In the United States, those who prefer to fly do so 1.5 to 2 times a year. One would speculate that number to be a little higher. It’s even more conspicuous when you consider the portion of Americans that actually choose to fly is only about 30% of us.
One of the main reasons has to do with the past. Airports did not make it a priority to cater to those customers who were left dealing with long layovers.
Most were left with a hard bench to rest on, did not have a specific time for the next departing flight (or they were usually late,) and bringing children along was plain torture to the parents and everyone within screaming distance.
It’s a lot to deal with. Things have gotten better. Here are a few airports doing a great job of accommodating the modern flyer.
Heathrow Airport, London
This place was created with the business traveler in mind. You can access your own personal shopper. He/She will go out of their way to help you pick out a comfortable new travel wardrobe and then press it for you and have it ready for your next flight.
If you are feeling a need to increase your cultural outlook, take a walk through the British gallery and view the astounding sculptures. Getting hungry yet? This airport houses 105 different restaurants to choose from.
You are bound to find something pleasing to your palate and if you have the unfortunate privilege of having to stay overnight, you can just book a room at the Sofitel London Heathrow.
Being connected to the T5 walkway, it allows you a short trip to your next flight. You can also workout, conduct business meetings, or relax in the spa while you are there.
Munich Airport
Germany is well known for its great brews. Their airports tend to carry on the tradition to anyone passing through. Could you appreciate a cold one and some live music? You’ll find it here.
If you find yourself feeling a little tired after a few, sleep it off in the hub’s individual sleeping pods. A futuristic and handy alternative to catching your z’s in a chair. Again, there are many spacious rooms in which the visiting businessman or woman can conduct meetings.
If you have a longer stopover, take the time to visit the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan for a pint and maybe something to eat. With all the intoxicating fun you can have, it will help to have a little something on your stomach anyway. (Just don’t have to much fun.)
Changi International Airport Singapore
Are you traveling with your kiddos? Singapore had them in mind when they built this wonder. Your children can travel through a beautiful butterfly garden or watch a movie in one of the many free movie theatres. Need something to tire them out with?
Take them to the rooftop pool and give them the opportunity to see who can go down the 40 slide more times than the other. Are you like most and have found yourself parents of video games addicts? As they say, there’s an app for that.
This airport made sure to throw in access to Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The only complaint you should hear from your loving children is that they want to take a nap. Most would consider plane ride children sleep through to be nothing short of perfect.
If you have rejected the idea of traveling by plane in the past, refer to this article to help you find new motivation. There is no reason not to enjoy the friendly skies with these kinds of amenities to help pass the time of a layover.