Let’s agree now that long airport layovers stink. Either you want to get where you’re going and start having fun, or you want to get home and throw your clothes in the hamper. Whatever direction you’re heading, sitting in an airport for six hours waiting to catch your next flight is never entertaining. Unless you’re stuck in one of these:
1. Changi Airport, Singapore
Public lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport has so many amenities, it’s practically worth planning for a layover. If you’re tired, you can rent a snooze chair in a designated napping area. Feeling earthy? Visit the koi ponds and butterfly garden in the Changi Nature Trail in Terminal 3.
In need of relaxation? Check in for a Javanese massage at the Ultimate Transit Haven Spa, or kick back at the Balinese-themed swimming pool and jacuzzi. If you’re feeling arty, take in a free movie or a free hands-on lesson in the Singapore art form of woodblock rubbing. And if you’re stuck for at least five hours, sign up for a free two-hour tour of Singapore, which will pick you up and drop you off at the main terminal.
2. Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam
For a sophisticated layover, you can’t beat a few hours at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. It has the first museum in the world to be annexed to an airport, and it’s free to wander in and admire the Van Goghs. If the museum isn’t quite relaxing enough for you, there’s a Silence Centre where you can mediate, or you can enjoy a Back to Life aqua massage.
If your layover is longer than four hours, you have plenty of time to pop into the city for a quick visit on one of the high-speed trains, which run from the airport in 15-minute intervals. And if you’re traveling with that someone special, you can even get arrange to get married at Schiphol. Just get in touch with the airport’s wedding planner.
3. Munich Airport, Munich
The Munich Airport is so lovely and so entertaining, people who aren’t even planning to fly go there to shop, hang out or take tours. In between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, there is a massive open space covered by a glass roof. It’s been turned into a polo arena with horses and competitions, and a beach volleyball court. During the World Cup, it was set up as a public viewing area televising the soccer games.
If your layover is in December, you can expect to find an authentic German Christmas market there, compete with real fir trees, wooden huts and a skating rink. The Munich Airport Center, or MAC as they call it, is also home to a beer garden, and the only airport brewery in the world.
4. Heathrow Airport, London
A book vending machine at Heathrow Airport, London
Sure, Heathrow has ridiculously high security, and it’s the size of a small country. And yes, the bus transfers between terminals are so ludicrously complicated, they seem to take you through every parking facility in England. But you just can’t beat the shopping! You can buy any kind of British souvenir imaginable at Harrods and still have time to drop by Burberry, Cartier, Fortnum & Mason, Hamley’s, Gucci, Bulgari and Tiffanys. If you have any money left over, pop by WHSmith, where you’ll be able to grab enough books still not in print in North America to keep you entertained until your flight.
5. Incheon International Airport, Seoul
Public lounge at Seoul Incheon International Airport
Incheon is a five-star airport, as ranked by Skytrax. It’s a recognition only shared by Hong Kong International and Singapore’s Changi Airport. If you’re stuck in South Korea, you can bid your time at the airport golf course, the indoor garden, or the Museum of Korean Culture. There are even free showers. It’s also won several international awards for best service at an airport, and how often have you heard “good service” and “airport” in the same sentence. That’s worth experiencing first hand!
So while we all agree that long layovers are not the ideal when traveling, there are a few spots in the world where several hours can be well wasted!