Best Airports in the World and US

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From Conde' Nast:
Here are the global top 10 airports as voted by readers:
RankingAirport/CodeStandout features1.Istanbul Airport (IST)App for precision planning, loyalty program2.Singapore Changi (SIN)Indoor forest and a rooftop pool and hot tub3.Seoul Incheon Int’l (ICN)Indoor skating and high-speed rail to city4.Zurich Airport (ZRH)Exterior observation deck; duty-free chocolate5.Tokyo’s Haneda (HND)Smaller, well-placed alternative to Narita Int’l6.Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)<td class="x_ContentPasted0" style="padding-right: 10px; padding-left: 10px;">High-end, reasonably priced business lounge7.Doha’s Hamad Int’l (DOH)Squash courts and a swimming pool8.Dubai Int’l (DXB)Home base for top-ranking carrier Emirates9.Hong Kong Int’l (HKG)Express rail to the city center in 24 minutes10.Helsinki Airport (HEL)Marimekko shop and blueberry shakes
I was in the new Istanbul airport shortly after they opened. Very few services were available, and the walk to my gate was long and boring. I expect this trip in November to be different. I hear the Turkish Airlines lounge is one of the best! Of course, Singapore has always been rated at the top. My personal favorite is Haneda in Tokyo. Why? They have an Edo period village which serves as a food court. It is beyond charming, with absolutely delicious food. The remaining airports, Hong Kong is also excellent with good food. I would call Zurich and Helsinki airports rather small but very interesting. Regarding Seoul, I forgot my ice skates, even though I was headed to frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia.



Here are the top 10 airports in the U.S., as voted by Condé Nast readers:
RankingAirport/CodeStandout features1.Savannah Hilton Head (SAV)Town-square layout and golf-lovers destination2.Hartford Bradley Int’l (BDL)NYC and Boston alternative3.Indianapolis Int’l (IND)First U.S. LEED certification for smart energy4.Rhode Island T.F. Green Int’l (PVD)Soon to be hub for Jet Blue’s Breeze5.Palm Beach Int’l Airport (PBI)Putting green and full-service spa6.Tampa Int’l Airport (TPA)High-tech ‘people mover’ system7.Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP)Range of dining, including famous ‘Juicy Lucy’ burger8.Long Beach Airport (LGB)Open-air concourse with fire pits and wine bar9.Portland (Ore.) Int’l (PDX)Bike paths and light rail into downtown10.Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE)Smart airport bookstore with new & used titles
Of the domestic airports listed, I like Portland for its eclectic variety and Pendleton shop. Minneapolis is a fairly nice airport with a great metro system (same for Portland). Milwaukee is great if you like cheese or are headed up to Green Bay for a Packers game. Tampa is probably the most improved in this group. Long Beach is old, and small, but very convenient. I am sure you have your favorites. Mine are global, Singapore and Haneda, and domestic, Seattle, and Chicago.

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