What Makes the Best Airports in the World Stand Out

What Makes an Airport Stand Out

Some airports are merely functional transit points. Others are destinations themselves. Here’s what separates world-class airports from the rest.

Singapore Changi (SIN)

Consistently ranked the world’s best airport, Changi sets standards others chase:

• Jewel Changi: 10-story indoor waterfall, forest walking trails, and 280 retail shops
• Free city tours: 2.5-hour guided tours for passengers with 5.5+ hour layovers
• Amenities: Movie theaters, swimming pool, butterfly garden, rooftop sunflower garden
• Transit hotels: Airside hotels for layovers without visa requirements
• Efficiency: Immigration typically under 10 minutes

Tokyo Haneda (HND)

Japan’s attention to detail shows throughout this airport:

• Cleanliness: Immaculate facilities with cleaning staff visible constantly
• Food quality: Restaurant-quality ramen, sushi, and Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices
• Edo Market: Terminal 3 recreation of traditional Japanese town
• Observation decks: Free rooftop viewing areas for plane spotting
• On-time performance: Consistently among world leaders in punctuality

Doha Hamad (DOH)

Qatar’s showpiece airport impresses with space and art:

• Architecture: Sweeping curves and natural light throughout
• Art installations: Giant teddy bear sculpture, other major works
• Al Mourjan Lounge: 10,000 square meters of business class amenities
• Hotel: Airside hotel with pool and spa
• Quiet rooms: Dedicated spaces for rest and prayer

Seoul Incheon (ICN)

Korean efficiency meets hospitality:

• Cultural experiences: Traditional craft demonstrations, Korean culture museum
• Spa and jjimjilbang: Korean-style sauna and relaxation facilities
• Ice skating rink: Year-round skating in the terminal
• Casino: For transit passengers only
• Free showers: Available throughout terminals

Munich (MUC)

Europe’s most awarded airport combines German efficiency with Bavarian hospitality:

• Airbräu: World’s only airport brewery serving fresh-brewed beer
• Visitor’s Park: Aircraft displays, tours, and mini-golf
• Christmas market: Seasonal markets in the terminal
• Connection times: Minimum 30-minute connections possible due to efficient layout
• Airport Center: Covered plaza between terminals with shops and restaurants

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

Single-terminal design with distinct character:

• Rijksmuseum annex: Dutch master paintings in the terminal
• Library: Free books and quiet reading space
• Holland Boulevard: Dutch-themed shopping and dining area
• Single terminal: All flights from one building simplifies connections
• Train station: Direct rail access beneath the terminal

What These Airports Have in Common

Efficient Processing

Top airports minimize time in lines. Automated gates, adequate staffing, and logical layouts move passengers quickly through security and immigration.

Quality Food Beyond Fast Food

World-class airports offer cuisine that rivals city restaurants. Local specialties, sit-down dining, and reasonable prices distinguish the best from typical airport food courts.

Rest Areas

Sleep pods, quiet zones, lounges, and transit hotels recognize that travelers need rest. The best airports provide options for all budgets.

Free Amenities

WiFi, showers, charging stations, city tours, and entertainment shouldn’t require premium lounge access. Leading airports provide these basics free.

Sense of Place

Great airports reflect their locations. Local art, regional cuisine, and cultural programming connect travelers to their destination before leaving the terminal.

US Airports Improving

American airports historically lagged international competitors, but recent investments are changing that:

• LaGuardia Terminal B: $4 billion rebuild with modern amenities
• LAX Tom Bradley Terminal: Significant upgrades and connector to other terminals
• SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1: Contemporary design with local restaurant concepts
• Salt Lake City (SLC): New terminal opened 2020 with single-concourse design

Airport quality affects travel experience significantly. When possible, routing through better airports makes the entire journey more pleasant.