Airports, Airlines, Aviation

Best long layover airports


For this week’s blog, we decided to roll-up the best long layover airports – that is, the airports that you might actually *want* to get stranded at (or at the very least enjoy your delay, cancellation, or early arrival. It’s no great surprise that airports like Changi make the list, but you might be surprised at some of the other airports we named for the top 10 best long layover airports worldwide.

#10 best long layover airports – Vancouver (YVR)
YVR Aquarium - courtesy of YVR Airport
YVR Aquarium – courtesy of YVR Airport

This authentically Pacific-Northwest themed airport will get you to your final destination while providing you with peace and relaxation. YVR highlights Innuit artists as well as quintessential Northwestern landscapes. Since the ocean is such an integral part of the Northwestern economy and ecosystem, you’ll definitely enjoy the Vancouver Aquarium in the Domestic Terminal. The Vancouver Airport also does an excellent job incorporating family friendly activities (like the aquarium) and play spaces to keep not only mom and dad, but the whole family, healthy and happy.

#9 best long layover airports – Hong Kong (HKG)
SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course - one of the best long layover airports for fitness
SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course – one of the best long layover airports for fitness

The Hong Kong International Airport, first of all, offers beautiful views in all directions, as it’s perched on a man-made island of Hong Kong Harbor. You can even play a round of golf overlooking these beautiful views. For this reason, we named it one of the top fitness-oriented airports in the world (read more here). HKG also sports the world’s first airport IMAX and an iSports car racing and basketball simulator. There are some delicious restaurants to satify your cravings – Noodle Wantun Shop and Hung’s Delicacies are great choices. You can top it off with a whirlwind tour of Eastern culture. What’s not to miss?

  • the shark exhibit
  • the Cantonese Opera exhibit
  • the Bruce Lee exhibit
#8 best long layover airports – Dubai (DXB)
The Dubai aviation exhibiis one of the best long layover airports for passing the time
The Dubai aviation exhibiis one of the best long layover airports for passing the time

Dubai International Airport is not only one of the busiest airports in the world, but also one of the best to stop through on your way to Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. Besides reflecting the local culture of Dubai, the airport does a great job offering a global marketplace of activities, shopping, dining, and more (including a history of Dubai aviation exhibit). Find out more things to do at the Dubai Airport on the tripchi airport app, as well as on our blog on Dubai Airport.

#7 best long layover airports – Munich (MUC)
Long layover airports list topped - check out the MUC airport tour
Long layover airports list topped – check out the MUC airport tour

If you’re looking for a quintessentially German experience, look no further than MUC. Some highlights include a miniature golf facility in the Visitor’s Park, Napcabs (napping pods) where you can catch some quick zzzs, a 60-seat cinema…oh, and did I mention the shopping and dining? Like any world class airport, MUC is no stranger to relaxation – offering a sauna and spa, as well as several massage services. Finally, if you’re an #avgeek like me, you’ll love the “behind the scenes” tour you can take about aviation technology and “kinderterminals,” a touchscreen that helps children (and adults too!) learn more about the inner workings of an airport in an aim to spark curiousity. Sign up for a tour here.

#6 best long layover airports – San Francisco (SFO)

Sfo_airport.231103515_stdOne of the best airports in the Western Hemisphere is SFO, as it embodies the Airports 2.0 mentality. Local culture, cuisine, art and architecture integrate SFO into an airport experience. One of my favorite parts is the SFMOMA Museum Store, the Airport Museum (for all the #avgeeks out there), and a branch of the Steinhart Aquarium. Of course there’s no shortage of good brew-pubs at SFO (Anchor Steam) or wine bars (Vino Volo) where you can sample the region’s finest. Another great feature – the yoga room, where you can relax, unwind, and find your own zen. That’s why SFO makes our list of best long layover airports.

Wondering what the final 5 best long layover airport experiences are?

You’ll have to wait until next week’s tripchi blog when we do the big reveal. Hint: there’s a few usual suspects, but some new surprises as well!


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