Airports have changed a lot over the years, both for better and worse. On the one hand, they have some unbelievable amenities that would have been unimaginable decades ago. On the other hand, many airports just haven’t grown efficiently, and don’t seem to consider the passenger experience.
In this post, I thought it would be fun to talk a bit about the world’s best airports. I’ll share what I consider the best airports to be, and then I’d love to hear what OMAAT readers think.
In this post:
What makes an airport great?
The fundamental issue with deciding which airport is “best” is that airports serve different needs for different travelers at different times.
Passengers can have vastly different experiences, depending on whether they’re originating or connecting at an airport, how long they plan to spend at the airport, what terminal they’re departing from, if they have to change terminals, if they have lounge access, if they have to clear security or immigration, etc.
Let me give a few examples:
- If you’re flying Lufthansa first class and are originating at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), it might be the best airport in the world for you, thanks to the First Class Terminal; for everyone else, that’s definitely not the case
- There’s something to be said for airports that get you from the curb to the gate as quickly as possible; for example, Tampa Airport (TPA) is amazing for this, thanks to the way concourses are set up, and I can always get from the curbside to the gate within five minutes
- There are individual terminals in the United States that I find to be world class in terms of design, like Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), but they still don’t offer a great passenger experience in terms of security wait times and ease of getting between gates
- As an avgeek, I absolutely love the design of some of the terminals at Paris Airport (CDG), but that’s about the only thing I like about the airport (well, other than the amazing Air France La Premiere Lounge)
My point with all this is simply to say that I don’t think there are any right or wrong answers as to what airports are the best. Everyone is looking for different things, so this all comes down to personal needs and preference. With that in mind…
My favorite airports in the world
I figured I’d share my three favorite airports in the world. I don’t think these airports will come as much of a surprise. All three airports are in Asia (including the Middle East). Let me share them in no particular order, with an explanation for why…
[insert joke about Cairo Airport actually being the best in the world, but I’ll spare you] 😉
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has been widely regarded as the world’s best airport for as long as I can remember, and that’s for good reason. The airport has endless amenities, from the world’s most impressive shopping mall, to great food and beverage outlets, to a butterfly garden, to a movie theater.
The airport is also spotlessly clean, and the public restrooms in the airport are as clean as virtually any bathrooms you’ll find in the world’s top first class lounges. For those with longer connections, the airport has several transit hotel options, and some solid lounges. I also don’t think I’ve ever had an extended wait at immigration when trying to enter the country.
To be balanced, there are a couple of things I don’t love about the airport, though. First of all, while I understand the reason for it, I’m not a huge fan of security being at each individual gate, rather than centralized. It’s always nice to get security out of the way upon arriving at the airport, rather than right before boarding (I know others have a different take).
Second of all, while Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 are great, Terminal 2 definitely isn’t as impressive, and is actually quite outdated. Furthermore, getting between Terminal 4 and the other terminals isn’t particularly seamless. I know some people also don’t like the carpets… I get it, but they don’t bother me much.
Look, I’m not trying to claim Changi Airport is the greatest thing in history, but all-in-all, it’s definitely one of my favorites.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world, and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is also one of my favorite airports. I love the architecture and the open-air feeling, I love the amazing plane spotting, and I find the airport to be easy to navigate.
As an aviation geek, the airport’s Sky Bridge has to offer one of the coolest plane spotting places anywhere. The bridge is 200 meters long, and is 28 meters above the ground, so you can see planes taxiing right underneath you.
Lastly, while this list isn’t necessarily about lounges, I do love the lounge options at this airport. For those of us with oneworld Emerald status, you can’t beat the selection of lounges, like Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Lounge.
Doha Hamad Airport (DOH)
Doha Hamad Airport (DOH) is a world class hub. I actually think this might be my favorite airport in the world nowadays, when you factor everything in.
