Not that long ago we brought you the definitive list of last year’s best and worst airports to sleep in as voted for by the readers of the website sleepinginairports.net. Each year the site runs a survey among some 10,000 travellers to find the best and worst airports to spend 24 hours in.
Little things can make such a difference at an airport, and it doesn’t need to have anything to do with what facilities the business class lounge offers. Simple things, like comfortable chairs with no arm rests so you can stretch out if need be; cafes and restaurants, where food is sold at reasonable prices and not four times as expensive as in any city restaurant, clean toilets with many cubicles, free wireless internet access…so it goes on.
The site explains: “We consider the important stuff – the four C’s: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service. Results are determined by: site visitor votes, reviews submitted to the site over the past year and information provided by airports regarding their facilities
The top four are in fact unchanged from last year’s results, still holding on to each of their respective slots, clearly indicating they’re doing something right, but there’s also three new entries: Auckland, Vancouver and San Fransisco.
So here are the winners of the best airport to find yourself having to catch up on some much needed sleep…
1. Singapore Changi (1)
2. Seoul Incheon (2)
3. Hong Kong (3)
4. Amsterdam Schiphol (4)
5. Munich (6)
6. Frankfurt Main (8)
7. Auckland (-)
8. Vancouver (-)
9. Zurich (9)
10. San Fransisco (-)
We looked at the top three as voted for by the readers of the website in the airports to sleep in the 2009 results, so for this story we’re going to focus on what travellers had to say about the three new entrants to the list.
7. Auckland – new entry
Auckland doesn’t receive the passenger numbers that the other airports do, but it deserves special recognition for its sleeper friendly facilities airside and landside.
According to reader auchendean, “Upstairs in the international observation lounge the sleeping facilities are very good. Carpeted, if you want to sleep horizontally. Several upholstered bucket seats are built together to form an undulating 1.6m length bumpy sofa. Coffee bar with some food on the floor below is open all night. No fancy facilities, but that’s why it’s quiet! Just perfect.”
Airport services/facilities:
International Terminal: Wi-Fi hotspots ($), food-24 hours ($), baggage storage ($), games arcade ($), rides for kids ($), internet kiosks ($), showers, chapel and Muslim prayer mats. Domestic Terminal: Open 5am-12am, baggage storage ($), Wi-Fi hotspots ($), internet kiosks ($), Muslim prayer mat.
Auckland: no fancy facilities, but that's why it's quiet. Just perfect
8. Vancouver – new entry
Not a lot in terms of amenities and things to do, but the Vancouver airport is quiet at night, comfortable and has friendly staff. For a reasonable fee you can shower and enjoy the pool and gym facilities at the Fairmont Hotel attached to the airport.
Reader seanmac said, “The airport that pretty much go dormant [sic] around 10-11 until about 5 am, and it is easy to find somewhere to crash without too much hassle. If security or airport staff ask you to move, ask them where, and they will help you out.”
Airport services/facilities:
Wi-Fi, food-24 hrs ($), baggage storage ($), spa ($), pay-in lounge ($), showers & pool ($), chapel, art displays.
Vancouver: easy to find somewhere to crash without too much hassle
And finally…
10. San Fransisco – new entry
Let’s face it, there is not much to celebrate in terms of airport facilities and services in the US, but San Francisco does appear to be the country’s shining star of hope. Finding a comfortable spot can take a little effort, as many seats landside have armrests. However, crafty (and thin) people can overcome this obstacle (see left photo). Otherwise, the terminal is spacious, so throwing a mat on the floor will also make for an pleasant sleep. The showers located landside are a nice way to freshen up in the morning before your flight.
Readers said: “The place is active until 2am and then is perfectly quiet until 6 or 7am. Temperature is just right, bathrooms are clean, staff leave you alone. Plenty of different types of food & booze.”
Airport services/facilities:
Wi-Fi, food-24hrs ($), baggage storage ($), kids play area, showers ($), massages ($), computer workstations, art/photo exhibits, reflection room, Christian Science reading room.
SFO: temperature is just right, bathrooms are clean, staff leave you alone
And now, the worst airports in the world to have to sleep in, as voted by you, the people who have to do it.
1. Paris Charles De Gaulle (1)
2. Paris Beauvais (-)
3. Moscow Sheremetyevo, Russia (2)
4. Los Angeles, USA (4)
5. Manila (7)
6. Delhi, India (5)
7. Chicago O’Hare (-)
8. Bombay (-)
9. London Luton (-)
10. New York JFK (3)
We’d like you to share some of your airport stories with us – tell us about good and bad experiences you’ve had.
Scott Snowden
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