Top 9 International Airports – Useful Tips When you Transit
We’ve all been there. Lodged in some fluorescent-lit transit room where the only place to sleep is on a conjoined, plastic seat arrangement that the airport sign mockingly refers to as a “lounge”. Well, thankfully as the world has become more travel-savvy and service-minded, our transit options have evolved. Here are some tips on how to survive layovers, and maybe even savor them.
- Know your airports and your options. Before booking your ticket why not research a little on the airports you’re passing through? The below list includes the most frequented international passenger airports in the world and a quick description of their services.
1. The ultra busy London Heathrow Airport may be hard to navigate but it does have shower facilities in all its four terminals with the most basic packages starting at £15. In terminals 1 and 3, the diamond air lounge offers plush spa and beauty facilities in addition to bathroom suites for those in transit.
2. Charles de Gaulle in Paris prides itself in its boutique shopping and repertoire of restaurants (would you expect anything less from the French?) but also offers sore in-transit travelers with a “Be-Relax” spa service. As far as showers or independent lounges go, however, there doesn’t seem to be any.
3. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Even though it is one of the busiest flight hubs in the world, there isn’t much at this airport for budding transit tourists. Unless, that is, you’re happy to while the hours (and cash) away at the airport casino or one of the bars and restaurants. On the flip side, a quick trip into the city is easy and fast.
4. Frankfurt International Airport As quirky as it is busy, the Frankfurt airport is not a place to rest but certainly a place to be active. While there is access to transit hotels, you won’t find massage, spa or independent lounges here to put your feet up but instead the airport website implores you to “experience” their aviation museum. You can witness take offs up close whilst munching on a Frankfurter sausage, or watch the journey that your suitcase makes. It’s certainly an interesting tourist approach.
5. Hong Kong International Airport is globally recognized as one of the world’s best airports due to its user-friendly planning and design. It also has very decent transit amenities including a 24 hour lounge with napping, massage and showering services and is linked to Hong Kong’s uber-efficient city train network.
6. Changi Airport – Changi airport, in our eyes, has no peer. This designer airport is one of those anomalies where the phrase “I spent all my time in the airport” is likely to be a positive. From two different lounges with top-class 24 hour napping areas, showers and spa facilities, to a hotel and pool accessible to anyone with a pair of speedos, this airport further excels itself with innovative activities such as its Singapore Tours (created for those in transit for up to 5 hours who are granted a special pass to exit the airport on one of four city tour options), Nature Trail (with six themed garden reserves) and comprehensive dining and entertainment options. Its little wonder this airport has its own fan club and came in at first place in the World’s Best Airport Awards 2006.
7. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok may have opened to a shaky start (quite literally as some of the runways developed cracks) but the Thai rapport for warm service and hospitality will surely redeem this facility with its many massage services, karaoke and games rooms, day rooms and spa and fitness centre, which make it an attractive transit point for travelers.
8. With a reputation for harboring some of the most glitzy and superlative hotels in the world, Dubai International Airport doesn’t disappoint when it comes to airport transit services. With a variety of lounges ranging from independent VIP and business class facilities to simple, quiet napping areas, those on layover can rest with ease here. There is also a health club with gym, Jacuzzi and massage services.
9. The Incheon International Airport in Seoul is another Asian gem of an airport. It has a selection of shower and massage options in addition to a napping lounge and exclusive transit hotel. Special layover tours are also available for Seoul-searching transiters.
- Rather explore than snore? Choose layovers that offer day trips. There can definitely be more to layovers than sleeping and showering. Why not pick an airport that has high speed train access into the city and leave your luggage (either checked-in or in a locker) and go explore? Or better yet, pick one that organizes day trips for you (see Changi, Hong Kong, Incheon, Frankfurt or Schiphol for information on their tours and access to the city). Other airports that make for easy day trips downtown and have been acclaimed for their modern, friendly services and unique design include: Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Munich Airport and Sydney Airport.
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