Top 5 Best Airports to be Stranded In
Flying from one country to another can be quite tiring but it is more exhausting to find out that flights are delayed or worse cancelled unless travelers are stuck in one of the top 5 best airports to be stranded in. Believe it or not, there are several international airports around the globe that deserve to be placed in the limelight due to its hotel-like facilities and resort-type ambiance. These airports can be travel destinations in itself and it will be a delight for most travelers to spend a couple or more hours in one of these.
These top 5 must-experience airports are located in different parts of the globe, which means the visa requirements for each of these airports vary from one another. Some countries, like the countries within Schengen area, require to have visas even for connecting flights only. While some countries do not necessarily require to have visas if travelers will not exit the airport.
Top 5 Best Airports to be Stranded In – Long Layovers are No Longer a Bother
The criteria for selection of the airports in this list include not only the availability of sleep lounges but also the availability of various time consuming activities as well as the environmental sustainability of the airports’ amenities. The airports are listed in no particular order; all these deserve to be listed as one of the top 5 best airports to be stranded in.
Munich International Airport – Germany
If you happen to be stranded or have a long layover at the Munich International Airport, then you are one lucky traveler. This airport really represents the one product that makes Germany a sought after tourist country – beer. If you are a beer lover, then walk straight to Airbräu. Nowhere else in the world can you find an international airport that has its own brewery except in Munich. At Airbräu, you can try Germany’s famous beers as well as the country’s famous sausages.
If you love outdoor activities, then you can head out to the Visitor’s Park. This area has several outdoor activities that will surely speed up the long wait time in the airport. This park has an 18-hole mini golf course that can entertain both children and adults. If you want to see a better view of the Munich terminals, then you can take a hike up the 172-step hill. Finally, if you want learn more about aviation history, then you can visit three aircraft’s on display.
Sleeping and bathing are also not a problem at the Munich International Airport. Travelers are actually happy that the airport’s terminals have comfortable benches and reclining chairs. There are also cots with USB charging ports and shower areas but can be accessed for a fee.
Vancouver Airport – Canada
A highly modern establishment, the Vancouver Airport is a vast area that covers all domestic, international, and transfer travels. A lot of travelers that have spent hours in this airport say that the airport has a museum-like ambiance as there are plenty of artworks on display made by local and foreign artists. Children and adults also fathom at two of the airport’s large aquariums. Finally, there are plenty of stores to shop from including thrift, yes, thrift shops. These thrift shops sell lost and found and confiscated items. Proceeds are donated to Canadian foundations.
Travelers who wish to freshen up can go to one of the paid lounges that costs around $50 for three hours. These lounges also have nap areas, charging ports, and snacks which are all included in the fee. Travelers who just want to snooze while waiting for their flights can just use any of the free cushioned benches located in the terminal.
Zurich Kloten International Airport – Switzerland
One of tidiest airports in the globe, Zurich Kloten International Airport has numerous facilities and amenities that will definitely take every traveler’s boredom away. Whether you are travelling solo or with kids, this Swiss airport has something fun in store for you. Distract your kids from throwing tantrums by participating in one of the free Treasure Hunt games hosted by one of the airport’s friendly ground crew. If you want to exhaust extra energy and just sleep in the plane, you may opt to rent bikes, skates, or walking poles and stroll the outside part of the terminal. Finally, if you want to see the busy runway, you can go up the Observation Deck and use one of the many binoculars available. You can also transfer from one Observation Deck to the next by riding the shuttle service and let your kids use the mini playground for a small fee.
Sleeping is also not an issue at the Zurich Kloten International Airport. There are plenty of flat benches where any traveler can rest. There is also a dimly lit area for those who have longer layovers but if you cannot find this area, just use an eye mask for better sleep.
Seoul Incheon International Airport – South Korea
One of Asia’s top 5 best airports to be stranded in, Seoul Incheon International Airport is one of the busiest intercontinental and Asian hubs in the world. With thousands of travelers gracing the airport every single day, the airport management decided on the improvement of sleeping and relaxation areas. In fact, travelers say that the 3rd and 4th floors of the airport are perfect sleeping areas. However not all travelers are keen on sleeping in the airport; for such travelers the airport has several facilities that can entertain these highly active tourists. Believe it or not, there is a mini casino in the airport. If you have extra cash or would want to win some, head on to Paradise Casino operated by the in-house Hyatt hotel. If you want a more active pastime, then head on to the airport’s ice skating rink located at B1. Finally, if you want to relax but don’t feel sleepy, just sit in one of many lush gardens inside the casino.
Changi International Airport – Singapore
Deemed as the best airport to be stranded in by several surveys, the Changi International Airport in Singapore is bar none the only international airport with numerous facilities that can entertain thousands of travelers every day. It is such a unique airport that even Anthony Bourdain featured it in one of his shows.
There are hundreds of benches, reclining chairs, sofas, and even carpeted floors that can be used by travelers for a quick shuteye. Those who want to have longer, restful sleeps can go to the paid lounges. Those paid lounges also have clean showers and computer areas that cater to busy business people waiting for their long layovers.
For travelling families, there are several play areas that will keep the kids busy and will exhaust extra energy to ensure good sleep in the plane. There are also several game consoles that can be used and several theaters that show international movies for free. Some with longer wait time can even sneak out of the airport and be part of the quick city tour arranged by a local travel agency for free. Solo travelers who want to exercise can use the swimming pool for a small fee.
Top 5 Best Airports to be Stranded In
Who says waiting in airports can be a bore? You might even be gladder to have delayed flights when you are in one of these fun airports. Before you book flights that have layovers in these airports, check these countries’ visa rules even for transient travelers. Should you have any questions or need any assistance is getting a visa or getting an itinerary for the visa application, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Go ahead and have connecting flights at one of the top 5 best airports to be stranded in and take advantage of the many amenities available for free.
