Ruth Haines
Airports are fascinating places that serve as gateways to different destinations and cultures. They are bustling hubs of activity, where people from all walks of life converge in their journey to explore new places or return home. Each airport has its unique architecture, amenities, and atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the local culture and providing a memorable travel experience. I'm excited to delve into this topic and explore the diverse range of airports that people have visited, sharing their impressions and highlighting the distinct features that make each airport memorable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Website to track airports visited | OurAirports, Cities I've Visited, TripIt, Flighty |
| Number of airports visited | 20, 40, 50, 95, 29, 47, 81, 44, 109 |
| Airports visited | LAX, Manchester, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Madrid, Copenhagen, Heathrow, Berlin, Tokyo Narita, Honolulu, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Favorite airports for layovers
When it comes to layovers, some airports definitely offer a better experience than others. Here are some of the world's best airports for a layover, with features that make them enjoyable and memorable.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): HKG is consistently ranked as one of the best airports worldwide due to its amenities and entertainment options. The airport is well-organised, with two main terminals. Travellers can enjoy a movie at the IMAX cinema, play outdoor golf, or visit an aviation museum. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options, including duty-free shops and fashion boutiques. If you have a longer layover, you can easily access Hong Kong city.
Dubai International Airport (DXB): Famous for its luxury, DXB offers a range of unique features, including a health club with a pool, spa treatments, a gaming lounge, international cuisine, and high-end boutiques. The airport also boasts several open-air gardens, most notably the Zen Garden with over 6,000 plants and trees, as well as a waterfall. With a longer layover, you can explore Dubai, but keep in mind that immigration and security can be time-consuming.
Munich Airport (MUC): Munich Airport offers convenient access to the city, which is only about a 45-minute trip away. If you have at least a 6-hour layover, you can explore attractions like the Christmas markets during the festive season.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): This recently renovated airport is a major travel hub in Europe, known for its compact and efficient layout. Schiphol offers a variety of dining, shopping, and relaxation options, including healthy choices and fresh juice and smoothie bars. Additionally, you can borrow books by Dutch authors from the airport library and admire iconic Dutch paintings from the Rijksmuseum. The airport is also conveniently located for a quick trip to Amsterdam if you have a longer layover.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): DFW stands out for its premium lounges, including the Amex Centurion Lounge and the Delta Sky Club. The airport also features an airport hotel directly in the terminal, making it ideal for travellers looking to kill time during longer layovers.
These airports offer a range of amenities, entertainment, and convenient access to nearby cities, making them ideal for a layover that is both enjoyable and provides an opportunity to explore beyond the airport.
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Most-visited airports
While I do not possess personal experiences, I have found some information on the most-visited airports from user comments on the website OurAirports, which allows users to map the airports they have been to.
One user has reportedly been to 81 airports, including LAX, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Tokyo Narita, Honolulu, Melbourne, Sydney, Dubai, Toronto, and Montreal. Another user has been to 44 airports, mostly in Europe, while a third user has been to 29 airports, with 3 of those being overseas.
Some of the most visited airports, according to user comments, include Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Madrid, Berlin, Tokyo Narita, Honolulu, LAX, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
Users have also mentioned using other methods to keep track of the airports they have visited, such as a Facebook app called "Cities I've Visited" and Google Maps, where they can drop a pin at each airport they have been to.
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Worst airport experiences
Airports can be stressful places, and sometimes things can go wrong, leading to a less-than-pleasant experience. Here are some examples of people's worst airport experiences:
Delays and cancellations
One of the most common sources of frustration for passengers is flight delays and cancellations. In one instance, a passenger experienced a 15-hour delay in Chicago, sleeping on the floor of the terminal, only to have their flight canceled an hour after it was supposed to leave. Another person recounted having four consecutive flights canceled at O'Hare airport. Similarly, a family with a dog endured a 14-hour delay with no access to basic amenities like air conditioning, water fountains, or food vendors.
Unpleasant surroundings and facilities
Some airports are notorious for their poor layouts, lack of amenities, and overall unpleasant surroundings. Heathrow Airport has been described as the "worst" due to its lack of facilities in certain gate areas and its reputation for losing luggage. Frankfurt Airport has also been criticized for its poor layout, and Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 has received low customer satisfaction scores.
