What to do if the most profitable ticket turns out to be a ticket with a 12-hour transfer? Don’t be upset and choose an airport with good infrastructure so that connecting between flights is a pleasure. We need a hub where you can go to the butterfly garden, take a steam bath in the sauna and go to the IMAX cinema. We have chosen 5 airports where a long wait will not be painful, but on the contrary, will give you new impressions.
Singapore
At the end of 2015, Singapore Changi Airport topped the ranking of the 100 best airports in the world, and not for the first time. The infrastructure here is developed as well as possible: there is a swimming pool, an orchid garden and an entertainment complex with free games. There is a huge cactus garden on the roof of the airport. Changi also has two 24-hour cinemas, completely free.
If the connection takes more than 5 hours, the passenger can go on a 2-hour sightseeing tour of Singapore for free. The interior of Terminal 3 is particularly picturesque, with a glass roof that lets in sunlight and a “green wall” of living trees and plants. There is even a huge tropical butterfly garden at the airport.
Changi is rich for seasonal and permanent art objects. A favorite among photographers is the Kinetic Rain installation in the form of raindrops, made of 1,216 bronze parts. Changi is also one of the top three Sleeping in airports ratings. Indeed, at the airport you can sleep no worse than at home. For those who are afraid of oversleeping their flight, there are comfortable seats with built-in alarm clocks. And for $49 you can buy a room for sleeping, which will have not only a bed, but also a TV and sockets. Food is included in the price.
Hong Kong
The airport is located on an artificial island near Hong Kong. It was built in 1998 and is considered quite young. Despite being the busiest airport in Asia, it is a favorite among travelers from all over the world. The air hub was designed in such a way that passenger service was as fast as possible.
The airport has a cinema with the largest screen in Hong Kong, an IMAX cinema to be precise. During the daytime there are exhibitions with dozens of activities and entertainment. For example, you can take part in a real tea ceremony or a seminar on traditional Chinese medicine. The aviation center will be of interest to both adults and children. Here you can not only study the history of aviation, but also try yourself as a pilot.
The I-Sports hall has various exercise equipment for sports such as football, basketball, golf, boxing and skiing. Tired travelers can sleep in the relaxation area, and sunbeds that can accommodate even basketball players are available completely free of charge.
Seoul
The second most modern airport is Seoul Airport. Incheon is fully computerized; passengers can even go through passport control using a special terminal, which saves a lot of time.
Korean airport as and the rest on the list can boast of having a SPA center, sauna, massage room and medical center. There is even an ice skating rink and golf courses.
There are 7 gardens throughout the airport: cacti, flowers, trees, and a water and rock garden. The observation deck has ergonomic chairs, from which it is very convenient to watch planes take off and land. For complete relaxation, you can rent bedrooms.
So that travelers can immediately feel the Korean spirit, a museum of national culture is at their service. Here you will be taught how to make a kite, embroider and make “bags of happiness”. Crafts can be taken home. As a bonus – the opportunity to listen to folk instruments play and watch traditional dances.
Dubai
Fountains, fish aquariums, a medical center, a business center and a huge shopping center – all this is located at Dubai Airport. The region’s largest airport also houses a $50 million flower center built to process flowers and plants exported and imported through Dubai.
The first terminal features ten SnoozeCubes, each with a bed, high-speed Internet access and a large TV. There are also two “Relaxation Areas”, with free and very comfortable chairs for sleeping.
During your stay, you can rent a room at the five-star Dubai International Hotel, which is located directly in Terminal 1. Tourists can also use the swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and massage parlor. These pleasures cost from 5 to 8 dollars.
One of 25 catering establishments will help you satisfy your hunger. Experienced travelers say that if the connection at Dubai Airport lasts more than 4 hours, the passenger can receive a free food voucher at the H2 counter. It is valid in 5 restaurants.
Doha
Hamad Airport is completely new, it was opened in 2014, becoming the largest in Qatar and the second largest in the region after Dubai. On the territory of Hamada there is a large number of duty-free shops, several restaurants, three mosques, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour post office. There is also a child care room and a playground.
A free shuttle runs between the terminals every 10 minutes, which helps you get to the desired departure area faster. Family Quiet Room is a godsend for passengers with long layovers. “Quiet Rooms” are carpeted areas with loungers for sleeping and are free to access.
Also among other pleasant little things are free laptops with Internet access and drinking water from special taps. Due to the powerful air conditioning, it can be chilly at the airport, so warm clothes or a blanket will come in handy.
