Unless you are flying to a popular tourist destination, the chances are your are going to have to break your trip somewhere, so where are the best airports to rest up between flights?
A study by Onebed analysed major airports worldwide to determine their suitability for sleeping during layovers and delays. The assessment considered key factors, including total passenger traffic, airport size, ‘sleepability’ ratings based on customer reviews, and the availability of free dedicated resting areas. Each airport was then given a composite score, providing an overall measure of its sleepability for travellers.
An Australian favourite airport is Singapore’s Changi. It may not have the ‘metrics’ of the airports below, but it’s got just about everything else. Movie theatres, salons and a spa, kids activities, a pool, outdoor gardens, and more food and beverage outlets than you can poke a stick at. If you have to choose a stopover, I choose Changi.
Seoul Incheon International Airport, Korea tops the list with a composite score of 86, significantly outperforming other airports. It offers eight free resting areas while maintaining a low passenger density of 3823 per acre. This balance of space and amenities makes it ideal for travellers in need of a comfortable rest.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia, ranking 2nd, scores 73. It provides seven free resting areas, but a higher passenger density of 9895 per acre and a lower sleepability rating of 3.2 reduce its overall comfort compared to Seoul Incheon.
Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest hub, ranks third with a composite score of 69. It offers six dedicated free resting areas, balancing a moderate density of 10,444 passengers per acre. This makes Frankfurt a solid option for layovers in Europe.
Orlando International Airport, US ranks fourth with a composite score of 69. It has a near-perfect sleepability score of 5/5 according to customer reviews. Although it only offers one free resting area, its large airport area and relatively low passenger density of 4975 per acre contribute to its comfort for resting travelers.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand ranks fifth with a composite score of 67, offering a respectable three resting areas. The sleepability rating of 4 is strong, making it a favoured hub for travellers in Southeast Asia seeking rest during layovers and unexpected delays.
Beijing Capital International Airport ranks sixth with a composite score of 62.8. It experiences a much higher passenger density of 14,292 per acre, which contributes to a busier and less restful environment despite having five dedicated resting areas.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, China comes seventh, offering a relaxed atmosphere, thanks to the lowest passenger density on the list at just 2266 per acre. While it has fewer resting areas, its spacious layout enhances its appeal to travellers in need of rest.
Toronto Pearson International Airport, ranks eighth with a composite score of 61. It provides two free resting areas and has a moderate passenger density of 9703 per acre, offering a quieter option for travellers in North America.
Istanbul Airport comes in ninth with a composite score of 59. The Turkish hub stands out with three free resting areas, providing travellers with some opportunities to relax. With a moderate sleepability rating of 3.1 and a passenger density of 4016 per acre, Istanbul remains a key stopover point for travellers seeking comfort during layovers.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ranks 10th with a composite score of 58. Offering five dedicated free resting areas, it gives travellers multiple options for rest. The airport manages to stay traveller friendly even with a higher passenger density of 8986 per acre, making it a key European hub for passengers looking to recharge.
What’s your favourite airport? Why not share it in the comments section below?
Also read: Should airlines go child free?
