Airports are often an
after-thought; a place to waste time while you wait for your plane to arrive.
But, what if your airport was so nice that it almost seemed like a
mini-vacation? It may not get rid of your frustration the next time your plane
is delayed, but it may make your wait a little less painful. While some make
the list because of added luxuries, others make it because of their unique
locations or thrilling landings. Here’s a list of ten airports that are
guaranteed to thrill.
1. Singapore Changi Airport
The airport has everything a
traveler could desire — from a synthetic ice skating rink to a historical
museum. According to the Washington Post, Singapore Changi Airport received the
world’s best airport award, as well as an award for being the best airport in
Asia and best airport for leisure amenities. The airport has more than 100
international airlines flying to 220 cities in about 60 countries and
territories worldwide. “Besides the ice-skating rink, Changi also has wellness
centers, more than 300 retail outlets, and a butterfly garden,” the Washington
Post writes.
 |
| Children skate on a synthetic ice rink set against a backdrop of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral and State Historical Museum at the Changi International Airport in Singapore. Not only did Changi receive the coveted award of being the world’s best airport, but it also won the best airport in Asia and best airport for leisure amenities.” Besides the ice-skating rink, Changi also has wellness centers, more than 300 retail outlets and a butterfly garden. |
2. Hong Kong International
Airport
This business-focused airport
provides numerous passenger lounges, restaurants, and business center
facilities. In 2012, 56.5 million passengers used the airport, according to
Economic Times. Hong Kong International is ranked in the top five for dining,
shopping, cleanliness and leisure amenities. Killing some time in between
flights? Enjoy the airport’s nine-hole golf course.
3. Eagle County Regional Airport
The airport in Vail, Colorado, is
ranked as one of the most thrilling airports, according to Airfare Watchdog.
The weather and surrounding conditions make this airport one of the more
exciting ones in the world — for both travelers and workers. Pilot David
Cenciotti says “poor weather, high approach, and high surrounding terrain make
this airport a bit challenging. Westward departures have high clearance
altitudes due to nearby mountains.”
4. Amsterdam Schiphol
While travelers wait for their
flight, they can enjoy a massage, visit the airport library, or play a game of
poker at the casino. Schiphol also provides its 51 million passengers per year
great dining and shopping options, according to Business Insider.
5. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport
The Caribbean Island airport
makes the list for its thrilling landings. “The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport
allows no room for pilot error: If he or she goes even a little bit too far
when trying to land, the plane will end up in the ocean below,” according to
Airfare Watchdog. “The windy, mountainous terrain makes for a
hard-to-accomplish landing.”
6. Zurich Airport
Zurich is ranked as a top airport
for baggage delivery, according to Business Insider. The airport ranks as the
largest in Switzerland and provides guests with an underground, automated
train. Don’t want to deal with luggage? This airport lets travelers pay a fee
to have their bags picked up from anywhere in the airport and have them
delivered to their final destination.
7. Incheon International Airport
“Incheon International boasts a
museum, many shops an observation deck and at least five gardens,” according to
the Washington Post. “The airport also received awards for having the best
staff service in Asia and for being the best international transit airport.”
The airport is the largest in South Korea and also has a huge selection of
restaurants and shopping outlets.
8. Gibraltar Airport
The airport in the British
territory of Gibraltar makes the list for its runway that runs close to a major
highway. “You might feel like you’re at a railroad crossing when traveling
through Gibraltar Airport,” writes Airfare Watchdog. “The peninsula’s only
runway is perpendicular to a major highway leading into Spain.”
9. Tokyo International Airport
(Haneda Airport, Tokyo)
This rapidly growing airport has
won awards for terminal cleanliness and best domestic airport, and took second
place for best immigration service, according to Business Insider. This major
airport provides hotel rooms for travelers, a banquet hall, rental conference
rooms and plenty of restaurants and shopping.
10. Heathrow Airport
Have you been hoping to fit in
some time at the spa? This London airport contains day spas as well as a
restaurant that was opened by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the Washington Post
writes. This airport recently underwent an $8.6 billion renovation and provides
dazzling architecture and scenery to the many visitors it sees each day.
SOURCES
http://www.changiairport.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com
http://www.hongkongairport.com
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com
http://www.airport.kr
http://www.gibraltarairport.gi
No comments:
Post a Comment