There’s a new survey of the worst and best airports in the world from sleepinginairports.net, and you might or might not be surprised to find your favorites or pet peeves on it. And you’re invited to rate for next year, as well.
The site rates airports based on the survey, using eight factors:
- Comfort (Gate seating & availability of rest zones)
- Services, facilities & things to do
- Food options
- Immigration/Security
- Customer service
- Cleanliness
- Navigation and ease of transit
- Sleepability
Here’s their definition for what you’re likely to find at the worst of the worst:
The airports that appear on our list of the worst in the world are the ones that have the capacity to truly offend travellers. Within these terminals, there appears to be a general disinterest in a positive traveller experience. In some cases, passengers are made to stand or sit on the floor as they await their flights. In others, the bathrooms don’t have water, toilet paper, or any semblance of cleanliness. In some cases, the physical structure of the airport is fine, but the personnel are the problem. Got a problem? Don’t expect much in terms of customer service at these airports.
The winners (losers?) are scattered over all continents, ranging from the absolute low of Juba, in South Sudan to Addis Ababa, which is only the 20th worst in the list. In between: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Heraklion, Crete; Lagos, Nigeria; Santorini, Greece; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Rhodes, Greece; Paris-Beauvais, France; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; London Luton; Rome Ciampino; Kathamndu, Nepal; New York LaGuardia; Chania, Greece; Caracas, Venezuela; Guangzhou China; Cluj, Romania and Islamabad, Pakistan.
On the other hand, there are the others:
The best airports in the world are the ones that inspire you to book a trip based on the receiving airport alone. From ultra-efficient processes to friendly staff and a wide array of activities you never thought you’d find in an airport, these airports become a memorable part of any trip.
This part of the list should be familiar; it seems everyone everywhere agrees on Singapore’s Changi as the best. After that, the list includes Seoul, Korea; Tokyo Haneda; Helsinki, Finland; Hong Kong; Vancouver, Canada; Tokyo Narita; Munich, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia and Zurich, Switzerland.
To see more details, including lists by region, click HERE; to take part in the 2018 survey, click HERE.
Luton certainly belongs on the list of worst airports – absolutely awful!
No mention of Frank Pais, Cuba – JFK – Gander – Philadelphia – Orlando – Habi Boughiba Tunisia. All exceptional experiences. Last visit to Munich I had a machine gun pointed at my head from 3 feet.