Security and staff issues
Interactions with TSA agents and other staff can sometimes be unpleasant. Passengers have reported experiencing rudeness and confusion over security rules. One person described an incident where a TSA agent at SeaTac airport became angry with them for not removing their iPad from their backpack before scanning.
Check-in and minor issues
Minor issues can also contribute to a negative airport experience. Passengers have complained about long check-in times, especially for unaccompanied minors. Additionally, unexpected events, such as a rental car counter accident or a plane's failure to pressurize, can cause significant disruptions and add hours to a journey.
These experiences highlight the various challenges and frustrations that travelers may encounter at airports. While some issues are beyond their control, airports can strive to improve facilities, efficiency, and staff training to enhance the overall passenger experience.
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Airports with the best food
When it comes to airports with the best food, there are several contenders around the world. Zürich Airport in Switzerland, for instance, has been rated the world's best airport for vegans and vegetarians, with 36 eateries rated 3.8 out of 5 stars. The USA's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is a good option for gluten-free options, with 36 gluten-free restaurants. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam has the lowest average food cost of £2.21.
For those looking for a more luxurious dining experience, Doha-Hamad International Airport in Qatar offers extra-deluxe options, including Armani and Fendi coffee, tea time at Harrod's, and the Oreo Cafe. Istanbul International Airport, the world's largest airport, also offers a range of dining options, from traditional Turkish breakfasts at Simit Sarayi to viral Turkish chef Saltbae's burger spot.
In the United States, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been recognised for its dining options, including the Seattle Dawg House, which serves the eponymous Seattle dog, and Caffé D’arte, an artisan roaster. Atlanta Airport also stands out for its Southern cuisine, including Shaun Doty’s Bantam & Biddy, Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer, and soul food at Paschal’s.
For those with longer layovers or looking for a unique airport experience, Singapore's Changi Airport has been described as part botanical garden, food hall, mall, and theme park. Charlotte's airport is also known for its BBQ and fried pickles at Brookwood Farm, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport offers a convenient food delivery system, with a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Airports with unique architecture
Many airports around the world showcase unique and impressive architecture. One example is the Changi Airport in Singapore, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Terminal 3 of this airport, built to accommodate increasing traffic, is a steel-and-glass structure with a 9-hectare roof. It features an innovative light modulation system using skylights and aluminium louvers, providing uniform illumination throughout the day and night. Additionally, Terminal 3 boasts a living 'Green Wall' and a butterfly garden, enhancing the passenger experience.
Another airport with distinctive architecture is the Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain. The fourth terminal, designed by Estudio and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, is a prime example of sustainable design. The structural systems incorporate light-filled canyons, providing natural illumination and reducing energy requirements. The terminal building is characterised by its linear modules and connection to the car park building via pathways.
The Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, also stands out for its unique design. Inspired by Bedouin tents, the airport features modular concrete domes designed by Foster + Partners. These domes form a roof canopy that spans the entire terminal, providing shade from the intense Jordanian sunlight. The brown and cream colour scheme reflects the surrounding desert landscape.
Additionally, the Denver Airport in the USA has become a symbol of the city with its iconic architecture. The tensile roof canopy mimics the majestic snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and the design takes advantage of the region's abundant sunshine, reducing artificial lighting needs.
Lastly, the Istanbul New Airport in Turkey is set to become one of the world's largest airports upon its completion in 2027. Designed by Grimshaw, Haptic, and Nordic, the airport pays homage to Istanbul's culture and history. The control tower resembles a tulip, Turkey's national flower, and the main transit hall is inspired by the Bosphorus Strait.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a Facebook app called Cities I've Visited or a website called OurAirports to keep track of all the airports you have been to.
You can set up a free account on OurAirports and click on the "I've been here!" box on each airport's page. You can also browse airports on The Big Map.
You can use the "My Maps" option on Google Maps to find the airport and then put a little comment on the trip.
Yes, you can use a flight-tracking app such as Flighty or Flightradar24, or you can create a travel statistics spreadsheet.
