Owais Crawford
Long layovers are often considered the worst part of travelling, with passengers stuck at airports with little to do. However, some airports have transformed their terminals to accommodate passengers with long layovers, offering amenities such as luxury lounges, aquariums, gourmet restaurants, sleeping pods, pools, cinemas, and more. So, which airport has the most layovers? While it is unclear which airport technically has the most layovers, some of the world's busiest airports for layovers include London Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Singapore Changi Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Munich Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best airport for layovers in the world | Singapore Changi Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in the US | Seattle-Tacoma International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in California | Los Angeles International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in New York | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Europe | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol |
| Best airport for layovers in the UK | London Heathrow Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Canada | Vancouver International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Texas | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Florida | Southwest Florida International Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Germany | Munich Airport |
| Best airport for layovers in Iceland | Keflavik International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Best US airports for layovers
While layovers can be tedious, some airports offer a wide range of amenities to help passengers relax and unwind during their wait. Here is a list of the best US airports for layovers, offering a variety of services and facilities to make your transit time more enjoyable:
California Airports:
California dominates the list of the best US airports for layovers. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are all ranked highly due to their low percentages of delayed or canceled flights, as well as a plethora of lounges and nearby hotels.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) stands out as a top choice, featuring yoga rooms, nap areas, shower facilities, interactive kids' areas, and excellent dining options. It is also the only US airport with an accredited museum program, offering a unique cultural experience.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL):
Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii is the top-ranked non-California airport for layovers. It boasts a good number of lounges and has the lowest percentage of canceled flights in the country. HNL also excels in on-time performance, with the lowest percentage of flights experiencing 60+ minute delays.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):
According to travel expert Gilbert Ott, who flies approximately 200,000 miles a year, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is among the best US airports for layovers. The airport stands out for its premium lounges, including the Amex Centurion Lounge and the Delta Sky Club. An airport hotel directly in the terminal also adds to its convenience.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another excellent choice for layovers, especially for domestic travelers. The recently upgraded Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) offers a wide range of food and beverage options, comfortable seating with power ports, and exceptional lounges like the Sky Club. The terminals are well-connected, making it easy to navigate and kill time during your layover.
While not on US soil, it's worth mentioning that Singapore Changi Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) are also renowned for their exceptional amenities and services, making them top international choices for layovers.
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Worst US airports for layovers
While layovers can be inconvenient, some airports offer better experiences than others. Florida, for instance, dominated the list of worst airports for layovers in 2023. The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers was ranked the lowest for layovers due to a high number of flight delays and cancellations, and a lack of airport lounges and nearby hotels. The second-worst was Orlando International Airport (MCO), which had an even higher percentage of flights that experienced lengthy delays.
Two New York airports also landed in the bottom 15 of US airports for layovers. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was the third-worst, while Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was the twelfth-worst, with both airports having high delay and cancellation rates, as well as a low number of lounges and nearby hotels.
Other airports to avoid for smoother travel connections include DFW Airport, which is one of the largest and most congested airports in the US, spanning over 17,000 acres. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is another busy hub that can pose challenges for connections due to its large size and passenger overload.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is infamous for its crowds, chaotic security lines, and flight delays. The consolidation of terminals has created localized congestion, and the new automated people mover system has experienced unexpected delays. Miami International Airport (MIA) is also known for its lengthy security wait times, ranking as the third-worst in the US for TSA screening wait times.
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Best international airports for layovers
Long layovers are often considered the worst part of travelling. However, some airports have transformed their terminals in recent years to better accommodate passengers with extended stopovers.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the world's best airports for layovers. It was one of the first global airports to incorporate amenities usually associated with high-end shopping malls, including the spectacular Rain Vortex located in the Jewel Changi Airport complex. The airport's multiple gardens are unmatched and include a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, and a water lily garden. Many passengers deliberately book extended layovers to explore everything on offer.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of Europe's best airports to travel through. It offers several unique amenities to improve a traveller's stay during their layover. This includes a mini-art exhibit from the city's famous Rijksmuseum, an on-site library, and an indoor park. The airport also has a wedding chapel for those wishing to get married before taking off.
London Heathrow Airport, London, England
London Heathrow Airport is well-regarded in terms of its layover options. It offers abundant shopping opportunities, anchored by an 11,000-square-foot branch of the famous Harrods department store in Terminal 3. There are also other luxury British boutiques, such as Burberry and Thomas Pink. To rest, passengers can check into one of Yotel's pod-like "rooms", available by the hour in Terminal 4.
Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver International Airport is an ultramodern airport that serves as a gateway to Canada's West Coast and the Asia-Pacific region. During the summer, the airport features Take Off Fridays, bringing aspects of a fair to the airport, including free food, an “Underground Circus” with acrobats, caricaturists, local musicians, and DJs.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle, Washington, United States
MarketWatch ranked Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the best layover airport for all travellers. It has a high on-time performance, with 81.81% of flights departing on time from January to September 2023.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and San Jose International Airport (SJC), California, United States
These California airports finished first through fourth on FinanceBuzz's list of best airports for layovers. Each airport features low percentages of delayed or cancelled flights, as well as a high number of lounges and/or nearby hotels.
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Worst international airports for layovers
While some airports have stepped up their game by offering various amenities to accommodate passengers with long layovers, others have been consistently ranked among the worst for layovers. Here are some of the worst international airports for layovers:
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers has been ranked as the worst airport for layovers due to a high number of flight delays and cancellations, as well as a lack of airport lounges and nearby hotels.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport is another Florida airport that frequently ranks among the worst for summer delays. It has a high percentage of flights that experience lengthy delays, but its additional amenities put it ahead of RSW. Its location near the "lightning capital of the United States" contributes to thunderstorm and hurricane activity, impacting flight operations.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport in New York City is ranked as the third-worst airport in America for layovers. It has high delay and cancellation rates and a low number of lounges and nearby hotels.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Also in the New York City area, Newark Liberty International Airport is ranked as the twelfth-worst airport for layovers in the US. It shares similar issues with LaGuardia Airport, including high delay and cancellation rates and a lack of lounges and nearby hotels.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport has been criticized for the difficulty passengers face when transferring between terminals, especially for those arriving on international flights. It has a high percentage of flight delays and late arrivals, contributing to a low Skytrax Traveler Rating.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Despite being ranked among the best airports for layovers in California, LAX has been criticized for its confusing layout and the staff's demeanor. It has a high percentage of flight delays and late arrivals, which can make connecting flights challenging.
While these airports have their challenges, it's worth noting that factors like seasonality and weather conditions can also impact flight operations and layover experiences.
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Airports with unique layover amenities
While layovers can be tedious, several airports have unique amenities to make the experience more enjoyable. Here are some airports with distinctive features that stand out:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, boasts a range of unique amenities. It is renowned for housing an annex of the famous Rijksmuseum, offering travellers a glimpse of renowned Dutch artworks by masters like Van Gogh. The airport also features an on-site library and an indoor park with electric bikes, providing travellers with a tranquil escape. Additionally, Schiphol offers a behind-the-scenes bus tour, allowing visitors to explore the airport's operations.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Changi Airport in Singapore is known for its exceptional amenities, including gardens, a spectacular Rain Vortex, and a live butterfly garden with a 20-foot waterfall. Travellers can also find mazes made of mirrors or hedges, a shapeshifting rain sculpture, and a four-story slide. Changi Airport offers a unique layover experience, with many passengers deliberately booking extended layovers to explore all that the airport has to offer.
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport, despite its reputation, offers a range of layover options. It features an 11,000-square-foot branch of the famous Harrods department store in Terminal 3, along with other luxury boutiques. For those seeking rest, Yotel's pod-like "rooms" in Terminal 4 provide a quiet retreat, available by the hour.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport stands out with its 24-hour fitness centre, complete with a large pool, locker rooms, and showers. The airport also boasts open-air gardens, including the Zen Garden, providing travellers with a peaceful outdoor space. Additionally, DXB offers "Snoozecubes," soundproof pods equipped with touch-screen televisions for relaxation.
Incheon Airport, South Korea
Incheon Airport in South Korea offers a unique blend of experiences. Travellers can join guided transit tours, including a Temple Tour, Shopping Tour, Korean Drama Hallyu Tour, and Traditional Culture Experience Tour, catering to various layover durations. The airport also features a year-round ice-skating rink for those seeking a wintery activity during their layover.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport provides a range of amenities, including a yoga studio and therapy dogs. However, what sets it apart is the world's first therapy pig, which occasionally dons tutus or aviator goggles, offering a unique and adorable experience for travellers.
These airports have gone above and beyond to enhance the layover experience, ensuring that travellers have a range of engaging and relaxing options to pass the time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear which airport has the most layovers, but some of the world's busiest airports include London Heathrow, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Singapore Changi Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
Many airports now offer amenities such as luxury lounges, aquariums, gourmet restaurants, sleeping pods, pools, cinemas, and more. Some airports, like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, even offer art exhibits, libraries, and electric bikes in an indoor park.
Some of the best airports for layovers in the US include Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the large airport in Houston, Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Honolulu International Airport.
Some of the best airports for layovers outside the US include Singapore Changi Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Munich Airport, and Keflavik International Airport in Iceland.