The airport is modern, has excellent lounges (from the Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge to the Al Safwa First Lounge), has a beautiful garden area, has endless shopping and food and beverage outlets, and is really easy to connect at. If you’re a premium Qatar Airways passenger terminating there, you can even go through expedited immigration, and there’s an arrivals lounge.
What sets Doha Hamad Airport apart from other major airports, though, is how the entire airport is one terminal. I think think this is highly underrated, especially for the average traveller. From the central security checkpoint, you should be able to get just about anywhere within 10-15 minutes, which isn’t the case at most major airports.
For example, try making a Concourse A to Concourse C connection at Dubai Airport (DXB). Despite the airport having a train system, it’s still basically a marathon. That’s the case at so many airports.
I’d also say that the quality of dining outlets and just pleasant cafes to sit at is basically unrivaled. If I had a long layover without lounge access and didn’t want to leave the secure area, this would be my top pick.
Other airports worth mentioning
While the above are my favorite airports, I’m not claiming they’re objectively the best airports in the world. They’re just my personal picks, based on my travel preferences and needs. I of course want to acknowledge that there are plenty of other great airports. Just to name a few:
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) Terminal 3 is a solid transit hub that’s easy to use, though there’s not much of an x-factor to it, if you ask me
- Many people love Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Terminal 2, though personally I think it’s overrated, and I don’t get the appeal, aside from the architecture
- I think Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH), Bahrain Airport (BAH), and Muscat Airport (MCT), are three great newly built airport hubs, though they’re on a much smaller scale than the above airports
- The new Istanbul Airport (IST) has an impressive terminal that I enjoy transiting, but perhaps the terminal is almost a bit too big? And don’t even get me started on the cost of things in the terminal…
- Detroit Airport (DTW) and San Francisco Airport (SFO) are probably the two best major global airports in the United States; Detroit Airport has a beautiful terminal, while San Francisco has pretty nice design, it’s great how all terminals are connected airside, and the qualify of dining outlets is among the best in the country
- I’d say there are a lot of mid-size airports in the United States that are great; when it comes to nice and new terminals, you’ve gotta appreciate Kansas City Airport (MCI), New Orleans Airport (MSY), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Portland Airport (PDX)
- While I wouldn’t call it world class, the new Terminal 2 at Panama City Airport (PTY) sets a new standard for the region
- In Europe, I tend to think the hubs in Northern Europe are probably most impressive, though there aren’t any that I’d rank particularly high on a global scale; it seems like Munich Airport (MUC), though I don’t get it, to be honest
Bottom line
Airports have evolved a lot over the years, though as you’d expect, we’ve seen more improvements in some regions than others. Personally my favorite airports are in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Doha, though there are of course plenty of other great airports out there as well.
There’s never a right or wrong answer as to which airport is best, since it’s hard for an airport to be equally good for all travelers, as we’re all seeking different things. I think the above three airports strike a good balance, though.
What’s your favorite airport in the world?
Take a look at the new BELGRADE airport . We were there last week, it opened about 10 months back , very large, spacious and modern and quite a surprise for a Southern European capital .
It's a smaller airport but YOW (Ottawa) in Canada is really great - on my par with YVR, though it's apples and oranges I grant you. Short lines, quick baggage process, and it's a very aesthetically pleasing airport I think. It is let down by the food and bev selection but it's not the worst I've seen.
I don[t choose an airport because of how it looks.....
agree with HKG, SIN and HND (especially their outdoor area for plane watching). The renovation of LGA still impresses me. I think DFW is good airport as well
I want to recommend to anyone who loves great airports, to check out the new Bengaluru, India airport. I was impressed.
Bloemfontein Braam Fischer International in South Africa. Tiny with no international flights of course, but it's coming back home, the simplicity of it and friendliness of the staff.
There's even a miniscule Bidvest lounge but why bother when the excellent Mugg and Bean cafe will do and it takes less than a minute through security to the gate.
In terms of large airports though, Madrid T4 has always been very pleasant to fly from.
