There’s a saying that goes – life is too short for bad airport hotels and long wasted layovers and it rings true.
Why sit for hours squirrelled away slumped over uncomfortable airport chairs that were definitely not designed for sleeping.
Wander through an airport at any time and you’ll see passengers showing incredible contortionist skills as they attempt to get some shut eye, waiting for the hours to tick by.
Even sitting and slurping in an airline lounge, loses its attraction when faced with a lengthy wait and some lounges have set hours and you may find yourself turfed out when the clock strikes the bewitching hour.
My real life experience of the movie The Terminal
I talk from experience and finally feel I have something in common with actor Tom Hanks.
He may have spent nine months living at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport in the fictional movie The Terminal – but I spent one full night at Charlotte Airport in the US.
Due to a very late flight, misplaced luggage, no airport hotel, expensive accommodation a long taxi ride away and a 5am flight, I spent the night in the airport.
I befriended a group of lovely Indian women who were also waiting out the night for their early flight and wrapped a pashmina around myself and slept on an off.
It was a fascinating exercise I never want to do again even though I gained first hand knowledge of how airports tick including the comings and goings of cleaning brigades, security patrols and café stockists.
Many airports close for the night but not Charlotte and the good news was my luggage arrived at 4am and I was there to collect it.
Four best airports for long layovers
If you are feeling flight weary and have six to eight hours to spare my advice is to book into a transit hotel, use the pool, have a shower, watch a movie and put your feet up.
But if you are feeling adventurous, park your luggage somewhere and head out on a tour to discover the city attractions – but keep a good eye on the time.
Factor in everything that could go wrong, leaving yourself plenty of time to return, go through security and be flight ready.
Some airports offer dedicated tours into the city central factoring in plenty of time for you to return for your flights.
Ideally you are looking at six to eight hours or more to ensure there’s plenty of time to enjoy the attractions and be back in good time.
Yes, you can leave the airport but you may require a visa – even if it’s only for a day at some airports but frankly it’s worth turning your long layover into a sightseeing adventure.
Singapore Changi Airport
The award-winning Changi Airport is linked to Jewel Changi Airport and is one of the best and has been voted so numerous times. Some of the best things to do include the Mirror Maze, Discovery Slides and the cloud-like mist of the Foggy Bowls.
Get a selfie with the many animal topiaries in Topiary Park and soak up the sights and smells of the flowers in Petal Park. Visit the Rain Vortex and there are also immersive games at the Experience Studio. Book ahead for these family orientated activities.
Hungry? Visit the Singapore Food Street, plus there’s a free movie theatre and roof top pool. City tours are on offer and there are transit hotels.
Dubai International Airport
There’s heaps of shopping and dining options at this busy airport just a few minutes from the Dubai city centre.
There are transit hotels and spas where you can relax. The Zen Gardens is a relaxing oasis.
Tour operators offer half- or full-day excursions in and around the city, visiting the Burj Khalifa and other top attractions.
Doha’s Hamad International Airport
Qatar Airport offers free tours to the Pearl Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, the Museum for Islamic Art, and the Souq Waqif and if you have 10 hours you could visit the desert.
You can also see the sand dunes near Khor Al Adaid on a half day trip. Marmalade Market and Chocology will tempt your tastebuds in the airport.
Qatar Museums have set up an airport outpost featuring international and local works of art on display throughout the airport. The Oryx Airport Hotel is located inside the transit zone.
Bangkok’s Subarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, has also received many accolades over the years, with services returning as tourism picks up.
Dining options include Thai specialities and western food.
The airport is located about 30 km east of Bangkok, but it’s a quick trip if you’ve got six or more hours between flights.
Tours are offered including focused themes -temples, shopping, or cultural experiences. There is also a transit hotel and sleep boxes.
Still planning on spending the night in the airport?
Pack a light blanket, ear plugs, eye masks and nab the first armrest-free seating you see and sleep those hours away.