Yep. This baby boomer is traveling over Christmas week. That’s me sitting over there with the gloomy frown. Why? Because I’m probably stranded in an airport without free wi-fi, good food choices and little to do. Today’s guest post from the folks at Priority Club Connect proves that if you plan ahead, being stranded in an airport can be fun. I’m not sure that I agree with the JFK choice but Portland is one of my favorites. Did you know they even have free live entertainment? Read on to discover 12 airports that won’t leave you feeling stranded.
No one likes being stuck during a layover while traveling. Whether it’s due to weather, equipment, cancellations or missing a flight, here are the top airport choices that can turn hours of misery into pure bliss.
JFK International, New York: Specifically JFK JetBlue Terminal 5 offers great restaurants, even a food court with an amazing salad bar. Did you sweat through your shirt running to try and make your flight? Buy a new one at Terminal 5 with plenty of shopping from brand name clothing to top electronics.
Orlando International, Florida: If you didn’t get to visit Mickey this year, travelers will find several fun shopping opportunities at Orlando International Airport. Get your Mickey gifts for friends and family here.
Indianapolis International, Indiana: The new terminal at Indianapolis International Airport is incredible for such a small airport, traffic wise. It’s nice to have an airport that has decent restaurants and food selections, because when you’re stranded at an airport, comfort food is a plus. One restaurant suggestion is Harry & Izzy’s.
Portland International, Oregon: There are some great shopping opportunities at PDX, especially stuff you may not find anyplace else. Stranded travelers can visit a branch of Powell’s or buy items from the Made in Oregon store. PDX has taken environmentally friendly initiatives such as the airport’s use of solar panels for power, its connection to the MAX Light Rail, and its recycling of used oil and grease in airport restaurants.
San Francisco International, California: SFO has a great selection of local restaurants, not the same half-dozen national chains you find everywhere else. There is also a museum and library devoted to aviation history, plus interesting art and history exhibits all over the airport (unfortunately, some are airside and thus inaccessible to most travelers). SFO also has a train between the terminals that has great views and is accessible on groundside.
Charles de Gaulles Airport of Paris, France: Charles de Gaulles is another place that has plenty of distractions for you if you’re stranded longer than expected. It has big-name shops charmingly arranged like boutiques within the airport that will leave you with quite an impression. Shop until you hearts content, or your wallet screams, at the many brand name and duty free shops.
Munich Airport, Germany: Can you say “BIER BITTE” or “beer please”? No need to spekenze deutsche, beer is beer in so many different countries and airports, including this one. Of course, you can also get some of the best German fare here. But, beer is not all that Munich Airport has to offer. Need US dollars or dinars, euros, rupees, you can get that too.
Frankfurt Airport, Germany: Another German airport, the Frankfurt Airport has an incredible amount of restaurants and shops. Of course there are plenty of beer kiosks and best of all it has free WiFi. Lufthansa’s First Class Passengers can revel in Lufthansa’s dedicated terminal. The terminal provides individualized security screening and customs facilities, valet parking, a white-linen restaurant, a cigar room and bubble baths. Passengers clear exit immigration controls in the terminal and then are driven from the terminal directly to their aircraft by a chauffeured Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Porsche Cayenne.
Amsterdam Schiphol, Holland: For travelers who seek variation, Amsterdam Schiphol has the most varied and interesting things to do before and between flights, including an art gallery. The shopping at Amsterdam Schipol is amazing. Try your luck at their casino, and if you have a layover of 6+ hours, check your carry-on bags and take a city tour.
Narita International, Japan: Food travelers will enjoy what this airport has to offer. Narita International’s variety of food ranges from burgers to sushi. The shopping in the departure area is great, similar to a mall. Once you tire of shopping, relax in the NW World Club which offers free WiFi. There are also complimentary food and beverages, mostly offering finger sandwiches, sushi rolls and soup, along with assorted crackers and cheese. This is truly a world class airport.
