If you’ve ever taken a long plane trip, you’ve probably slept in or at least considered sleeping in an airport at some point. In fact that might be the only way to keep your sanity on long trips with multiple stops, delays and jet lag.
But how easy is sleeping in a busy public place like an airport? How much concentration does it take to fall asleep all while staying safe? We have put together a list of the world’s most sleep-friendly airports according to the SleepingInAirports’ survey and opinions gathered by travelers (meanwhile we wait for the 2015 ranking!). Now you can start planning your sleeping on the go.
The survey rankings are based on four criteria consisting of: airports’ comfort (eg. availbaility of plush chairs, armrest free areas, quiet zones), conveniences (free Wi-Fi, 24-hour food options and things to do while waiting for a flight), cleanliness (such as maintained bathrooms) and customer service (smiling faces, helpful workers).
And without further ado here are the most sleep-friendly airports ordered by their ZZZ Factor!. Whether it’s for a full nights rest or to pass a couple of hour during a layover, we have it covered!
GOLD MEDAL – Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore (SIN)
Singapore Changi has been voted the best airport in the world to stop in and take a nap! It boasts resort-like amenities including a fitness and spa center with showers, entertainment venues, lounge and it has plenty of mobile charging areas. Most of the travelers wonder if they has just landed in a resort rather than an airport. With its gardens, cultural activities, swimming pool, gym, movie theatres and many others activities you will probably risk to lose your next flight enjoying the “luxury life at the airport”! But most of all it features six areas with reclining seats and dedicated relaxation zones that are very appreciated by the travelers.
SILVER MEDAL – Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea (ICN)
We find in the ranking, Incheon airport in South Korea’s capital city, coming in at second place. It is known in fact for having plenty of sleep-friendly seating, clean surroundings, entertainment options and perfect customer service. Just like Singapore, even here you can find indoor gardens, a spa, dancing performers, showers, luxurious private lounges and free guided tours for transit passengers! It is full of designated sleep areas with comfortable recliners and plenty of nap locations. Not to mention the wonderful armrest free seating close to the gates.
BRONZE MEDAL – Helsinki International Airport, Finland (HEL)
The Helsinki airport offers a wide range of different options for the tired travelers. Here you can find relaxation areas, a book exchange, an art gallery and the ergonomic and public Kainuu lounge. But the most interesting ideas were created last summer such as yoga and Pilates classes, pop-up Finnish restaurants and a selfie-wall that features famous national landmarks, all unique things that improve the travel experience through this modern airport! Here the ZZZ factor is really great due to the fantastic space beds, easy chairs, comfortable recliners and a special rest lounge with ergonomic seating and soft carpets!
Munich International Airport, Germany (MUC)
Munich International Airport arrives on the list for its efficiency and ease of navigation. It offers several entertainment activities such as tours of the airport brewery, mini golf and a spa. And one of the new additions of last year is an artificial palm-fringed beach together with a stationary surf station right in the airport! But the best things of this airport are its relaxation zones in Terminal 2 with spacious chairs and recliners. For more privacy you can also rent “napcab” sleep cabins with a private bed, controllable lighting, free Wi-Fi and device charging!
Vancouver International Airport, Canada (YVR)
Vancouver comes as no surprise on the top-voted airports. It is defined by most of the travelers as a beautiful, comfortable, clean and friendly airport. If you stop here during your trip, you can pass your time enjoying art exhibits, an aquarium, self-guided tours, many food options and great est zones. Pay lounges offer amenities, resting rooms and showers, and the adjoining Fairmont Hotel has a state of the art fitness center. If you like to relax watching television, this airport has several TV lounges with padded couch blocks that can be moved and pieced together how you like to make it your own nap center.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur airport has to be part of the top ten because of a section of Malaysian rainforest right in the middle of the Terminal! Travelers can walk on wooden walkways which allow them to have a tour of the forest while learning about the Malaysian terrestrial eco-system. This airport has opted in fact for a tropical theme rather than the most common science fiction theme. Plus, a part of this amazing piece of nature within the airport, you can find comfortable resting places, showers, free Wi-Fi, reclining loungers and long benches to take a rest.
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (HKG)
The most spectacular thing you can find at Hong Kong International Airport is the country’s largest IMAX screen! There are also plenty of shops and restaurants always open that have reasonable prices for being in Hong Kong. Also, you can find miniature gardens, lounges with private sleep rooms, several spas and showers. If you stop over here and want to take a nap, look for the comfy lounge chairs hidden behind the groove!
Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan (HND)
Liked by travelers for its cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and showers. This is one of the best airports to rest while waiting for your next flight thanks to the padded benches and armrest free seating that you can find near the gates. Plus, this is the closest airport to the city (it takes just 45 minutes to reach the center), while the other Tokyo airport, Narita, takes more than 2 hours!
Amsterdam Schipol International Airport, Netherlands (AMS)
Almost all travelers like this airport for its design and efficiency. For the transit passengers who want to stay active, there are several activities within the terminal you can do: free Wi-Fi, a casino, a library and the extension of the city’s famous and beautiful Rijks Museum. For those who want to take a nap the airport offers rest zones (even if they have been recently reduced and they are under renovation), TV lounges with funky seats and several seats close to the gates.
Zurich International Airport, Switzerland (ZRH)
The city that closes this top ten list is Zurich, with its clean facilities and easy connections. What trave lers like most are the trendy armrest seating and the relaxing atmosphere. For the most active travelers there is the possibility to rent sporting equipment such as bikes or walking poles and take a tour outside. But for those who are in transit and need to rest, the airport offers family centers fully equipped with baby and parent beds, rest zones and day rooms. We suggest you buy a bit of chocolate and then look for the best bench or seat before taking a nap! Just be aware that in Zurich Airport, everything is quite expensive.
Do you want to learn more about these airport? Click on the following link to be redirected to the survey results and to take part of the survey for the 2015 Best and Worst Airport!
http://www.sleepinginairports.net/2014/best-airports.htm
Lastly, if you are organizing your move (most likely passing through these airports), we are waiting for you on Goguin to make your relocation easier and cheaper!
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