Nearly a decade back I had to catch a flight at 7 in the morning from MUC to WAW on LH.
Didnt check in online, got to the airport only at 6:25. I managed to lose my passport, find my passport, check in, complete security and boarded the aircraft by 6:51. I was not rushed through, nor did I skip the line. It was just how smooth the operations at the airport is (unless the workers are on strike).
Auf gehts Minga!
Singapore’s Changi Airport has centralized security screening in Terminal 4. If that’s what you prefer, just choose an airline that departs from T4 such as Cathay Pacific or Korean Airlines. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 have security screening at individual gates (or for small groups of gates).
No love for MCO.
ha ha :-D (for those that like lines, yes)
“… has been widely regarded as the world’s best airport for as long as I can remember, and that’s for good reason.”
Maybe that’s why i personally and 100% disagree, just like the so much braised Airline at Shangi Airport.
Almost as worse as paid Lufthansa 5* Airline! To me, ALL laughable!
Singapore Airport, spotless clean (maybe for a Floridian by choice?) i saw dirt all over, even the trains that connect...
“… has been widely regarded as the world’s best airport for as long as I can remember, and that’s for good reason.”
Maybe that’s why i personally and 100% disagree, just like the so much braised Airline at Shangi Airport.
Almost as worse as paid Lufthansa 5* Airline! To me, ALL laughable!
Singapore Airport, spotless clean (maybe for a Floridian by choice?) i saw dirt all over, even the trains that connect the terminals! Monitores in Terminals for connecting passengers, total mess! “See next board” “see adjacent monitors”. A joke! Especially to older people who don’t travel often or not familiar with the strange Singaporean way of looking at things! As you wrote, connecting is seamless, then good luck if you need to connect Int.-Int. in 90 minutes but their transit system not operating, alternative transports are very bad posted and then you run forever to a far away gate to do another Security Screening!
A good int. Airport needs to be efficient, good, cheap on airport fees and modern equipment to make Travel seamless! SIN, does NOT qualify on most of these things! Who needs butterflies , Cinema, old carpets and outdated Security Screening where even perhibited items are NOT detected, but take your time away from worry free travel!
We all have different likes and desires, BUT we ate talking of Travel experiences here, not of Highlights, newest Movietheatr-seats, Lounges all over! If i plan an book a trip, i expect to travel smoothly or not at all! Singapore is FAR away from all that!
I wish people who travel “NORMAL”, no VIP access, no PRIORITY, no Lounge passes, no influence from wanna-bee internet influencers or paid but fake awarded rewards to airlines or airports!
Ask the average traveller, they can give you an HONEST answer!
It seems, the Information aspect here is being pushed more and more in the background’s here on this Blog, while it transforms more and more to scandal headlines i think?
Maybe a result of overworked family business? It’s of course not as easy to handle it all at once, understandable!!
BUT, keep focused, while Tampa is far from being a World Airport.
Could comment more, but i got so upset with praising SIN lousy Airport again, that i had to get my steam and just recently self experienced things at that “World Class” Airport in writing!
PVD is a very pleasant and functional small airport.
My home airport - DPS - is much improved over the past couple of years. I still prefer SIN, DOH and IST. Haneda is awful when a transit involves changing terminals, which is almost always when connecting between North America and South East Asia.
The best airport in the world has to be the one with the best airport code too: FAB.
From my home to wheels up in less than sixty minutes, has to something special.
ideally, the airports in this list would have commercial service of any kind.
Absolutely Max, is not a PJ flight a “Commercial” enterprise flight?
Thank you for the ‘bite’.
Disagree about Portland airport (PDX). While it is beautiful and it features high street pricing, the walk from gate C20 to the rental car was almost a mile, and Alaska Air check-in was a nightmare on Saturday, even in First.
