This week, we’re happy to feature a guest post from our friends at Cheapflights.
Chances are that you will end up flying at some point in your life. Spending time in the airport terminals can sometimes seem interminable. Here are some interesting facts about United States airports that may surprise you – and make your next trip a little more fun!
1. Busiest
The world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta Georgia, sends 88 million travelers on their way per year. Be sure to secure your parking at Atlanta Airport!
2. Highest
The highest commercial airport in the United States is found at Telluride Regional Airport in Telluride, Colorado. Sitting 9070 feet above sea level, the runway is often covered in snow, so pilots are restricted from attempting a double touch landing.
3. Most Relaxing
If you face a long layover, spending that time getting some spa services may be just the thing to help you face the next leg of your travel. Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey offers a relaxing spa located in Terminal C called ‘d_parture Spa.’ Surrounding travelers with luscious green spaces mixed with contemporary glass structures, the Spa offers a special scalp and eye massage designed to relieve sinus pressure.
4. Most Delicious
Legal Sea Foods at Boston’s Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts is well known by locals and travelers alike for offering a variety of excellent seafood by way of several different dining options depending upon the Terminal. You can eat some great seafood with fast delivery, a beer pub atmosphere or traditional dining options.
5. Best for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, finding a kid-friendly airport may rank high on your list. Chicago O’Hare International in Chicago, Illinois has been ranked one of the best airports for families traveling with kids. Offering such amenities as aviation-themed interactive playground where kids can learn about planes while having fun, the kid-friendly airport also maintains a large supply of Legos for play by kids of all ages. The airport also features some awesome exhibits around the terminals, including a life size dinosaur reproduction and an actual fighter plane.
6. Most Musical
You will know you are in Nashville when you touch down in Nashville International Airport, Tennessee. Featuring six concert stages spread throughout the airport, travelers can spend their down time enjoying some great live concerts. Check the schedule so you don’t miss one while you’re there!
7. Most Nap-Friendly
Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, was the first to offer Minute Suites, where weary layover passengers can rest in a private room complete with a daybed and linens. The one hour nap will cost you, but travelers must believe it’s worth every penny, as the rooms are extremely popular.
8. Most Pet-Friendly
Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida wants to help travelers relax during their layovers at the airport. If you’re lucky, you will spot a couple of trained therapy dogs that walk the hallways looking for people who need a kiss or a snuggle from a canine ambassador. The dogs’ human companions give helpful assistance to travelers in need of directions, and it is believed the program can help alleviate certain flying fears among travelers who need a bit of added comfort before boarding.
9. Best Table Games
General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee Wisconsin doesn’t want players to lose their finely honed ping pong skills, so they’ve installed tables to make it easy for travelers to play a match while they wait for their boarding time.
10. Best for Movie-Buffs
Airports are beginning to realize that keeping travelers entertained while they wait is a positive thing. At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, travelers can visit a movie kiosk where they can download a movie to watch on their laptop or other viewing device while they are waiting for their plane or even during the flight.
With this list as a starting point, here’s hoping you will find something unusual to do the next time you hang out in an airport terminal. Before you fly, compare flight prices to America with a site like Cheapflights – and you know where to go to reserve airport parking!
