SeatGuru, the web’s most comprehensive resource for airline information, today released its pick of the top five domestic airports to be stuck at, should travelers experience flight delays in their upcoming holiday travel season. SeatGuru founder Matt Daimler says, “We’ve picked these airports because of their amenities and attractions designed to help travelers relax and be entertained and pampered during any unfortunate, extended layovers.”
Top Five Airports:
* San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO’s highlights include the famous Boudin’s Bakery (and their sourdough bread), upscale shopping at Burberry, Coach and Gucci, XpressSpa services including massages and facials, museum exhibits throughout, shower facilities and a play area for children.
* Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Among other offerings, SLC offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, views of the Wasatch Mountains, numerous restaurants and has won awards in pollution prevention, recycling and as the best on-time airport for departures in the past.
* Portland International Airport (PDX). Named Nation’s Best Airport by Conde Nast Traveler three years in a row, PDX is eco-friendly (new solar panels produce electricity and the Best of Nike store is powered by 75% solar energy), has free Wi-Fi, no sales tax and local restaurants have a strong presence with eateries such as Pizza Schmizza, Rose City Cafe and Laurelwood Brewing Company calling it home.
* McCarran International Airport (LAS). In addition to countless slot machines, LAS also boasts an aviation museum, massage locations, free Wi-Fi, the Jose Cuervo Tequileria, storage lockers to stash belongings, an oxygen bar, hotel souvenir shops, room check in for the MGM Grand and for long delays, it’s just 5 miles from the strip.
* Miami International Airport (MIA). At MIA, travelers can get manicures, pedicures, massages and even spray tanning at the JetSetter Spa, view ongoing art exhibitions, enjoy a hair cut at the salon, rent a mobile phone, and for members of the U.S. military, there’s an Armed Services center for personnel that serves food and refreshments. There are also 30 dining choices including cuisine from Cuba, the Caribbean, Japan and more.
From a SeatGuru press release.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
My experiences at Miami Airport have sucked. Between roach sightings in the restaurants and $12 for a little glass of wine, I can’t think of any where else nearly as bad.
You forgot the best of all – Schiphol – Amsterdam. This airport has recliners to sleep in, great shopping, LOTS of airline lounges (all extra nice and recently remodeled) and good food. This airport also attached hotels (indcluding the chic and trendy “M”) great transport and tours that leave and return to the airport so you can leverage a long lay over to see the city. There is a museum exhibit in the main terminal, and even regularly scheduled religious services in the chapel. I’ve been stuck just about everywhere and Schiphol wins hands down.
McCarran International Airport (LAS). In addition to countless slot machines, LAS also boasts an aviation museum, massage locations, free Wi-Fi, the Jose Cuervo Tequileria, storage lockers to stash belongings, an oxygen bar, hotel souvenir shops, room check in for the MGM Grand and for long delays, it’s just 5 miles from the strip.
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The slot machines are noisy. And, seriously, the FOOD choices there are beyond lousy. I bought a deluxe burger there ONCE and opened my bag and the burger was dry/fries cold. The only other choice in the gate area was Taco Bell. Ewwwwwwwwwww. NO.
Top Five? Try bottom five.
I agree with Kathleen about the airport in Amsterdam. It is a treasure trove of shops, including a marvelous cheese kiosk where you can sample various cheeses to buy at reasonable prices. Just walking through the airport is eye candy as there is so much to see, not only eye level, but overhead as well.
Sorry Mr. Leocha, but your credibility is kinda weak here. Miami is an absolute toilet. Dirty, lousy seating, and outlets that rarely work.
Greater Pittsburgh is the dream airport. Tons of shopping, all levels of dining (required by law to be the same prices as outside the airport), free wifi, clean and friendly. Miami needs be razed and started over.
Agree totally with Mike. Miami is an airport I avoid like the plague!!
I think Pittsburgh should be included in the list. The prices there are regulated by the airport to be no more than mall prices. Also, Pennsylvania has no tax on clothing, which makes the shopping even better.
Boy, there are some angry folks out there (an absolute toilet!!???) regarding Miami International. It is not a perfect place, I know, but it has some positives too. First, it is in the sub-tropic, so the weather outside is usually nicer than 3/4? 5/6? 9/10? of the country from October to March-April. And still we have to deal with hurricane season from about June to September. Also, it is smack in the middle of town, not out there in the bunnies. If you happen to have a long layover you can leave/check your bags and go sightseeing on public transportation (to South Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, etc.) And still, there will be problems, but “an absolute toilet”??? Wow, I hope you guys give us a another chance in the future, as things are improving all the time. Soon there will be a Metrorail connection into the Main Terminal, and American Airlines continues to make it more traveler-friendly (if that is possible these days) with its newly inaugurated North Terminal.
Best of everything for all in 2010!!
I haven’t seen any airport that I would care to be stuck in for very long. The best thing would be one where it would be quick and easy to go out of the airport to some other location for a while. My choices would be Las Vegas, San Francisco, or San Diego. They are all close to downtown or other attractions and have good transportation options.
We just came back from Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe and had a 7 hour layover in Johanesburg. The airport is clean (especially the bathrooms!), well run and the shops and restuarnats are endless. Prices were very reasonable. Just don’t ask for a martini – you will get a blank stare!
miami airport is the worst to get stranded in they have horrible PA systems people get leav by their flights all the time
and yes it stinks with a restaurant who wants $12 for a cheap bottle o wine while you wait the stir fry is LIVER AND NOT STEAK THAT FOOL GAVE THAT TO ME AND I ASKED IF IT WAS STEAK HE SAID YES
I THINK ONES PICK WOULD BE O GET STUCK IN A NASHVILLE AIRPORT BECAUSE THERE IS ALOT TO DO IT’S PEACEFUL AND YOU GET SHOPPING AND YOU GET LIVE MUSIC AT TOOTSIES, YOU GET TO HAVE A BEER,THE PA SYSTEM IS INCREDIBLE.FOOD IS EVERYWHERE.
As much as I love Schiphol, last time I checked it wasn’t a DOMESTIC airport (it might have changed?) And it appears that many of these listed are DESTINATION airports, not layovers. I never fly through SFO or MIA on my way to anywhere. I will agree with SLC – very well planned. I think many of the smaller airports are the best when having layovers. The people are friendly and the prices for food are better. Would anyone shop for Burberry, Coach and Gucci in an airport??? I might buy a book or a newspaper, but nothing I would have to carry or pack to continue my travel.
Just about any airport in Europe is better than the ones here in the US. They offer beautiful lounges, good restaurants / bars and the toilets are quite clean (especially in Switzerland, Scandinavia and Germany). I also was very pleased with the facilities and architecture of the airports in Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo Narita.
Ditto on Schiphol…although, it isn’t domestic. You could live in that place!! It has been awhile since I have been in Narita but the NorthWest
Terminal.. SUCKED!!!!!!
Frankfurt’s airport was efficient but had a cold atmosphere..
Kennedy in NY the WORST!!!!!!!!