By the way, the Greatest Airline Meals of the 20th Century dinner there was fabulous! We met so many interesting aviation buffs. The most exotic dish was probably the Qantas-inspired kangaroo tail soup. Thanks for the tip, Ben.
Koh Samui is my number one as the airline that has sole use owns the airport as well.
And this weeks star find is Queenstown in New Zealand. Where else can you check in, in under 10 minutes and then go back outside and eat. And its location is stunning.
Overall it’s the smaller airports that find it easier to get it right.
Yup, DOH and SIN, for sure; though, I’m still a sucker for JFK, not because it’s anything like the first two (and it definitely has… issues), but mostly for nostalgia, global access, and because it’s my hometown primary airport.
I understand the need for eye candy, but why lead the story with an image of the Jewel - a landside shopping mall/theme park (beautiful as it is) outside of Terminal 1 in Changi, used mostly by locals or as a tourist attraction?
US favorites:
LGA
PIT (new terminal is amazing)
DTW
PDX
Global:
DOH
SIN
IST
HKG
MAD
MUC and ZRH for a relative ease when transiting.
DOH doesn't seem to have clear general signage.
HKG is great, except for a sub-par transit security experience IMHO. Late November pre-midnight rush had tons of passengers moving slowly through very cramped quarters, with just a few machines working, and the staff looking pretty inefficient, even if present in good numbers. The early morning transit experience on a return in December was just a tad better......
MUC and ZRH for a relative ease when transiting.
DOH doesn't seem to have clear general signage.
HKG is great, except for a sub-par transit security experience IMHO. Late November pre-midnight rush had tons of passengers moving slowly through very cramped quarters, with just a few machines working, and the staff looking pretty inefficient, even if present in good numbers. The early morning transit experience on a return in December was just a tad better...
I originated out of SLC once only, but I was simply amazed at the speed and efficiency the security staff showed while handling tons of passengers departing one Sunday morning in September. Never saw anything like that at an American airport before...
I agree about Zurich. It is very pleasant for transit and very nice & clean overall with enough space to sit and work as well. MUC not so much. The new terminal may be better but overall transit is ok (far better than FRA) but not great. The old terminal and cramped luggage belt area is awful.
Surely this can't be right. What about Cairo? You were caught on camera enjoying yourself!
SIN is way overrated.
People who bring up "butterfly garden, to a movie theater." never really use those facilities.
Then the Jewel. It's not even airside. Using that broken logic, DMK blows every airport amenities away with a full 18 hole golf course.
Then the gate security. It makes looking at planes harder if you're not flying from that gate. You can't take liquid from the stores on board a long haul flight.
Then the...
SIN is way overrated.
People who bring up "butterfly garden, to a movie theater." never really use those facilities.
Then the Jewel. It's not even airside. Using that broken logic, DMK blows every airport amenities away with a full 18 hole golf course.
Then the gate security. It makes looking at planes harder if you're not flying from that gate. You can't take liquid from the stores on board a long haul flight.
Then the long walk.
It's a good and efficient airport, but hardly ever going to be in top 5.
Lucky you keep writing this article without visiting Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2. It blows Doha away and flight attendants have said its the best airport they’ve been to explicitly stating its better than Singapore.
In the United States Indianapolis keeps winning awards for best mid-sized airport and having been to the new Kansas City airport Indianapolis is still better
New name, Proxima-CIE?
If you think BLR is good, wait till you see JED.
The hot spring on the top floor at Sapporo is my favorite activity of any airport in the world. Where else can you relax in a hot spring pool and watch the planes?
Haneda
Nagoya
Kansai
FAB
you are forgetting the clear best London HEATHROW
Haneda is definitely not a good transit hub when a terminal change is involved.
T1 to T2 isn't bad, but I do agree that it's not fun if you have to go from/to T3.
But you really can't beat the landside amenities and the connections to Tokyo from Haneda if you're not making an airline connection.
