Our Top Ten Layover Airports
Flying long haul is tough enough without having your journey being dragged out by an untimely layover. The good news is, there are lots of airports around the world that have some great facilities to keep you entertained, meet business partners or help you catch up on some much needed sleep. Here are our top ten favourite airports that we think adventurers and business travellers will both love!
1. Singapore Changi Airport
Voted the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax this year for the fourth year in a row, Changi Airport is definitely unbeatable. People from around the world voted for Changi due to its amazing entertainment facilities, which include a butterfly garden, a roof top pool, movie theatre and gaming areas. For business travellers, there are tons of USB ports and charging points, as well as reliable free WIFI. 1Above has just launched here!
2. Hong Kong International Airport
The world’s eighth busiest airport was built on an island, which makes for some awesome views on take off or landing. If you have a long stopover in Hong Kong, the airport has heaps of entertainment and shopping options, including an IMAX movie theatre, golf course and the Aviation Discovery Centre where you can sit in an ultra-realistic cockpit simulator. The airport is also well equipped for business travellers with quiet lounges and plenty of charging points.
3. Amsterdam Airport Schipol
The fifth busiest airport in Europe has a lot to offer long haul travellers with spas, showers and free WIFI. Schipol houses the first ever airport library with books translated into a multitude of languages. Another way to make the most of your layover time is to visit the free Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Museum and peruse the local art and exhibitions.
4. Auckland International Airport
Auckland Airport boasts fantastic views, with boarding areas situated next to exceptional close-ups views of the runway. Visit the Benefit Brow Bar to get a last-minute treatment done right before you board. Take a look around the great range of duty-free shops, or have a drink or two at the Steinlager Bar for an authentic Kiwi experience. And of course we have our 1Above Kiosk there. The only one in the world. We also sell our product through Relay stores.
5. Dubai International Airport
This airport is the busiest in the world and in true Dubai fashion, is seriously lavish. For business travellers who need to catch up on sleep, Dubai hires out Snoozecubes - private soundproof pods with beds and TVs. Or if shopping is more your style, Dubai Airport is home to the world’s biggest duty-free shopping area with a huge array of high-end boutiques.
6. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
Sydney is the oldest commercial airport in the world and it has certainly stood the test of time, remaining one of the best airports in the world today. If you’re just in transit, you can still get a taste for Australia by visiting the shops of local designers like Seed Heritage, Witchery or Lorna Jane. If you feel like a bite to eat, Sydney has an impressive food selection, with restaurants inspired by all corners of the globe. A partnership with WH Smith sees 1Above being available here.
7. Vancouver International Airport
To experience Canadian culture, you don’t even need to step out of the airport! Vancouver International has some impressive exhibitions including native art pieces and an aquarium. For those who just feel like relaxing there are TV areas and comfortable armchairs with head and footrests. There are plenty of child-friendly playing areas to keep the kids happy too. 1Above is available in the Relay stores here.
8. Heathrow Airport (London)
Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe and the second busiest in the world. To cope with the massive amount of travellers passing through every day, they have built some pretty awesome facilities. Terminal 5, which opened in 2008, was designed to fit the needs of business travellers. The terminal offers personal shoppers, a suit ironing and folding service and the famous Harrods department store. 1Above is currently being sold with WH Smith in Terminals 2,4 & 5.
9. San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco is much more pleasant than some of the other majorly busy airports in the United States. The airport offers yoga rooms, day spa, and a free aviation museum. The dining options at San Francisco are truly world-class, with a range of restaurants that focus on showcasing local food.
10. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
Haneda is the ideal airport for long haul travellers as staff dim the lights and don’t make loud overhead speaker announcements, making for a peaceful airport nap. Head up to the roof to see unparalleled view of the runway. If you want to try something new, check out the airport’s oxygen bar to detox after a long flight.
As you can see, there’s no need for a long layover to get you down. With these airports offering some great facilities for those looking for adventure and entertainment, as well as business travellers looking for rest and relaxation. Use your layover time wisely by getting some physical activity in or doing some stretches and rehydrating. There’s no better way to hydrate and prepare to arrive ready than drinking 1Above - you can pick some up at Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Vancouver and Heathrow airports. And of course, you can visit our Online Store 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
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