The Airports That Are Actually Fun To Be Stuck At
With traveling woes at all-time highs and delays being almost inevitable, Seattle, Denver, and Houston airports rank as the best ones to be stuck at for reasons like Seattle's stunning vistas of Mt. Rainer to Denver's 80 therapy dogs that you can see strutting around the airport.
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Ah, the rush of traveling. Whether you’re just getting away for a weekend, for a two-week long vacay, or just it’s a 24-hour business meeting, there’s nothing quite like being at an airport. Hoards of people trying to get somewhere else makes for the ultimate stressful experience. From cyberattacks and technological issues to the threat of violence before (or even after) TSA check, airports can certainly just be panic attacks waiting to happen.
However, many travelers enjoy the feeling of traveling and the excitement that comes with being at an unknown place—or even a place where you haven’t been in a while. Interestingly, that feeling can be attached to an airport.
If it’s an airport that you tend to frequent a lot due to business travel or a long-distance romance, the lure of your favorite bar that just happens to exist only at airports is something you can’t quite shake. It’s like coming home to an old friend. And, sometimes can help maintain that anticipation that is sometimes sweeter than the real thing.
According to TimeOut, the top-ranked airports needed to bring in high marks when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness—not just the types of retail shopping they offer. In fact, the days of luxury retail therapy in an airport may be over as brands are reportedly leaving airports for other locations. Unknown if this trend shifts as more people begin flying again.
The top airport, according to the report is the Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) airport where you can get a fantastic view of Mt. Rainier and has a very high score in cleanliness. There are no less than 33 hotels surrounding the airport and has adorable water fountains that mimic the sound of water when you press the lever.
Coming in second was George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas which has almost 39 million people fly through it yearly. It’s known for dining and amazing shops. However, it only has about one hotel within two miles of it. Seems no one wants—or needs—to stick around.
However, it is known for “Harmony in the Air” where local musicians play, and public art created by local Texas artisans. The airport is always full of high-end shops like Chanel.
Third place went to Denver International Airport, which is architecturally fun to view and sees almost 59 million people annually. In addition, it is probably the only one of the airports in the world that has many conspiracy theories linked to it. Although it may or may not be the headquarters of the Illuminati, it is extremely clean. The Denver Airport is also home to the largest Airport Therapy Animal Program in the World. 80 dogs and one cat make up this group and for those afraid of traveling, offer calm and even a furry hug or two.
Although the price of airplane tickets is just as volatile as the economy right now, people will always have to fly and no doubt will always enjoy doing so. Hopefully, more travel hubs will follow suit and keep stay clean, fun, and full of conspiracies.