Seoul has Toto Washlets throughout the airport and it has an airside Korean spa. A shower, a soak, a schvitz, and a snooze is great on a long layover and you can’t get that combo anywhere else in the world.
In my opinion One of The Best Airports in the world is TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Toronto, Canada. I don't understand How you can miss this !! State of he Art Most Modern Airport with Amazing design, Most Progressive Arts & Signs inclusive of & Welcoming 2SLGBTQ Travelers. Also very accessible for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, Great Dining Options, World Class Cafes, & Shopping Outlets, Fast & Modern Connections by a Train between...
In my opinion One of The Best Airports in the world is TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Toronto, Canada. I don't understand How you can miss this !! State of he Art Most Modern Airport with Amazing design, Most Progressive Arts & Signs inclusive of & Welcoming 2SLGBTQ Travelers. Also very accessible for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, Great Dining Options, World Class Cafes, & Shopping Outlets, Fast & Modern Connections by a Train between Terminals. Over all it is always a great fun to be at Pearson International Airport Toronto, Canada. Lots of People just visit airport who are not flying just for fun to explore the airport as it is one of the great tourist attractions in Toronto.
The worst disability transit experience I've ever had, was hands down, at YYZ / Toronto. So much so, it's impossible for me to fathom anyone having good things to say about the airport's accessibility. The ground contract teams' attitudes were offensive and demeaning. The luggage pickup is chaotic and the staff was not equipped to deal with handling wheelchair assistance, luggage, and customs. The wheelchairs are archaic, with no undercarriage bar to support a carry-on....
The worst disability transit experience I've ever had, was hands down, at YYZ / Toronto. So much so, it's impossible for me to fathom anyone having good things to say about the airport's accessibility. The ground contract teams' attitudes were offensive and demeaning. The luggage pickup is chaotic and the staff was not equipped to deal with handling wheelchair assistance, luggage, and customs. The wheelchairs are archaic, with no undercarriage bar to support a carry-on. All of these together almost caused me to miss my connection, which was ample. Technically, I did miss the connection, and it was only with groveling to American Airlines, that I was allowed to board. Meanwhile, the hired wheelchair assistant ditched me and the wheelchair at first opportunity and left me at the AA gate with no handoff, further complicating the problem. It's a fact of life for disabled travelers to have suboptimal transit experiences, so my expectations are low. But the support for disabled passengers at YYZ was heinous to a new level. I wouldn't in good conscience recommend YYZ for transit to anyone traveling alone with disabilities or mobility challenges.
IMHO, YYZ has the slowest checked baggage process in Canada, if not North America (LAS is up there). It's torrentially slow compared to other airports of similar size. Otherwise, I actually think it's a pretty good airport. The baggage system just knocks it down a ton.
I have to agree with you. Singapore, Doha and Hong Kong are great. Singapore is the best in the world with Doha a close second. Hong Kong has the best airplane viewing especially from the first class Pier lounge. The Centaurian Lounge has fantastic ice cream which I can't stop eating. Honorable mention to Narita or Haneda for having 7-11, Lawsons and Family Mart. Those are the best convivence stores in the world. I love...
I have to agree with you. Singapore, Doha and Hong Kong are great. Singapore is the best in the world with Doha a close second. Hong Kong has the best airplane viewing especially from the first class Pier lounge. The Centaurian Lounge has fantastic ice cream which I can't stop eating. Honorable mention to Narita or Haneda for having 7-11, Lawsons and Family Mart. Those are the best convivence stores in the world. I love getting Flan (Purrin) at the airport. Even if it gives me a whole lot of gas. Haha. Also would like to note the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They have a Centaurian Lounge that has sodas with sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. So much better. Many of central and south American countries have this though.
:-) :-) :-) ha ha ha
Among the airports in Europe, I liked HEL the most—beautiful Finnish design, nice shops and solid lounges. It was clean and straightforward as well. It's also one of the European airports with the least mishandled bags.
