Summary
- Good WiFi, delicious food, and swimming pools.
- Each airport has unique amenities and ‘wow’ factor.
- Automated technology enhancements and multiple attraction options are available at the best airports.
Next time you book an international trip and require a layover, consider stopping at one of these top airports. While each destination is obviously different, it is clear that these airports will keep its visitors entertained. From gardens and waterfalls to movie theatres and swimming pools. Plenty of attractions within the terminal keep you occupied while waiting for your next flight.
Good WiFi, delicious food, and swimming pools
Each airport has its unique offerings and ‘wow’ factor. While some airports might look out to picturesque mountains, harbors, or cityscapes, there is also much more going on within the airside of your favorite airport.
As airlines and airports look to technology to improve the customer experience, fast
check in
, improvements in biometric technology, and automated security screening are just small advancements to improve and accelerate moving from point A to point B.
Photo: Rob Atherton | Shutterstock
Simple Flying
decided to fly around the world and deliberate on what we think are the top five airports to transit or arrive extra early for your next flight to ensure you have plenty of time to make the most of the airport offers.
1
Singapore Changi Airport
IATA Code: SIN
Frequently named one of the best airports in the world, the home of Singapore Airlines is setting the standard for the ultimate airport transfer and overall experience. With plenty of informative videos projected throughout the terminal, assistance is right at hand for even the curliest questions.
Singapore Changi Airport
is equipped with entertainment for all ages. For children, you can enjoy:
- Video game rooms
- Free movie theatres
- An indoor waterfall (in the Jewel Changi)
- Sunflower garden
- Koi pond
If these features aren’t spinning your wheels just yet, how about the numerous food courts, shopping, or taking a dip in the rooftop swimming pool overlooking the runway? The Airport Transit Hotel at Terminal 1 features a pool, jacuzzi, and poolside bar. You will be provided with a towel when you arrive.
2
Tokyo Haneda Airport
IATA Code: HND
Continuing in Asia,
Tokyo Haneda Airport
looks to cater to all for their next layover. Designed with plenty of Japanese flair, the airport is known for being dependable and wheelchair friendly. Haneda has a large play center for kids, a pet daycare for your furry friend, and plenty of massage chairs for ultimate stress relief.
Haneda Airport is a hub for both of Japan’s largest airlines,
All Nippon Airways
, and Japan Airlines. From HND, plenty of long-haul and short-haul domestic and international routes are on offer, stretching as far as New York, London, Singapore, and Sydney.
Haneda, which carries the IATA code HND, was once identified as TYO. However, this code is now used to identify the greater Tokyo area. It has four runways and welcomed more than 78 million passengers last year.
3
Doha Hamad Airport
IATA Code: DOH
The renowned
Doha Hamad International Airport
connects Qatar to the world. DOH is home to 47 high-end brand stores that customers can shop and explore during their stopover. If the kids are driving you crazy, send them to the ‘Unaccompanied Minors Lounge,’ which offers:
- Video games
- Snack bar
- Play areas
- Toys and puzzles
Otherwise, if you need to burn off your steam, head to the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre, which features a pool, gym, hydrotherapy tub, and showers.
You won’t be short of destinations to fly to or from
Doha
, given that it’s home to
Qatar Airways
, one of the largest international airlines in the world. From its Doha hub, Qatar Airways serves all six inhabited continents. Doha Hamad replaced the original Doha International Airport on April 30, 2014, and the airport is built on over half reclaimed land.
4
Incheon International Airport
IATA Code: ICN
Serving Seoul, South Korea, this SkyTeam hub is home to
Korean Air
, one of the best-known airlines in Asia. The airline’s global network links this Asian country directly to the United States, Canada, and many other long-haul destinations. The airline is set to acquire another major Korean airline,
Asiana Airlines
, further extending its capacity and network for further growth.
If you’re transiting through Incheon, you will be spoiled when choosing things to see and do. This 24/7 airport offers personal training sessions at the airport’s digital gym. How about finding a secluded napping area if you’d prefer to relax and get some zzz’s?
Incheon is the home to the world’s first
oneworld
Lounge. Located in Terminal 1, the exclusively oneworld branded lounge offers an expansive and stylish layout created in development with Swissport and its Aspire Lounge team.
The new lounge is located close to all oneworld departure gates, providing convenient access for premium passengers, and offers room for up to 148 customers across 555 sqm (5973 sqft) of space. Features include mood lighting, Korean-influenced interior design, and a mix of seating zones to accommodate passengers’ needs.
5
Hong Kong International Airport
IATA Code: HKG
Located on the island of Chek Lap Kok in eastern Hong Kong,
HKG
sees thousands of passengers transit through its terminals daily. Home to
Cathay Pacific
, many travelers use this conveniently located airport to transit between Europe and Australasia. Next time you pass through
Hong Kong International Airport
, features include:
- Baggage porter service
- Battery recharge services
- Complementary shower facilities
- Document conveyancing
- Health and medical services
- Macao Government Tourism Office
- Photo kiosk
From the airport’s unique bespoke architecture to multiple nursing areas for young families and prayer rooms catering to all passengers. There is the ‘Dream Come True Maker’ for young children, an attraction geared up to educate and entertain young travelers. The kids can even participate in flight simulations or create DIY crafts.