Travel
New List of the Most Stressful Airports – The First Three Are in Europe
Travel is never guaranteed to run smoothly; delays, cancellations and lost luggage can all add to the strain. According to a newly published list of most stressful airports worldwide, three are located within Europe.
Legacy created its list using sentiment analysis, weekly parking fees, distance from city centres and passenger reviews.
1. London Gatwick Airport Great Britain
London Gatwick Airport in the UK closed for a second day Thursday after drones were seen flying near to its airfield, forcing thousands of passengers to either find another airport or delay their flights as a result.
Crawley Airport in West Sussex serves London and the South East of England and is one of Europe’s busiest airports by passenger numbers, being served by numerous airlines such as British Airways and easyJet – not forgetting several regional and charter services as well.
Gatwick quickly established itself as an international charter airline hub during the 1960s, eventually drawing more scheduled flights as well. Air Europe and Dan-Air eventually emerged as two independent operators providing nonscheduled flights and tour charter services respectively.
Gatwick Airport provides a shuttle service between its North and South terminals using Bombardier CX-100 people-mover vehicles, which can be booked online. This free service can be taken advantage of.
2. Istanbul Airport Turkey
At first glance, Istanbul’s shiny new airport may appear more like a museum than an airplane terminal. Deliberately placed decorative Turkish paintings and contemporary sculptures fill its halls in what seems to be random yet playful fashion.
The airport covers an enormous 76 million-square foot space, accommodating both domestic and international flights in two terminals. Navigating its complex maze can be daunting for passengers connecting to other destinations; getting from one end of the terminal to the other may take some time, with lengthy lines for passport control at various checkpoints.
travelers in a rush can book priority services that can expedite their journeys, such as fast passage through passport control for departing passengers, dedicated lanes without waits at security and customs and special check-in services.
But for an unforgettable, stress-free experience, luxury hotels on site offer just that – featuring smart beds and ultrafast Wi-Fi connections as well as blackout cabins to regulate circadian rhythm. In keeping with its commitment to sustainable design, the airport also boasts numerous initiatives designed to lower water and energy consumption.
3. Munich Airport Germany
At Amsterdam Schiphol airport it can be more chaotic but I have never had any issues passing immigration; the lines can get long when there are so many people wanting to fly! Security can sometimes catch you by surprise but arriving 90 minutes ahead gives plenty of time for checking-in and passing security.
Airport is fully-equipped to keep travellers entertained during layovers with hotel, shopping center and visitor park located on its grounds, lounge stations throughout and recliners at gates designed for relaxation – and napcabs that can be rented per hour for maximum airport comfort!
Making the most of a layover in Munich requires taking advantage of its airport train. Unfortunately, traffic can become an obstacle during rush hours; for this reason it’s wiser to book a hotel close to both stations and major city sites.
4. Denver International Airport USA
Denver International Airport USA (DIA) is known for long security lines on busy travel days, often reaching up to 70,000 passengers who pass through screening (this includes TSA PreCheck and standard queues).
DIA was initially designed to accommodate 50 million passengers per year; today it serves more than 78 million. As a massive airport with three runways that can handle dual or triple streams of landing aircraft to reduce system delays due to bad weather, its 16R/34L runway stands as North America’s longest commercial use runway at 16,000feet-long.
Although Denver International Airport (DIA) is vast, it still feels intimate. Jeppesen Terminal serves as the main check-in and baggage claim area; connected to concourses via skywalk; featuring museum-quality displays of Colorado aviation history; also home to bars and restaurants; complimentary WiFi available without an account or expiry period is useful for staying informed of flight status updates and social media. DIA is approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver.
5. London Heathrow Airport Great Britain
Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest, serves 67 million passengers annually across four terminals and provides flights domestic, European and worldwide to Africa, Asia and beyond.
Airport security lines can often be long and frustrating. To reduce wait time and delay, try traveling during non-peak hours, packing efficiently (including pre-bagging liquids), and making an appointment for a CT scan at the latest available time slot. If waiting times remain long however, avoid taking it out on staff members; they have no control over them!
On Monday, when an air traffic control meltdown halted hundreds of flights at Heathrow airport, travelers took to social media in their ire. Additionally, three major rail routes serving it were either delayed or stopped altogether, adding further stress. Because Heathrow operates within an extremely narrow margin of full capacity, even minor disruptions can create chaos for passengers – aircraft arriving for arrival are directed toward one of four holding points controlled by Heathrow Approach Control located in Swanwick Hampshire for arrivals at this terminal.
6. Los Angeles International Airport USA
LAX airport has long been known for long security lines that can be both nerve-wracking and stressful; however, in recent years they have seen marked improvements due to more staff and advanced screening technology. Furthermore, two expedite security avenues exist at LAX which help shorten wait times and ease anxiety levels.
LAX Airport serves as Southern California’s primary international airport and offers over 150 gates spread among nine passenger terminals arranged in an U shape or horseshoe formation. Furthermore, an airside transit shuttle and various pedestrian corridors allow passengers to move between terminals without exiting and reentering airport security.
Travelers can enjoy dining options at restaurants and cafes throughout the terminals. Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) boasts one of the best food selections with Neapolitan-style pizza from 800 Degrees; hipster burgers from LA chain Umami; decent sushi at Chaya; as well as numerous shops for shopping or entertainment options such as Rock & Brews Concert Bar & Grill, Brookstone, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Trejo’s Taco Shop etc.
7. Fiumicino International Airport in Rome Italy
At an airport, there can be long lines and people scrambling to catch their flights – making the experience all the more stressful when connecting between international flights.
Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome serves as Italy’s main hub and serves a range of airlines – ITA Air, Alitalia and budget carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair among them – along with luxury brands such as Fendi, Bulgari and Gucci.
Passport control times vary but in general it should take at least 30 minutes if arriving from outside of EU/Schengen zone; it could take longer if multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
Once past security and through to the gates, things should become significantly simpler. Still allow plenty of time for check in, waiting on luggage delivery, and reaching your gate.
8. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport USA
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport USA is one of the busiest medium-sized travel hubs worldwide. Boasting five terminals – each offering ample dining, shopping and service options – as well as complimentary WiFi connectivity and charging stations, passengers booking economy class flights can relax at one of several airport lounges.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas serves as the primary international gateway serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and serves both commercial and private aviation, such as fractionally owned aircraft programs and jet card programs. Furthermore, it acts as a major refueling stop for transcontinental and intercontinental airliners.
The airport boasts direct rail access from both Dallas and Fort Worth via DART light rail system and TexRail respectively, and their respective expansion projects. Their eCUP project aims to add capacity for future expansion while simultaneously decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality by decreasing ozone levels, as well as increase energy efficiency at the airport overall. Furthermore, several new restaurants and shops will be added within its terminals.
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