1. Overview of Airports with Alternatives to Hotels
2. Best Airports for Overall Experience 2016
3. Top Airports for Sleeping in North America
4. Top Airports for Sleeping in Europe
5. Top Airports for Sleeping in South America
6. Top Airports for Sleeping in Africa, Middle East, and India
7. Top Airports for Sleeping in Asia
8. Top Airports for Sleeping in Australia
Check out These Airports with Alternatives to Hotels
When the worst happens and your flight is canceled, not everyone can afford to pay to stay in a hotel. In such cases, the airport becomes your accommodation.
Some airports provide free or low-cost options for those stuck without sufficient funds. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has established a reputation for assisting stranded passengers. During weather disruptions and other delays, the airport activates an emergency plan that includes offering cots, pillows, and blankets to anyone who requests them. Furthermore, concessions are required to remain open longer to accommodate stranded travelers. It’s always wise to pack earplugs, just in case you encounter a similar situation.
San Francisco International Airport features mostly seating with padded armrests, although it does offer some benches in its terminals for travelers looking to stretch out and rest. Additionally, those in the know can take advantage of the airport’s Berman Reflection Room, located in the International Terminal, ideal for a quick nap—though it’s accessible only until 11:00 p.m. Airport churches are always a solid option too.
Denver International Airport primarily features chairs with armrests, which can be less conducive to sleeping. However, there is a business center on the Mezzanine Level of Terminal B, equipped with cubicles where travelers can catch some sleep.
The world’s busiest airport—Hartsfield-Jackson International—includes highly sought-after non-armrest seating areas in Concourse A and Concourse F, the International Terminal. Additionally, Baltimore-Washington International Airport offers armrest-free seating in its terminals and open gate space that facilitates napping.
No surprise, Singapore’s Changi Airport provides the best free options for stranded travelers, including rest areas featuring specially designed leather snooze chairs with leg and head rests in all three terminals.
The popular website The Guide to Sleeping in Airports provides tips on the top resting spots in airports globally, with readers choosing the best airports for sleeping in 2016.
Best Airports for Overall Experience 2016
The best airports in the world are known for delivering exceptional experiences. What unites these terminals is their ability to transform air travel from a chore into an enjoyable experience. Passengers often wish their layovers could last longer just to explore amenities such as IMAX theaters, aquariums, indoor jungles, multi-story slides, and spas. The winners are:
- Singapore Changi International Airport
- Seoul Incheon International Airport
- Tokyo Haneda International Airport
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
- Munich International Airport
- Osaka Kansai International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Helsinki Airport
- Tallinn International Airport
- Zurich Kloten International Airport
Top Airports for Sleeping in North America
The best airports in North America prioritize enhancing passenger experiences. Whether it’s offering cots to stranded travelers, building aquariums featuring local marine life, or providing quiet spaces to escape crowds, these terminals understand the nuances of air travel. Moreover, many of these top airports consistently appear on this list, demonstrating their commitment to traveler satisfaction.
- Vancouver International Airport
- Tampa International Airport
- Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport
- Portland International Airport
- Indianapolis International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Top Airports for Sleeping in Europe
The airports earning the title of Best Airports in Europe are notable for their efficiency and enjoyable atmosphere. They ensure basic navigation and comfort are well-addressed while adding amenities such as libraries, lounges, and seasonal attractions.
- Munich International Airport
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
- Tallinn International Airport
- Zurich Kloten International Airport
- Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
- Copenhagen Kastrup Airport
- Vienna International Airport
- Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
- Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport
- Dublin International Airport
Top Airports for Sleeping in South America
The finest airports in South America create comfortable experiences for travelers. Although luxury amenities may be limited, these terminals ensure a friendly and efficient atmosphere. With offerings like Wi-Fi, charging ports, quality food options, and comfortable seating, these airports stand out above the rest in the region.
- Montevideo General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport
- Bogota El Dorado International Airport
- Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
- Buenos Aires Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery
- Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Medellin)
Top Airports for Sleeping in Africa, Middle East, and India
Popular choices like Dubai and Doha boast lavish amenities, high-end shopping, and unique features. Meanwhile, places like Tel Aviv focus extensively on safety and efficiency, ensuring that tired travelers feel secure and content. Overall, the terminals in these regions excel at providing travelers with a comfortable, safe, and pleasant layover experience!
- Dubai International Airport
- Doha Hamad International Airport
- Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport
- Amman Queen Alia International Airport
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
Top Airports for Sleeping in Asia
Yet again, the best airports in Asia often rank among the finest globally. They feature striking designs and decadent amenities in thoughtfully arranged terminals, making air travel as exciting as it is relaxing. In many airports, voters expressed a desire for longer layovers to better experience amenities like free movie theaters, sightseeing tours, indoor ice rinks, or the numerous terminal gardens. Nevertheless, with exceptional sleeping facilities also available, layovers in these 10 terminals are hardly ever long enough!
- Singapore Changi International Airport
- Seoul Incheon International Airport
- Tokyo Haneda International Airport
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
- Osaka Kansai International Airport
- Hong Kong International Airport
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport
- Tokyo Narita International Airport
- Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
- New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
Top Airports for Sleeping in Australia
- Brisbane International Airport
- Adelaide International Airport
- Wellington International Airport
- Auckland International Airport
- Christchurch International Airport
