Travelers dread long flights, airport queues, overcrowding, and slow service in airports. But some airports know how to put their patrons’ needs on top of the list and take their services to the next level at the same time. They made it to the annual survey of Sleeping in Airports, which ranked the world’s best airports for 2019.
The survey participants ranked the world’s best airports for 2019 based on comfort (Gate seating, rest zone availability, etc.), services, facilities, dining options, immigration and security, customer service, navigation and ease of transit, cleanliness, and sleepability.
Changi Airport in Singapore won the top spot of the list. Changi Airport has four terminals and a lifestyle center where travelers dine and shop. Other features include indoor playgrounds, gardens, cinemas, video game zones, and sleeping facilities. Survey participants gave high scores to the spaciousness and helpful staff of the airport.
Incheon International Airport, the largest airport in South Korea, came in second, with votes likely attributed to the airport’s entertainment spaces and cultural features. Incheon Airport also boasts a golf course, ice skating rink, and casino. Guests can also explore the Museum of Korean Culture and the Traditional Cultural Center and witness the airport’s art shows and live music performances.
At the third spot is the Helsinki Airport in Finland. Despite being modest in size, Helsinki Airport is commended for its style, practicality, and comfort. With its multiple lounges, a buffet station, and full-service bar, the airport steals the hearts of travelers who want to stay busy while waiting for their flight.
Safety and security are major factors why Narita International Airport in Tokyo landed on the list’s fourth spot. Aside from souvenir stores and designer boutiques, Narita Airport is also equipped with nurseries, medical clinic, and sleeping rooms. Kansai International Airport, the airport located on a man-made island in the middle of Osaka Bay in Japan, took the fifth place. Survey participants admire the airport’s customer service, dining, and sleeping facilities.
Culture, business, and more
On the sixth spot is Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan. The relaxed vibe, spacious hallways, and a great selection of shopping stores in the airport make respondents rave about it. They also appreciate the easy transit connections between terminals inside the airport.
Vancouver International Airport landed on the seventh spot. The survey’s participants lauded its spacious waiting zones and hallways as well as the overall design. The second busiest airport in Canada, Vancouver International Airport features aquariums, waterfalls, art collection, and mobile facilities for people with disabilities.
The highlight of Munich International Airport in Germany is its Airbrau. The airport has two passenger terminals, two runways, and a midfield terminal. Travelers like the layout, great customer service, and dining options. Guests can also experience Bavarian culture through Oktoberfest and Christkindl Market.
Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong is popular to business people and professionals because of its elegant business and conference halls and high-end restaurants. The airport also has an Automated People Mover, which transfers passengers between Terminal 1, Midfield Concourse and SkyPier, and Terminal 2 to Terminal 1. For families, the airport offers a Caring Corner for travelers with special needs and several Children Play and TV Areas for children. Visitors can enjoy premium wines at the airport’s Moon Bar. At the Sky Terrace, great views are awaiting travelers.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the third busiest airport in Europe. Survey voted for this airport because of its seating areas, retail stores, and security. Baby care centers, showers, medical center, meeting rooms, and Internet center are among the airport’s amenities.
Worst airports
On the other hand, the world’s worst airports receive criticism because of crowded gates, inadequate food options, unclean bathrooms, poor customer service, and long queues. According to the data gathered by Sleeping in Airport, Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia is being bashed for its filthy bathrooms, unprofessional staff, and lack of decent food.
Other airports that travelers dislike are the New York City LaGuardia Airport in the US; London Stansted Airport in England; Juba International Airport in Sudan; Santorini International Airport in Greece; Cairo International Airport in Egypt; Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia; Murtala Muhammed (Lagos) International Airport in Nigeria; and London Luton Airport in England.
