If money, space (and politics) were no object, what might the ideal airport experience feel like?
Instead of satisfying yourself with a 5am pint, €6.95 croissant, hard seats, spotty lighting or Ryanair-style upsells, what if your airport journey included a free cinema, real trees, oodles of natural light, a spa, or a butterfly garden?
Ireland’s airports continue to improve, with a €200m upgrade now underway at Cork and plans to expand Pier 1 West at Dublin Airport, among other developments hidden behind hoardings. But if money, space (and politics) were no object, what might the ideal airport experience feel like?
Last year, Portland International unveiled a US$2bn (€1.7bn) expansion of its main terminal. It’s a breathtaking contrast to the steel and industrial elements passengers are usually immersed in at airports – with the highlight a curvy, nine-acre timber roof that aims to evoke the feeling of walking in a Pacific Northwest forest.
Portland’s Main Terminal. Pic: Ema Peter Photography
It’s made from local wood, and Oregon is also brought indoors through waves of living greenery including trees stretching up to 25-feet in height.
Natural light spills in from ceiling skylights and expansive windows, with views stretching over aprons to the region’s famous woodland.
The idea is to make it clear “exactly where you have landed”, and to tell a story about city and state… but also to reduce stress and help with wayfinding.
Of course, no amount of planting or fancy architecture will insure against a delay, lost bag or missed connection. But they can certainly help smooth the travel experience, however it is unfolding.
Singapore’s Changi regularly tops ‘best of’ airport lists, with features including a 40-foot waterfall, butterfly garden, hedge mazes and rooftop pool
The ‘Rain Vortex’ at Changi Airport, Singapore. Photo: Getty
Singapore’s Changi regularly tops ‘best of’ airport lists, with features including a 40-foot waterfall, butterfly garden, hedge mazes and rooftop swimming pool. Kids’ play areas include bouncing nets and climbing walls, and there’s a 50-seater cinema showing free movies in Terminal 3.
Throw in world-class shopping, and you have an airport that achieves the impossible – becoming a destination you may secretly wish to be delayed in.
Paris Charles De Gaulle has its critics, but I love its emphasis on art, and while I rarely get to experience the Business Class lounges of Dubai, I do wish every airport had its recliner chairs and rest zones.
The best airports should be functional – planning for passenger flow and customer service. Things like lighting, high ceilings, plant life, eliminating pinch points and seamless wifi add calm and ease to spaces that can quickly become stressy and emotional.
Great shopping, food and drink experiences lighten moods and encourage us to spend – but as with fees for extras like fast-track and lounges, they have to deliver a fair sense of value.
If food is poor, service shoddy or lounges rammed, it starts to feel like nickel-and-diming. That leaves a bad taste, and a grumpier mix of guests.
Brendan Murphy, Alexandra Molloy, Michelle Abbott and Brian Kavanagh – the team at Dublin Airport’s Platinum VIP. Photo: Mark Condren
“Wellness is part of the journey” is the literal message at Be Relax spas, a company partnering with airports to pamper passengers. If you’ve flown from Dublin to Abu Dhabi, Doha or Dubai you may have seen one, but they also have outlets in LA, Atlanta and Detroit, among others.
Services range from nail care to face yoga – 30-minutes on a massage lounger at Newark costs US$39 (€33), while an hourlong head massage from a human in Dubai hits at €117.
If you are willing to pay extra, you can upgrade to Dublin Airport’s ‘secret’ terminal too. Recently expanded, Platinum VIP includes a suite, dedicated check in, food and drink from €475 each way.