No airport that buses you to your plane can be considered great. Sorry Doha but lack of jet bridges is a disqualifying feature.
I totally agree with Singapore, Tampa and Vancouver being excellent. Doha is very good, once you actually get into the terminal. I've had 8 flights (long haul) through Doha in the past two years and 7 of them had to deal with remote stands.
The New Chitose Airport in Sapporo is amazing. It even has a movie theater!
In the USA I like LaGuardia (gasp...never thought I would see the day!), Savannah and Seattle.
I generally like the smaller US airports with cute stores and rental cars right outside.
Are all the facilities and amenities at Changi for departing passengers only? Can I access anything as an arriving passenger (non-connecting)?
What makes Changi great is that it doesn't a mass chit show tsa style line that crushes your soul when you arrive. Instead, security is at individual gates so many of the amenities are available to the public. There are some airside only hotels that I remember.
If arriving in T1/2/3, arrivals and departures are mixed so you could visit anywhere airside, and they are all connected through Skytrain. The famous Jewel is on the landside though, so it can be accessed after clearing the immigration.
Uh Ben.... you forgot your hometown (and mine) airport Tampa International which for years has been number 1 and 2 of North America's Favorite Airports.
Ben ???
did you actually read the article? classic tampa resident
I live in St. Petersburg and did not see TPA mentioned.
Brad, perhaps read the article again ?
Tampa's wonderful airport, while not making the list, was specifically mentioned by both city name and airport identifier ;)
My own experience flying United from MUC to SFO last year was like day vs. nights based on the terminal public restrooms alone. Munich was clean and modern, San Francisco was nasty.
Are you sure you were at sfo because I fly out of there more than a dozen times/year. It's great. It's definitely clean, maybe not that day for you at that instance but I have never been grossed out unlike cdg or lhr. You can access all terminals including international both pre/post security. Very few airports can do that. They separate tsa and clear/tsa precheck on 2 levels so that moves very fast. T2 has...
Are you sure you were at sfo because I fly out of there more than a dozen times/year. It's great. It's definitely clean, maybe not that day for you at that instance but I have never been grossed out unlike cdg or lhr. You can access all terminals including international both pre/post security. Very few airports can do that. They separate tsa and clear/tsa precheck on 2 levels so that moves very fast. T2 has newer tsa queues so that parent with 9 kids in front of you can take all the time they want and it won't waste your time. Aside from holidays I routinely clear domestic tsa in less than 10 min. Occasionally not even 5min.
Sfo is my favorite airport in the US. It's extremely functional. It offers direct routes to everywhere that doesn't sux. It's easy to get to the east coast, Canada, Europe, asia and Australia direct. The airport itself besides Thanksgiving and xmas generally don't feel jammed pack and stressful. With their renovations last year all terminals are accessible pre/post security. That's a big deal for connecting flights and few airports can do this. My one big...
Sfo is my favorite airport in the US. It's extremely functional. It offers direct routes to everywhere that doesn't sux. It's easy to get to the east coast, Canada, Europe, asia and Australia direct. The airport itself besides Thanksgiving and xmas generally don't feel jammed pack and stressful. With their renovations last year all terminals are accessible pre/post security. That's a big deal for connecting flights and few airports can do this. My one big gripe is that mass transit options is crap. Bart is pathetic and often don't make any sense when it comes to the airport. The station is across the highway but at times it can take 45min to get to the airport because Bart does silly things requiring you to go to another station and transfer and on the weekend they run 1 train every 20 freaking minutes. So car is really the only viable option.
I finally agree with the writer on something re Changi, terrificairport except for the carpet and security at individual gates. I find Doha poorly signposted for lounges. Dislike Dubai, EK lounges are sterile, fire a cannon and not hit anyone and the worst shower rooms and awful for terminal transfers.
I love security at the gates. Lines are shorter but more importantly sometimes I like to escort my mom all the way to the gate if she's traveling alone. Also, but doing that most of the airport can be accessed by the public.
