Travel is all too often fraught with inconveniences lost luggage,
delayed flights and missed connections to name a few. The American
Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) recently ranked the top
layover-friendly international airports for travelers with some
extra time on their hands with or without kids in tow.
Ranking fifth, the Hong Kong International Airport keeps
business travelers occupied with airport-wide, free Wi-Fi
service.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport topped the list with perks like a
wedding chapel, an array of “snooze” chairs and a casino even the
restrooms boast scenery to make you feel that you are in the heart
of Amsterdam.
London’s BAA Heathrow Airport, which ranked second, is a
shopper’s dream with personal shopping services, as well as the
shopping collection service (available only to those traveling
within the European Union). Tied for third were Frankfurt and
Singapore’s airports. Travelers who find themselves delayed at
Singapore’s Changi Airport can take in a movie, play Xbox or head
for the nap lounge, while those at Frankfurt Airport can take
advantage of the on-site hairdresser, tailor or dry cleaners.
Ranking fourth, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport offers stranded
travelers a chance to track down and meet Merhan Karimi Nasseri,
the man upon which the movie “The Terminal” was based.
Another recent ASTA survey ranked the top international
family-friendly airports. London’s BAA Heathrow Airport topped the
list, offering rooms for feeding and changing infants, as well as a
variety of age-appropriate play areas. For older children, there’s
a flight simulator game and arcade stations scattered throughout
the airport. Younger children can enjoy the free coloring books and
crayons that are dispensed at the information desks.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport came in second not surprising given
the airport’s designated play areas featuring slides, wagons and
Legos. Older children can test their memory with educational
computer games or kick back with a little Nintendo. Frankfurt with
its multiple play areas came in third. London’s Gatwick Airport was
ranked fourth. Like its neighbor, Heathrow, Gatwick offers several
play areas and video arcades scattered throughout the terminals. In
fifth place was Singapore’s Changi Airport, where a Family Zone
includes nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations and a washing
area, as well as a playpen for toddlers and a corner where parents
and children can watch cartoons.
