Best airport terminals around the world
Terminals around the world have changed and adapted to 21st-century ways incredibly well. So well, in fact, you wouldn't even know you are in an airport. There are lots of things to do and see including, cinemas, game rooms, spas, restaurants and of course shops. So what makes an airport terminal the best?
Well, cleanliness, design, retail and great customer service all help in a big way to reduce the stressful experience, as well as making the transition from the car park all the way through to boarding the plane as easy as possible!
Here are some of the best airport terminals in the world according to Skytrax World Airport Awards, voted by air travellers in the World Airport Survey.
Heathrow Terminal 5
First is Heathrow's Terminal 5, which took 20 years of planning and cost £4.3 billion to build. In both 2015 and this year it has won the award for the Best Terminal in the World. Being one of the first terminals to include an art gallery means you can relax and take in the many sculptures and pieces of artwork on display. If you see something that takes your fancy you can even purchase it.
The terminal also has a Be Relax Spa to help relax and rejuvenate you for your journey ahead. All beauty treatments are available to you, including manicures, oxygen therapy, and massages. What more could you want just before you jet off?
If you enjoy watching the planes take off then there is ample seating available throughout the terminal, with many seats having great views of the runway.
Everyone enjoys a spot of shopping in Duty-Free, and at Terminal 5 you won't be disappointed with the variety of shops available to everyone of all ages. From all the best designer brands such as Gucci, Prada, Mulberry, Rolex, Tiffany & Co and Dior to Hamleys, Harrods, Accessorize, Sunglasses Hut and much, much more.
Enjoy a tasty meal before your flight with many restaurants to choose from to cater for all tastes and needs. You can even relax in one of the several airport lounges for every style of traveller - from business to families.
Singapore Changi Terminal 3
One of the biggest airports in South East Asia scored second on the Best Terminal in the World list in 2016. When you visit this terminal you will be swept away to a different place, so much so you'll forget you're in an airport. Enjoy a film while you wait for your flight at the movie theatre or perhaps you'd like to admire the beautiful Koi fish swimming around their pond to help relax and take your mind off your flight. Don't miss out on the Butterfly Garden, with over 1000 butterflies fluttering around for you to spot. Learn about their cycle of life, all while you take in their sheer beauty.
Perhaps you're more of an adrenaline thrill seeker and would prefer a go on the world's tallest slide within an airport. At twelve metres high and being capable of reaching six meters per second, what's not to love?
Dubai Terminal 3
Exclusive to Emirates Airline, Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport came eighth in the Best Terminal in the World category. Situated in a city renowned for being a shopper's paradise, the shops in Duty-Free do not disappoint with all the brands you could wish for and so much more.
Relax in a tranquil sanctuary and soothe your stresses away with their in-house exotic spa, offering everything from a Thai body stretch to Indian head massages. Located in the First Class Lounge and Business Class Lounge, this is definitely an opportunity you don't want to pass on.
If you would like to take a moment or two to calm and unwind then take a seat in the Moments of Reflections section. There are two zen gardens that provide a unique and creative oasis of calm within this busy environment, with trees and ponds that turn into mini waterfalls, you'll be quick to realign your zen and feel ready to take on your journey.
Mumbai Terminal 2
This terminal ranked sixth in the Best Terminal in the World category with its futuristic design. It is India's most advanced, and the first terminal that integrates world-class design with a mixture of India's cultural character and heritage.
With a target of becoming the best airport in the world, it is regularly being upgraded to adapt to a forever evolving world, offering the best in comfort and convenience for all passengers.
It is also home to India's biggest public art gallery, illuminated by skylights and home to over seven thousand pieces of artefacts and artwork from all over India for you to observe and enjoy.
With global brands at low prices, in fact at the world's lowest prices, don't forget to grab a bargain and indulge in their Heaven and Earth spa. By the time you step on that plane you'll be feeling and looking a million dollars.
