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Original poster

What's the best airport you've been to?

169 replies

WeAreTheHeroes · 20/05/2023 16:33

I thought I'd start a thread on best airports as the flip side of the thread about the worst ones.

I'll start: Alicante. Rebuilt since I was last there thirty years ago. Very light and spacious. We were very quickly through bag drop and security. Lots of coffee and food places, including once you're through to the actual gates. Lots of staff for those passengers needing assistance. Very clean everywhere. Good aircon.

OP posts:
Soproudoflionesses · 21/05/2023 15:42

Singapore by far. Was actually pleased my flight got delayed!

IamSlave · 21/05/2023 17:09

I've not been to many exotic destinations but loved Zimbabwe airport! Nothing great to look at but great vibe and lovely smiley people.

Venice... Adored it, flying in, seeing Venice form the sky and then getting the water taxi was absolutely amazing.

KnottyKnitting · 21/05/2023 17:32

Southend! Tiny little airport- very quick to get in and out of. We landed and got in a taxi in 10 mins once! Also because not many flights you don't tend to get the delays. Just hoping it picks up a bit as not so much going from there since COVID.

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Flying Holidays
Cowparslee · 21/05/2023 18:42

Changi is even better with the recent development/ shopping centre/ indoor garden across the road - opened about 18 months ago I think.

Agree that Copenhagen has a lot going for it but is getting shabby in places - I visited a loo there recently that looked like it hadn't been upgraded since the 70s! Aarhus/ Billund are quite nice.

All the American airports I've visited in the past 10 years have been grim, a lot are currently undergoing refurbishment/expansion so perhaps things will improve in the next few years.

Cowparslee · 21/05/2023 18:42

IamSlave · 21/05/2023 17:09

I've not been to many exotic destinations but loved Zimbabwe airport! Nothing great to look at but great vibe and lovely smiley people.

Venice... Adored it, flying in, seeing Venice form the sky and then getting the water taxi was absolutely amazing.

Agree about Venice!

Starchipenterprise · 22/05/2023 15:14

Another one for Copenhagen (great city too). Their Yo is fab, in fact it's the one airport where I have felt I have eaten healthily because of that. Their exec lounges are something else - especially lit up at night.
Even their shops are a bit different!!

Starchipenterprise · 22/05/2023 15:17

Newcastle gets a vote from me too. Uncrowded experience and lovely lounge which is assisted with cleaning by AI!

Somanycats · 22/05/2023 15:34

viques · 20/05/2023 17:22

City Airport or Southend, both small, efficient, no faffing about. I don’t go to airports for architectural wonder or culinary treats, I just want to go through as fat as possible and not have them lose my luggage.

Southend! Turn up checked in 30 mins before flight. Jump on, good to go.

ShippingNews · 22/05/2023 15:41

847arc · 20/05/2023 16:43

Singapore Changi was by far the best I’ve been to.

I vote for Singapore too. It's wonderful. So clean, great signage so it's easy to get around. Every shop and food outlet you could want. A sleep room, for those who need to lie down in between flights. And.... A butterfly house - of course !

willowstar · 22/05/2023 16:49

Atlanta. It is huge and sprawling but there is an excellent permanent sculpture exhibition downstairs. I love when I pass through there.

MargotBamborough · 22/05/2023 18:28

willowstar · 22/05/2023 16:49

Atlanta. It is huge and sprawling but there is an excellent permanent sculpture exhibition downstairs. I love when I pass through there.

God, I think Atlanta is one of the worst I have ever been to.

Can't cope with putting your connecting luggage on your next flight, rude and aggressive immigration officials, drinks in the Delta lounge not even free.

theDudesmummy · 23/05/2023 17:11

The phone charging points don't work at Stanstead (there are dozens, and I literally tried every one). I had a very nearly flat phone and my boarding pass was only on my phone. I was on 1% when I got to the gate, it was nerve-wracking. I wrote to the airport to complain and got a really weak reply about how they were going to be updating at some point.

theDudesmummy · 23/05/2023 17:11

Oops that was meant to go on the thread of worst airports, sorry!

Messageina80ttl3 · 23/05/2023 17:20

Barra, the planes land on the beach

lieselotte · 24/05/2023 10:16

FettleOfKish · 20/05/2023 20:06

Living in Jersey we usually have to go through London to get anywhere so we're in T5 at Heathrow a lot. Touch wood we've never had an issue there, always smooth and quick security, we've learnt the quietest spots to find a seat and the catering options are good.

My only complaint is the shopping is all high end, I'd like more Dune / Zara / Superdry like some of the other terminals and Gatwick have.

Yes T5 is a posh shopping centre with an airport attached!

lieselotte · 24/05/2023 10:18

Actually I am reconsidering Singapore - I don't know if it's still the case but it was annoying that they did security at the gate. So if you changed planes there (or just got off and on again, you had to go through security again and lose all your liquids). I guess it doesn't matter if they have the new machines now.

PTSDBarbiegirl · 24/05/2023 10:20

Copenhagen is v clean, lots of brilliantly designed spaces, kid friendly, gorgeous shops. Not massive but v easy.

LoobyDop · 24/05/2023 17:35

Have to put a word in for the sea plane terminal at Malé. It’s like a little toy airport, so cute. And the fact that the sea is so bright and so clear, even around the planes. Much the best kind of transfer!

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