I cannot understand why anyone would want security at the gates when it means you can't take any liquids/ drinks through with you and you're then stuck in a holding pen for a while with no toilets or water and you're stuck there if the flight has a last minute delay. Also sucks for Premium passengers as there is usually only 1-2 scanners and no fast track
I think CLT is among the best airports. The airport, in collaboration with American Airlines, gives you free 25 minutes of cardio session every time you connect.
With all respect, when you acquiesce to a tight connection, that’s your ticket to your cardio session. Likewise at MSP, as my former hometown airport, I still love it but would avoid a tight connection there.
And rest on a rocking chair after cardio.
Very well thought out.
Waiting for that day Lucky will update this article before he reposts so it doesn’t say Changi terminal 2 is outdated, when it’s literally the most recent terminal that has been updated
Needs more London Heathrow…….
Agree on YVR; spectacular views and art.
MSP: of course it's completely dominated by Delta, the airport has very good quality amenities, shops and restaurants. They get so many little details such as hooks and shelves in the restrooms and tons of water bottle refill stations + piano players most of the day.
I've been to over 50 airports in the US, my favorites are the Harvey Milk terminal at SFO, PDX, SLC, and LGA probably in that order. I heard the Detroit Delta terminal is really nice but we flew United on our trip out of that airport and there was nothing special about that terminal.
As far as regional US airports go it's hard to top Jackson Hole but Burlington Vermont has a nice regional airport so does Portland Maine. I also like Eagle at Vail too.
As long as we’re going small here, well, everyone will have a favorite or two. Most of us will have never been to most of them. I’m thinking beautiful architecture and a nice vibe that gets your trip off on the right foot. Three of my favorites: BZN, TVC & PLN.
There are different needs so different favorites.
Colorado Springs is a smaller airport but still has some mainline flights. It's easy to park.
Paine Field is kind of cute but it doesn't have too many flights.
San Francisco International is big and nice. It has many flights.
Changi Airport in Singapore is many people's favorite and for good reason.
Taouyuan Airport in Taiwan is almost as good as Changi. Songshan Airport in Taipei is...
There are different needs so different favorites.
Colorado Springs is a smaller airport but still has some mainline flights. It's easy to park.
Paine Field is kind of cute but it doesn't have too many flights.
San Francisco International is big and nice. It has many flights.
Changi Airport in Singapore is many people's favorite and for good reason.
Taouyuan Airport in Taiwan is almost as good as Changi. Songshan Airport in Taipei is even closer to Taipei but not very fancy.
Jersey Airport (JER) is similar to COS.
Design wise, Madrid Terminal 4 is beautiful :)
frankly, impossible to take such a list seriously when Radom airport is not on it.
The best airport in the world is the one I can get to as late as possible before my flight boards and get out of it as soon as possible after my flight lands.
1. My home airport DCA. I get there 10-15 mins before boarding. And out of there within 10-15 mins of flight landing.
This I agree with. DCA is my home airport, and it's usually a quick and efficient in and out. There can be some unusually surely GA's, but recently I haven't encountered any. In terms of curb to gate time, and gate to curb time, it's usually very quick. I can often be gate to taxi curb in 15-20 minutes, including checked bag pickup. Occassionally there are significant baggage wait delays but they also seem to...
This I agree with. DCA is my home airport, and it's usually a quick and efficient in and out. There can be some unusually surely GA's, but recently I haven't encountered any. In terms of curb to gate time, and gate to curb time, it's usually very quick. I can often be gate to taxi curb in 15-20 minutes, including checked bag pickup. Occassionally there are significant baggage wait delays but they also seem to better in this area lately. The disability services are also very good, especially on departures.
YVR is by far the best in North America. Tokyo Haneda and Singapore are amazing as well. Really like AMS too.
HKG is way too much walking. No internal train system like DOH.
