Who Knew Airports Could Be Stress-Free?
If you end up stuck because of delays or on a long layover at an airport, it doesn’t have to be miserable — if you’re in one of America’s best that is.
Instead of simply killing time playing on your smartphone or reading magazines, you can cuddle up to a therapy pig, gaze at tropical fish in an aquarium, indulge in spa treatments, dine on fabulous gourmet cuisine and so much more.
Thought stress and frustration were inevitable when it came to airports? You might want to give these best airports in the U.S. a try!
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco’s international airport has been ranked number one for its unique services and best overall concessions program among major North American airports by Airport Revenue News. The airport even recently became the first to offer a therapy pig – Lulu, who wears unique outfits like tutus and dons red-painted toenails, greets passengers to help calm their weary nerves.
SFO also hosts the world’s first accredited airport art museum, which displays more than 20 temporary exhibits and 65 permanent works of art. It’s easy to stay connected here too, with free WiFi throughout the airport as well as plenty of cellphone charging stations and power outlets.
You can also enjoy some of the city’s quintessential clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin in Terminal 3. Want to make your experience even better? Make sure you book a flight on one of America’s best airlines to finish off your uncannily amazing airport experience with an equally enjoyable flight.
Sea-Tac International Airport, Seattle, WA
Sea-Tac, situated halfway between Seattle and Tacoma, is a unique standout with business travelers and techies, thanks to its free WiFi access and large number of charging ports and stations. Art is strategically placed throughout the airport with more than 100 pieces from the Port of Seattle’s Art Collection.
If you’re sore after a long flight, indulge in the Massage Bar with two locations, at the C and N gates, and you can even enjoy a moment of silence in the Meditation Room. Occasionally, live music is hosted by the Experience the City of Music Program too.
If hunger pangs hit, enjoy delicious Pacific Northwest seafood, including local oysters and fish tacos with wild Alaskan king salmon, at Anthony’s Restaurant.
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Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
SAV is easy to get around, fairly small, and it was once named one of the country’s “happiest airports.” It has an intimate, inviting layout, and travelers can dine on crab cakes at Phillips Seafood, as well as shop for cigars and golf gear.
Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards survey recently recognized it as America’s fifth best domestic airport.
Miami International Airport, Miami, FL
Miami is known for being colorful and vibrant, and its aviation hub is no different. This airport is part of the city’s Art in Public Places program, which brings local artists’ work out of museums or galleries and places installations and exhibitions where more residents and visitors can see them.
The displays include travel-themed lighted panels, detailed murals, and walls and walkways that incorporate coral, seashells and other regional marine life. The airport is also acclaimed for its concessions program, with its north terminal particularly noteworthy with shops like Coach and Montblanc.
Travelers tend to feel as if they’re in a shopping mall rather than an airport, with the wealth of upscale shops and convenient tech stores like Sound Balance. It’s also one of the more interesting airports in the nation with its Latin American flair and Cuban restaurants.
Those who are in need of relaxation can indulge in the airport’s Jetsetter Spa, offering massages as well as manicures and pedicures.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Detroit, MI
In recent years, Detroit has invested heavily to upgrade the experience for travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, with large open spaces, local art, culture and entertainment. The airport makes it easy to navigate between gates with the red tram in the McNamara Terminal.
Its mid-concourse water feature, a soothing water sculpture, is a passenger favorite, drawing throngs of tourists to capture a video or snapshot.
The underground light tunnel connecting Concourse A with B and C, featuring moving walkways and nearly 9,000 feet of LED lights that change colors, is another popular spot. High-end shopping can be enjoyed too, with retailers like the Be-Relax Spa, a Porsche Design Store, and a wine shop, Vino Volo.
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Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, MN
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a favorite with many. It boasts a bright and cheery open space, exceptional shopping with more than 50 options, and outstanding restaurants that showcase dishes created by some of the area’s culinary stars.
It ranks high for its food in general, including the French Meadow Bakery & Café with its tasty organic options. The food concourse features iPads at every seat, so customers can order food as well as check email, their flight status and browse the internet.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an especially great place to be to be as it also features two kids play areas with child-scale airplanes and control towers with slides.
Portland International Airport, OR
There are lots of reasons to love Oregon’s Portland International Airport. Readers of Travel and Leisure voted it the very best in the United States thanks to its impressive on-time departure record, outstanding navigability and the opportunity to order up Middle Eastern cuisine at Aybla Grill.
PDX also hosts a free small theater in one of its terminals that shows G-rated short indie films, and a new whiskey tasting room where travelers can sample handmade artisan spirits or try a mini cocktail flight.