Seoul Incheon International, Republic of Korea: Duty Free!! Duty Free!! What more needs to be said? For travelers stuck at Seoul Incheon International, they may be wishing to be here longer than expected as it provides ample shops to entertain delayed travelers. Need a Hermes scarf for that special someone or a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue for that person with the most indiscriminate of taste? Change money, get a massage, and before you know you are wishing you had just another hour. This airport boasts unique luxury features such as a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, a casino, and indoor gardens.
Singapore Changi International: Travelers who are also movie buffs probably wouldn’t mind being delayed in the Singapore Changi International Airport. There are a lot of shops to explore, and the airport even offers a free movie theater. Travelers will also find a range of duty-free shops, food and beverage outlets, and free internet terminals are available.
With inflation and fuel costs on the rise, along with flight costs, most airlines and airports have tuned in and are finally cashing in. Aggravation + Boredom = Misery! Travel delays and cancellations are becoming more of a regularity than an irregularity and are pushing most airports to increase their travel friendliness. Let’s not forget that happy travelers are repeat travelers!
Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands. Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler. To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com/.
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What a terrific and very handy and timely list. Thank you!
Oh…why can't airports have more free wifi…then I wouldn't have to shop!
If only you got the choice of which airport to be stuck in!
I'm a great fan of Frankfurt and Singapore airports.
Last time I was in Frankfurt, my flight to Rio de Janeiro had a 7 hours delay. At first, I felt angry and desperate. But it lasted only a while. I remember a great breakfast with fresh and crispy 'baguette', butter and excellent jam and honey, and a good coffee. And I also remember a 2 hours nap in a seat that had a footrest (a dream!).
Singapore 'Changi' airport is absolutely incredible! I can stay there for hours and even not notice. The only true challenge when having a long stand-by at Singapore airport is trying not too spend a fortune!
Hong Kong airport is pretty good to get stuck in too
Great, thanks for the good tips to great airports. Never know when you need to call on this post. How about the worst airports in the world? Let me start it off- Atlanta comes to mind. I'm just saying.
I missed the art gallery at Schiphol! This is a great post. I don't know how many times I have wandered around airports in my life between flights to Paris, looking for things to do.
Thanks for the comment, Judy. Worst airports? My vote goes to LAX,
especially Bradley Terminal.
Donna0-
Too funny. I love LAX but I've never used the Bradley Terminal. You could be
the expert there.
judy
Lots of airports have free wifi this time of year courtesy of Google. When I flew Boston to Baltimore and back again, I got it on both legs. Very nice treat for us travelers!
I love PDX also. Unfortunately since we live in a TINY town we don't usually get to choose which airports we are flying through. But I love reading about all these great ones. Leo Buscaglia wrote about how he loved to get stranded in airports and people watch. I guess you can do that even if there are no amenities…
I must say, no matter what airport you're in, my iPhone has become my travel buddy–lifesaver. While it is faster with WiFi, I can still use the phone lines if I need to to check email. And if the kids are with me, I can use the iPod function to let them watch movies.
How about Milan or Rome? Two friends were stranded there. Strangely, there've been crazy snowstorms on the west and east coast and now in Europe! White christmas for everyone!
Funny, Judy – I liked Atlanta!
I agree that flying is miserable these days, so any comfort is very much welcome. Unfortunately, I don't think the airlines are going to get the message any time soon, and I really think people will choose to drive whenever possible.
Always good to showcase the airports that have great distractions. I have to say, I really hate it when I'm stuck in Detroit.
Funny, Judy – I liked Atlanta!
I agree that flying is miserable these days, so any comfort is very much welcome. Unfortunately, I don't think the airlines are going to get the message any time soon, and I really think people will choose to drive whenever possible.
Always good to showcase the airports that have great distractions. I have to say, I really hate it when I'm stuck in Detroit.
What a great resource! To add to this, Seattle's SeaTac airport also has lots of great shopping with cute little shops. Too bad I always get stuck in airport at like 4am. :/
Agreed on PDX… Portland is an awesome airport. They also have happy hours at the bars, and the prices are the same as off-airport! Be sure to try the local micro-brews at Laurelwood and at Rogue… Cheers!
The new JetBlue terminal at JFK is truly great! I like all the kid friendly things about it as well like the jet engine display that shows kids (and adults) how an engine works. Very cool.
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