The Guide to Sleeping in Airports -- yes, that does exist -- has just released its list of the world’s Best Airports of 2013. Places considered worthy of spending the night if you have a crack of dawn flight, a layover or… just really like airports. In fact, with some of the facilities on offer, from video game zones to replicas of city streets, you’d even be forgiven for making the airport a destination in itself.
Founder of the guide, Donna McSherry, has 17 years’ experience crashing out in public. “Although the site started as a joke for budget travellers, I soon realized that there are more people sleeping in airports during a layover than overnight in the terminal”, she says, adding, “I like to think that the site helps people decide whether it is worth booking a hotel room and leaving the airport for a few hours.”
As McSherry does every year, she asked visitors to SleepingInAirports.net to vote on their best (as well as worst) airports. In making their decision, they were encouraged to consider the Four C’s: Comfort (arm-rest free seating and quiet zones), Conveniences (such as free WiFi, 24-hour food, showers), Cleanliness (clean floors, bathrooms etc) and Customer service (airport workers who go the extra mile).
Below are the Top Five from the results, but for the full list -- plus the horrors of the worst airports -- visit SleepingInAirports.net.
1. SINGAPORE CHANGI
www.changiairport.com
This isn’t the airport’s first time in the top spot – Singapore’s main hub has been consistently voted SleepingInAirports’ Best Airport for 17 years now.
“Changi, like other airports on the list, is geared towards the transit traveller who will need some rest after a long flight,” says McSherry of the winner. “But beyond that, they also provide activities to do during a layover.”
The list of things to do here is astounding, including a free city tour of Singapore, cultural activities, seven gardens to walk in, a Jacuzzi, round the clock massage, video games and a four-storey slide. This year the airport also introduced the interactive Social Tree, so travellers can share their adventures at Changi.
Visitors find the airport just can’t be beaten on comfort either. As well as six dedicated sleeping lounges, with reclining chairs and comfy padded seating, you’ll also find a cinema, and TV and music lounges.
“If a transit traveller knows there is a movie theatre, free rest zones with comfortable seating and showers right there at the airport”, says McSherry, “they may be comfortable to stay.”
2.SEOUL INCHEON
www.airport.kr
Besides reaching number two on SleepingInAirports’ list, Seoul Incheon is regularly commended elsewhere -- it has been considered the world’s best for eight consecutive years by the Airports Council International (ACI).
It’s no wonder -- as well as the usual array of high-end shopping boutiques and restaurants, there’s a Korean Cultural Street with pretty reconstructions of traditional Korean buildings and a garden. For snacks in this little Korea, there’s a rice cake shop, and you’ll also find a Korean wave-themed store that sells K-pop souvenirs.
According to the SleepingInAirports analysis: “Travellers love the fast free WiFi, cleanliness, friendly staff and comfortable seats. When they weren't napping in one of the relaxation zones they were enjoying the gardens, watching traditional dance performances and learning how to make traditional pencil cases, fans, and bags.”
3.AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL
www.schiphol.nl
Gigantic Amsterdam Schiphol has long been a favourite for transit travellers in Europe, but it is the first time a non-Asian airport has reached the top three in the SleepingInAirports list.
As well as the comfortable facilities that make many of the Asian airports so popular, such as relaxation areas, showers and 24-hour food, it’s popular for its array of entertainment. For starters, the airport offers one hour of free WiFi, as well as host of activities including city tours, a museum, casino and library and a rejuvenating spa.
A respondent to the SleepingInAirports survey, ‘Adam’, explained the appeal, “There's a place on the upper level between Departures 3 and 4 that is supposed to look like a forest. Apart from the nature sounds that go until about midnight, there are a lot of reclined chairs as well as these great leaf-shaped beanbag chairs that make amazing beds.”
4.HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL
www.hongkongairport.com
Hong Kong’s International Airport stands out for being easy to navigate, clean and comfortable.
“You will find there a few 'beds' made of four seats together (no armrests)”, advises respondent ‘This is Me’, “I went to bed at about 11 pm and got up at about 9 am. It was a perfect place to spend the night.”
It’s not just a great place to get your head down though. The Airport also has its own IMAX theatre to keep you busy, as well as a golf course and a series of sports simulators for games including football, boxing, basketball and even skiing.
5.HELSINKI VANTAA
www.finavia.fi
Another European airport in the top five – and probably no surprise to find it’s in a fancy Scandinavian destination, Finland.
“I am amazed!” said respondent ‘Sleeping Around’, “The airport is very clean and quiet, has free WiFi and many places for charging your phone or computer or whatever you may need to use. There are benches all over the place.”
As well as offering a hassle-free transit, Helsinki Vantaa offers free WiFi, a book swap, an art gallery exhibiting on new themes monthly and a spa with four saunas and a mineral water pool.
The airport recently opened a free Relaxation Zone which features rest seats in different styles including seven beds and 20 chairs, plus pillows. “If you can't find a way to sleep in this airport, there might be something wrong with you,” concludes the guide.
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Written by hannah stuart leach
Culture & Lifestyle Journalist – Currency Today .
