Connecting flights have become commonplace, because a direct flight can cost many times more, and sometimes traveling directly is completely impossible.
It's good if there are a couple of hours between flights. What if it is a day? Or a little less - so that you can't go to the hotel, and it is almost impossible to sit out this time in the waiting room? Moreover, usually large airports have a negative attitude towards passengers who arrange improvised rest rooms for themselves right in the waiting rooms. A person who has settled down to sit or lie on his own jacket or luggage may be asked not to do so, and if he does not listen, then he will be fined or thrown out of the door. In our country, for example, the fine is from two to five thousand - not fatal, but not pleasant.
Of course, all this does not apply to special waiting areas: there are usually benches, and even armchairs with sofas, so no one will prevent you from sitting down or lying down — provided, of course, that you do not disturb anyone with this. Also on the condition that your improvised camp does not stand for more than 24 hours (the exception is flight delays).
A day at the airport is a difficult ordeal. A variety of outlandish tips from the Internet are designed to cope with it - from inflatable pillows to choosing the best places to rest (spoiler: experienced tourists advise sleeping under cameras - some kind of guarantee of safety and safety of luggage). But these are all substitutes, just like capsule hotels. Some large international hubs do not limit themselves to sofas and capsules, offering their passengers something more and much more comfortable!
Changi
This Singapore airport is more like a small city: it has its own swimming pools and waterfall, an artificial tropical jungle (it even has animals specially selected so that no one is bitten or stung), a cinema hall, dozens of cafes and restaurants, and even its own small theater. Is it any wonder that Changi does not leave the prestigious Skytrax ranking of the world's best air terminals? Sometimes people even specially take a ticket here to see! Also some try to stay "longer" in order to properly see and taste everything.
This, by the way, is prohibited, and the airport security is hunting for abusive citizens (but the people's trail is still not overgrown).
For overnight stays, there are several lounges, a couple of mini-hotels, a free area with hundreds of horizontal armchairs and sun loungers (very comfortable; some are equipped with sliding wooden curtains that hide vacationers from the attention of the outside public), the Jewel relaxation space - here are spacious rest rooms and even apartments, for every taste and budget.
Hamad
Doha Hamad is Singapore's main rival in terms of leadership in the Skytrax list. As in any self-respecting Arab airport, everything here is expensive and rich: there is a tropical garden with its own waterfall (it appeared after the waterfall was opened in Changi), a fitness complex and even a spa area. Also - a hammam, but it is still under construction, they promise to open in two years.
The main difference from the Singapore airport is the cultural accent. Doha Air Terminal regularly hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists from around the world, not to mention the fact that there is a permanent exhibition (the Emir of Qatar has donated works of art worth over $40 million to the airport). Four times a day, excursions are held in the spacious and cool halls.
In addition to lounge areas, there is a capsule hotel, several free "quiet" areas with armchairs and twilight lighting, the Oryx hotel with extra-class and 5* rooms (prices correspond).
Incheon
The air hub of the South Korean capital is quite consistent with the image of Korea as a country from the distant future. The futuristic building is stuffed with technology, but not only: there is a place for several ecological gardens with zero carbon emissions, a local history museum, an artificial turf skating rink and even an alley of national crafts (you can see or buy it, depending on the mood and the state of the passengers' wallets). Also from Incheon for 5-10 admission is free).
As for the sleeping areas, in addition to the lounge, there is a capsule hotel and a Spa On Air center - here you can find a swimming pool with showers and a sauna, and a relaxation area where you can lie down or sleep. A night in a lounge or capsule will cost $50, but the spa area is allowed for $14, so you need to book in advance, a very popular location.
Schwechat
Let's move to Europe, or rather, to the airport of the Austrian capital - Schwechat. It is smaller than the air hubs of the top three, but it also has something to boast of. For example, Schwechat has its own outdoor observation deck, and it is very well located: passengers can take spectacular pictures and even selfies, without waiting for hours so that someone else does not get into the frame. There is also a museum of model aircraft: it is located very close, upon presentation of a ticket, they are allowed inside for free.
Schwechat has not yet reached the top positions in the Skytrax ranking, but it has become the best on the European continent four times. Among the main advantages, experts called intuitive navigation (some also remembered the museum as an additional and free service).
There are lounge areas (please pay 50 euros per night) and Resting Pods - this is such an advanced version of the capsule: not a cozy honeycomb for one person, but a full-fledged closed room with a single bed, something between a capsule and a full-fledged room. There are even one-sided transparent windows - what if you like to watch what is happening around you? There are free armchairs and sofas, and very spacious.
Franz Josef Strauss Airport
Another Central European airfield with an observation deck (by the way, it is equipped with telescopes, and you can use them completely free of charge) is located in Munich. There is no spa, but there is a massage, 7 beauty salons, sleeping cabins (get ready to part with 15 euros in an hour) and lounge areas with paid entrance (about 30 euros). There are also free areas with chairs (they are extendable, so you can stretch out to your full height).
Useful tips
Finally, a few simple tips for tourists.
- Firstly, thoroughly study the airport website - usually there is all the necessary information for those who are going to "stay" for several hours, or even for a day. At least there will be a scheme of interesting locations, prices, and free lounges.
- Secondly, remember that you cannot sit at the airport where there are no seats. Also lie down too.
- People often steal at airports, alas, because it is very difficult to find a criminal, and many transit passengers do not even bother or do not have time to report to the police. If you are going to relax in the free area and even more so to sleep, hand over your things to the storage room.
- Choose a place to stay so that you are not late for check-in. Well, do not neglect alarm clocks!
