7 Awesome Airports To Be Stuck In

Normally the thought of being stranded in an airport fills travellers with dread. Hours spent staring hopefully at departure boards and trying to find ways to stay entertained. However, there are some airports where you will be pleasantly surprised, and maybe even glad you got to spend a few extra hours exploring what they have to offer.

Airports are now coming up with ways to make the tedious wait for flights more bearable. From spa facilities and yoga rooms to world class shopping and cinemas, some of the top airports these days have gone all out in an attempt to give holidaymakers an airport experience to remember. The best airport stopovers offer unique things to see and do, and generally make your time at the airport as enjoyable as possible. Here are 7 awesome airports you might actually wish you were stuck in.

Dubai

Dubai airport is much like the city itself, glamorous, luxurious and full of shops. Dubai airport is well known for its amazing shopping, it’s home to the world’s largest airport duty free shop. It’s a huge airport, with 50,000 square feet of shopping space. Here you can splash your cash on extremely expensive purchases, including gold, watches and very pricey jewellery.

If you need a break from shopping and want to relax then head to the Zen Gardens or rent a snooze cube for an hour before your flight from Dubai. There’s also a high end health club, G-Force which has a swimming pool, massage rooms, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. There are plenty of places to eat in the airport offering a wide variety of international cuisines to sample. The airport has also launched an automated announcement service in 25 different languages and a business centre where business travellers can catch up on some work while they are waiting.

Hong Kong International Airport

You certainly won’t get bored at Hong Kong International Airport. Tuck into some delicious Asian cuisine, take the kids to the Dream Come True Education Park, play a round of golf or watch a film at the IMAX movie theatre. Hong Kong airport has become famous for its endless entertainment options. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars where you can sit back, relax and watch the world go by. Other boredom busting facilities include the iSports simulator and the Aviation Discovery Theatre.

San Francisco

Perhaps one of the most relaxing airports in the world is San Francisco Airport. At no other airport can you relax your mind and body in a dedicated Yoga room. Have a moment of calm and unwind in the Berman Reflection Room, ‘A center for quiet self-reflection and meditation.’

Another unique feature of this airport is the SFO Museum, which was the first fully accredited airport museum. Here you can learn about the history and aviation of San Francisco Airport. Keep the kids entertained for hours in the interactive play area. You can also treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at the XpressSpa.

Business travellers will appreciate the facilities in the Converge Fly SFO Lounge, ‘A space for guests to exchange ideas about technology, start-ups, the shared economy, travel, politics and ways to change the world.’ Check your emails using the free Wi-Fi, squeeze in a few hours’ work at a desk or brainstorm using the magnetic chalkboard and white board.

Zurich

Zurich is a very pleasant airport which was designed with the passenger in mind. It benefited from expansion in 2003 when the Skymetro was added to help transport passengers around the airport. Sitting around for hours and not doing much can take its toll on your mind and body, at Zurich airport you can stay active by renting inline skates and bikes to pass the time.

There’s plenty of duty free shopping to enjoy too, and don’t forget to sample the delicious Swiss chocolates while you are waiting. The airport is conveniently located just ten minutes from the city, so if there are major delays to your flight you can always sneak off and explore for a few hours. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the stunning scenery from the observation points and rooftop terraces before you catch your flight.

Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Airport took first place in this year’s top 100 airports in the world, so it obviously has a lot to offer travellers. This is the third time it has won this prize, proving Singapore Airport is consistently a hit with holidaymakers.

Here you can take advantage of a wide selection of entertainment and leisure facilities including the amazing butterfly garden with over 100 butterflies, a 40 foot slide, a 27 foot waterfall, rooftop swimming pool and free movie theatres.

Singapore airport is also one of the most relaxing airports in the world, designed to keep stress levels down. Take a few moments to unwind on one of the numerous leg massage stations, try some reflexology or dip your feet into a fish spa.

Amsterdam Schiphol

Experience a touch of Dutch culture at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Spend an hour or so in the free Rijksmuseum where you can admire some local art and browse through the exhibits. If it’s shopping you are after, there are around 75 different shops to enjoy including duty free and souvenir shops. There’s also a Silence Centre, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and the constant beeping of smartphones.

London Heathrow

To UK residents London Heathrow may not sound that exciting, but it’s actually one of the top airports for shopping in the world. There are over 80 different outlets and a huge duty free shop.

It also has a wide selection of facilities that could come in handy should you find yourself stranded. 70 million passengers pass through Heathrow each year, so there has to be enough to keep people occupied. It’s also a great airport for business travellers with facilities such as meeting rooms, internet access and dedicated business lounges.