Many holidaymakers meticulously plan their trips to minimise time spent in airports. However, they might be skipping the highlight of their vacation, as certain airports provide more than just security checks and duty-free shopping.
Travel experts at airport transfer firm SCS Chauffeurs recommended spending at least an extra 60 minutes at these airports to enjoy their hidden attractions, which range from ice rinks to sandy beaches and palm trees.
Munich Airport, Germany
Boasting the world’s only full-scale brewery within an airport terminal, Airbräu offers freshly brewed Bavarian beer and features a beer garden, turning your wait into a delightful experience.
Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan
“Haneda is one of the best examples of modern meets traditional. The Edo Market area airside looks like a Japanese village, and the food is fantastic – ramen, yakitori and sushi that’s better than you’d expect at most city restaurants, let alone an airport,” shared Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director of SCS Chauffeurs.
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
This airport is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a variety of Southeast Asian street food in an easy-to-navigate market that’s open 24 hours, perfect for layovers.
Koh Samui Airport, Thailand
Described as “like a tropical resort”, this striking airport features thatched roofs, open-air terminals and palm trees. Hadleigh noted: “It’s the only airport I know where travellers actively want to spend time before flying.”
Denver International Airport, USA
One of the largest airports in the US, Denver International Airport boasts a wide range of art installations and events with a full indoor walking route to explore it all and stretch your legs before your flight.
Incheon International Airport, South Korea
This airport hosts a seasonal ice rink, regular traditional cultural shows and craft workshops. The expert highly recommended an early check-in here, “where you’ll genuinely be entertained” until your flight time.
Barra Airport, Scotland
The only UK entry on this list, Barra Airport requires passengers to arrive extra early due to potential complications not related to the airlines but the tides. The runways at Barra Airport are located on the sandy shores of a beach.
Consequently, the runways are washed away at certain times of the day. Hadleigh said: “There’s no rush, no crowds – just sand, sea and a tiny terminal with a charm all of its own. It’s an experience you can’t really replicate anywhere else.”
