Most travelers prefer direct flights but those aren’t always possible. Over the years airports around the globe have stepped up their game to the point that some airports are a destination to themselves. So recently Club Med UK ranked what they considered to be the top 50 airports for layovers.
After a long haul flight a great airpot experience makes a huge difference.
To rank the airports they analysed 100 of the busiest airports in the world, ranking them for their Airport Layover Index. They analysed data on airport size and distance from the closest city from Wikipedia, number of shops and number of restaurants from each individual airport website, customer satisfaction of the available wifi and lounges all from Flightradar24, number of hotels from Sleeping in Airports and staff friendliness from Skytrax Ratings. They then gave each of these data values a score which added up for the final index score. The index score is out of a total of 100.
1. Singapore Changi offers the world’s best airport layover
We found that Singapore Changi offers flyers the world’s best airport layover experience, scoring a total of 100 points out of 100 in our airport layover index! Home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall, the airport offers a truly unique experience for travellers.
Out of all the airports analysed, it has the biggest retail offering with 250 retailers, giving flyers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of duty-free prices, stock up on souvenirs and grab any last-minute essentials for the trip.
Changi also has the highest number of sleeping facilities, where travellers can lay their heads to rest. At only 20km from the city, travellers with long layovers can also explore the beauty of Singapore for an hour or two.
The airport runs frequent flights across Asia to countries such as Thailand and Malaysia and past visitors to the airport can testify to its outstanding offerings, with a 92% customer satisfaction score for terminal facilities.
2. Incheon in South Korea has the world’s second-best airport layover experience
Incheon in South Korea has the second-best airport layover experience with a total score of 97.45. And it’s no surprise considering it has the highest rated lounges of the study with an 87% customer satisfaction score.
Visitors to the airport can enjoy amenities including a state of the art digital gym, where exercises take place on digital devices, and choose from over 268 food outlets – the highest number of all the airports analysed. This gives visitors the chance to travel the world with their taste buds, sampling both local and international cuisine.
The airport itself is a feast for the eyes, with an indoor forest full of tropical plants and towering trees. A great way to prepare travellers for exotic locations, with flights to Sri Lanka and Abu Dubai regularly stopping over.
3. Hong Kong airport is a haven for long-haul flyers
The largest airport in our study, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) spreads across 110,600 hectares, with a wealth of activities and amenities under its roof.
From children’s play and relaxation areas to ‘caring corners’ for travellers with accessibility needs and elderly passengers, the airport truly accommodates everyone. Scoring a five out of five for staff friendliness, HKIA puts its customers at the heart of what it does, creating a truly welcoming environment that’s perfect for a long layover.
The airport even has its own dedicated version of Monopoly, the Hong Kong International Airport edition!
Scoring 86.6 out of 100.
No surprisingly many of the best airports for a layover are in Asia or the Middle East.
Top tips for a long layover
Follow these expert tips to make a long layover more enjoyable:
- Research the airport – Read up a little on the amenities and services available at the airport prior to your trip. This way, you can make the most of what’s on offer to help pass the time between layovers.
- Get some rest – Take advantage of on-site hotels, sleep pods and relaxation lounges to help you recharge your batteries and delay the dreaded jet-lag!
- Get some fresh air – If possible, venture outside of the airport and explore the nearby city or surrounding area.
Appreciate airport art – Many big airports feature exhibitions and art galleries, offering a great opportunity to soak up beautiful artwork.
