for the eyeballs, there are a plethora of other things to do.
Take a free 15-minute shower (but bring your own soap), play video games or get a “kung fu massage” by a blind masseuse – the airport works with the region’s trade union to provide jobs for blind residents.
10. Long layover in Vancouver International Airport, Canada
There isn’t one glitzy, outstanding feature that makes this airport one of the best to experience a layover in, but rather many smaller things that make Vancouver International Airport one of the most pleasant and easy-going.
The staff is famously friendly, proving once again that Canadians really are some of the nicest people in the world.
While here, you can view impressive First Nation’s art and admire the marine life of the North Pacific at the aquarium. Another bonus: this airport is never too crowded or busy.
Where are your favourite airports? tell us in the comments below!
