Airports should be like high streets

[NowWotsit]

Whys it just shopping- thus old school model they havent updated in decades?

If we are milling around in your police state style world for a few hours, why not give us a coworking space, hair salons, cinemas, a pool, GP, etc

I genuinely can't imagine a less suitable location for an Ikea than an airport! Furniture shopping before a flight?

Browse and buy but with delivery scheduled for when you get back from holiday

I would be happy if departures was clean and had decent food to be honest.
Nails might be useful, but all we do is a duty free mooch, water and snacks for the flight, maybe a book or magazine. Food and a glass of wine.
Kids play area is a good idea.

Yes you are the crazy one here. Who suggested a large IKEA in an airport?? Not me, that's for sure.

What would happen to people's flat packed furniture while they went on their trip? It's hardly hand baggage and couldn't clog up the hold.

Madness.

You seem really anxious to do an awful lot of shopping in airports. I mean, wouldn’t it be easier and more pleasant just not to buy furniture when you’re either on a work trip or going on holiday.l

I always thought this when I used to do a lot of indirect flights. So four hours in Paris waiting for a connection, not quite enough time to leave the airport but more than enough to get something meaningful done.
Frankfurt airport (I think) had an "adult" cinema years ago, so why not something else?

I'd like a nice garden space, maybe a few cats knocking around.

My local high street though is nothing to aspire to, I don't vape and I can do any betting I want to do (none) online.

And I'd love an Ikea!

So you can take a flat pack with you on the plane?

Yes because buying a new wardrobe or sofa is top of the list just before boarding a plane 🤣🤣

Connections, delays, parties getting to the airport together but flying to different places so one has to kill a bit of time - I'm hardly a frequent flier but have had all these reasons to spend more time that would be ideal at an airport.

I agree with you (okay, maybe not on the IKEA part) and there are plenty of airports that do. My wish list includes nail bar, barber, soft play, massage parlour, food that isn't hamburgers or sandwiches, and a petting zoo.

I guess most of these don't work in countries with high labour costs.

OP, you are bonkers. Airport space is at a prime and these units are expensive to hire. Airport authorities do not want people arriving extra early to use these facilities.

But we all have those! Just bring a book!

My old school friend, who is extremely rich(and in the cosmetics industry) posted a reel a few years ago about how he copes with constant long haul. It involved checking into the first class spa for a detox massage oh and flying first class. We standard plebs all nodded and smiled.
Id like decent seating, plenty of bins, food that doesn't feel like you've taken out a second mortgage and as a coeliac I can actually eat , a boots an m&s

I think Gatwick used to have a doctors surgery, am sure it was hugely expensive though.
I am mastering the art of fast pass and cabin luggage so I can walk into the airport, through security and onto the plane without any breaks (apart from the loo). You need to know your airport well though!
Yes to more seats, so many airports seem to have significantly less seating than they used to.

I had 12 hours in Abu Dhabi from 8pm to morning so no point in leaving.

They had showers which were lovely, it was the connection from Australia so I was in need of one! I think all airports have them or most big ones anyway

I'm not tight or frugal by any means, however I've only ever bought a decaf coffee when the flight was delayed! I skip through the "malls" to the gate asap as I absolutely detest being a captive to these shops where things usually cost twice as much as on the High Street! I really dislike the way we are always funnelled through Duty Free whether we like it or not, that drives me mad as there's nothing there that I want, don't drink/smoke/wear perfume and don't like mountainous Toblerones either!

Gosh I am an airport shopping manager's worst nightmare ha ha.

FWIW due to dietary stuff, I bring along some snacks (lots actually!) and an empty water bottle. That usually is enough for me.

I suppose I am raging against the machine!

I would love that. I used to get mine cut so much more regularly when I could pop out at lunchtime to Mr Toppers with no appointment. If they were like that, really quick with no queue that would be perfect at an airport.

Google Changi Airport in Singapore. It has amazing facilities and attractions in the airport, hotels, spas, gyms, an immersive art experience, a giant waterfall and a butterfly house. You can even sign up for a free coach tour of Singapore.

But… the airport is a hub for layovers on long haul flights. There are a lot of passengers with half a day to kill between flights. There just isn’t the demand for those kind regards of facilities in most airports. People aren’t in the airport long enough.

It also has a an entertainment and shopping centre that is open to the public that you can book to go through security to visit if you are in transit. That only works if the airport is in a location that is easy to reach, there is land for development and no similar facilities nearby.

I doubt Gatwick has the space for a giant entertainment complex anyway but it would take a lot more than a shopping centre and indoor waterfall to entice me to Croydon on a day trip 😂 Especially, if I had to pay the extortionate price of a Gatwick Express ticket to get there 😂

I’d like a proper bookshop - maybe a Waterstones, Comfortable seating that isn’t attached to a bar or a restaurant that you can just sit down in, there’s definitely a lack, and maybe a nail salon.

I've been to airports that have small play areas next to the gates which I always thought was a good idea.

Personally I'd just love some outside space. Paphos airport has a kind of outdoor courtyard bar/cafe which is great as you can check in and then sit in the sun so it feels like an extension to your holiday rather than being stuck in some soulless indoor hall.

Singapore Changi has showers (which we used, godsend!) and a pool (didn’t use).

I think a hairdressers could be useful and can see the argument for some remote working facilities, as lots of people need or want to work while they are travelling (laptops have to travel in hand luggage anyway) but don’t necessarily fly business class or have lounge access.

Tampa airport had acres of space so had some decent bench desks with power sockets, which I used.

Singapore airport is incredible & has a rooftop open air pool & showering facilities

We've been through it 6 times en route to Australia & sometimes have had 6 or 7 hours layover. Not enough to go into the city etc but a long time hanging around.

The pool is a godsend after a 13 hour flight with 8 or 9 hours flying still to go.

But if you’re just sitting down comfortably, you’re not spending money, which is the whole point of airport retail, it’s placement etc.

I've had a pedi and a massage at the airport before. Great idea. I would love a gym at the airport too - have a quick run before sitting still for hours.
More service things - not buying stuff you have to lug about. Like a speedy salon that did a wash and blow dry.

we usually book a lounge so we can shower / work during lay overs.

But I’ll likely have bought 5 books in Waterstones before I sit down because I’m a book fiend 🤣