Airports with Natural Beauty

** "The airports in New Zealand are nice, just like the country. Domestically, I like the Charlotte airport -- they have big windows with rocking chairs and palm trees. Nice to look at and even better to sit a while!" ~ mschrisann

** "I have always found that Vancouver International Airport is one of the prettiest I have been to, with a real eye towards bringing a sense of the outdoor beauty of the Vancouver area to the airport. Lots of natural light through the large sections of glass windows, plus the use of natural materials in the terminal make it a peaceful setting." ~ GregW

** "If you like a nice place to hang out, the Santa Barbara airport is small, friendly, has a nice gift shop, and a lovely little coffee shop where you can sit on the balcony, sip your favorite beverage, and be lucky enough to have incomparable views." ~ Sadler-Wells

Art Enthusiast
** "Hmm, haven't had too many memorable layovers, but I guess my nicest one was at Chicago, IL O'Hare. The food and services were pretty standard, but I liked the different art exhibits they had throughout the different terminals -- I remember some really cool murals that sort of captured the spirit of Chicago." ~ Soliteyah

** "Although our layover was only an hour, we enjoyed the large spacious central atrium and live piano music at the airport in Portland." ~ Big Bird

** "Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is a great place. There is an art gallery and a casino, plus a train straight into the heart of Amsterdam. I had a six-hour layover there, and was able to get out of the airport and see a little of Amsterdam." ~ GregW

For Shopoholics
** "The best layover I have ever had at any airport is Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The duty-free shopping is to die for with plenty of good places to eat and a major hotel inside the international transit area. Even though it is in the Middle East, Dubai, UAE is a safe place and safe for Americans. Dubai is a great place to visit in and of itself and the airport makes it so much the better." ~ AirWolfFL

** "If you love to shop, the best airport I've experienced for a layover is Munich. Paris's, de Gaulle is also good for shopping." ~ Sadler-Wells

** "I don't mind spending time browsing/shopping or having a snack in Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport while waiting to board my flight." ~ Host Bonjour

** "I was amazed at the shopping opportunities at Pittsburgh's airport. It's like your plane landed at the Mall of the Americas!" ~ GregW