HKG does have a train ( automated people mover ) albeit below ground. which connects the east and west halls of terminal 1 and the midfield concourse. A new APM will connect terminal 2 with the satellite currently being built.
If you say there's no train in HKG then the last time you could've been there were in the days of Kai Tak.
I’m biased but from Detroit and love it to this day, even though I don’t live there anymore. It’s sleek, easy and almost always efficient.
What up doe.
I miss Northwest and the bowling shoe livery.
What up. Good times.
I miss walking into the concourse to the 747 towering over the classic DTW fountain.
That said, step into one of the Sky Clubs and you'll take a trip right down Northwest memory lane...lol.
Interestingly I'm reading this post from Cairo airport
I personally love Narita and Nagoya-Chubu. While minimalist, it's still modern and for avgeeks, it has an aviation-themed shop as well as an observation deck which I always enjoy visiting.
Another mention would be Honolulu for their open-air walkways and concourses.
Count me in on NGO...best airport in Japan, IMO. Not much post-security, but the pre-security shopping/dining/observation deck make up for it immensely.
Samui (USM) the most chilled with an outdoor departure lounge.
Agreed, such a lovely airport!
And travel to the remote stands on stretched golf buggies! Great, providing it's not raining. The airport also has a kiosk offering snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks for free. (Never seen that anywhere else.)
Domestically large airports SFO Terminal one, DFW Terminal D, BOS.
Worst large airports SAN (not sure about the new terminal), PHX, CLT (sans Concourse A), MIA, ATL, PHL, MCO
SIN the couple times I was there very nice. Also remember SYD both Domestic and International terminal being nice.
Was about to question your inclusion of SAN as a large airport as in my mind San Diego is still a (fantastic) small to mid size city, but I did some research and SAN is considered a large airport by the FAA. Curious what's bad about the new terminal?
I like YVR (Vancouver) in Canada. Direct skytrain connection to downtown. Impressive regional art and design including a stream, large aquarium, water fall. It has one of the most impressive international arrivals hall with the waterfall and coastal indigenous art.
I used to like HND T3 (Intl) when it first opened and it is incredibly convenient for access to central Tokyo, but its operating way overcapacity with lines and crowds everywhere now.
My only issue with YVR is the lack of lounge variety in the USA terminal. The one and only lounge is lacking and closes early despite flights departing late into the night.
MIA Concourse G. Clean, modern, high-tech. I could go on and on.
Gawd, I don't get Doha at all. The lounges are over-the-top, but seriously, gate security and buses to the planes? Outside of luxury shopping, what else is in the terminal? Bathrooms are crowded and filthy, it's one giant ad (like most airports) - to me it's just ... bling.
I don't get that bear thingy either, from the front, it looks like he's about to get the electric chair.
"Lounges are over the Top"? sticking to AA lounges at DFW,etc! Great selection for Breakfast at AA Lounges. yeah, That Top Sirloin Steak, Indian Biryani, asstd Organic yogurts, Fresh Fruits from around the world are Over the Top. sticking with 'pre Fabricated" scrambled eggs, Day old Boiled eggs and Frozen Fruits are the thing because Doha Business Class has way too much choices.(sarcasm)
I'm saying that's the only "nice" thing about DOH. Having to take buses to the plane knocks it out of serious contention.
DOH is just too dark. Like a Las Vegas casino, you’ll never know what time of day it is.
Also I think signage leaves a lot to be desired. Impossible to find lounges unless you know where you’re looking.
Absolutely correct! and I keep complaining about it,even after going to the DOH Lounges 4-6 times/yr for the past 5 years.
By the way, Business Class Immigration Control right after checking is a Joke. The automatic passport readers hardly ever work and the Idiots manning them are just Idiots.
Burbank, is the best airport in America
This is the correct take
Totally agree. Best restaurants and gorgeous artwork throughout. Plus, Spirit has a gate and daily flights! Can't beat that.