TPG Staff Picks: Our Favorite Airports to Travel Through
While some travelers only look to the airport as a means of passage, we here at TPG have learned to appreciate some airports for all that they offer. From great restaurants options to luxurious lounge access, these airports are where we enjoy a long layover the most. We’ve shared our favorite destinations, now take a look at our favorite ways to get there.
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
"I like airports close to where I’m trying to go, so I love McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Vegas; it’s so close to the Strip and there's a great Centurion Lounge there. Internationally, I think Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is pretty beautiful — it’s well-organized and clean." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy
Tenzing–Hillary Airport (LUA)
“While it’s not known for its lounges or restaurant options, Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Nepal is known for its insane views. It’s called the 'gateway to Mount Everest' since most climbers fly into the airport before they head to basecamp. AvGeeks will enjoy watching aircraft take off — although it’ll probably make their stomachs drop, since the runway literally goes off the edge of a massive cliff.” — Brendan Dorsey, Associate Editor
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
“Being from Michigan and a loyal Delta flyer, I may be biased, but Detroit Metro (DTW) is my favorite airport. It features soaring architecture, wide-open concourses with tons of natural light, a bright-red express tram whizzing by overhead and plenty of great food options — such as Plum Market, which features sandwiches and deli selections from world-famous Zingerman’s in nearby Ann Arbor.” — Nick Ellis, Reviews Editor
Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC)
"My favorite airport is LaGuardia. JK. I’ve loved my time transiting through Dubai (DXB) and Singapore (SIN), but my favorite airport is in Provincetown, MA (PVC). It’s tiny. Like very tiny. But between the awesome Cessna aircraft used to get there and the beautiful approach into Provincetown, surrounded by sand dunes and beachgrass, it’s my favorite." — Emily McNutt, News Editor
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
"If you've ever had a long layover in Dubai, you can understand why DXB is my favorite airport. As the third-busiest airport in the world, DXB surely keeps its travelers busy with its concourses that feature just about anything you might need. From snooze cubes to spas, to the largest duty- free in the world, DXB is the ultimate traveler’s paradise." — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
"I get a lot of crap for this at TPG headquarters, but all things considered, my favorite airport is Newark — specifically Terminal C. It’s super easy to get to from my apartment, at just over 20 minutes without traffic, and it’s home to Classified — my favorite airport restaurant. A flight into Newark also means I’ve coming home, and there’s no better feeling than that!" — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
“The Dulles airport is my favorite for one reason and one reason only: Chipotle. Breakfast. I know, I know, Chipotle ain’t what it used to be, but their breakfast burritos are worth the risk, and the DC airport is the only place I know of that has them. The next time you have a hangover and find yourself in Concourse B, you know what to do.” — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor
Banyuwangi Airport (BWX)
"This is definitely going to be a strange pick — and probably one you’ve never heard of: Banyuwangi. The reason this is my favorite airport is because it is the airport where TPG and I escaped Mount Agung. After a seven-hour journey from Bali via car and ferry, TPG chartered a jet from Banyuwangi Airport getting us to safety and away from the volcano. Thus today, Banyuwangi is my current favorite airport!" — Becca Denenberg, Director, Marketing & Communications
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
“Singapore’s Changi Airport has a new terminal, T4, which opened in late 2017. I spent a few hours in it and in the Korean Air lounge in December on my way to Seoul and I was reminded yet again why Changi is the best: spacious, quiet, user-friendly, with consistently good food options and even individual sleeper sofas in public areas. This is travel democracy: You can have a fine experience with no lounge access.” — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor
Samui International Airport (USM)
“My favorite airport is Samui International. Koh Samui is an outdoor oasis to enjoy while waiting to depart the beautiful island.” — Adam Kotkin, Chief of Staff
Sydney Airport (SYD)
“JFK's my favorite airport. Said nobody — ever. I guess Sydney is, but mainly for nostalgic reasons. You can buy shopping trolleys worth of Tim Tams, and my parents are always waiting at the exit to drive me home. But sans nostalgia, stumbling upon Long Beach's laid-back al fresco layout was an amazing respite from the usual LAX experience.” — Isabelle Raphael, Photo Editor
Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
"There are a lot of cooler, more fascinating airports in the world, but Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) will always hold a ton of nostalgia for me. Fortunately for non-homesick travelers, the airport has undergone a number of renovations in recent years that make the dingy terminals of my childhood a memory. These days, when you fly into Taiwan, you’ll find art installations featuring indigenous creations and play areas for children; a Hello Kitty shrine, if that’s your thing; kiosks renting out mobile Wi-Fi devices; amazing food courts with truly mouth-watering local offerings; and fast, free Wi-Fi everywhere.” — Katherine Fan, Freelance Writer
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
“I’m not sure it’s my favorite airport necessarily, but I’ve definitely been charmed by Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). With their adorable rocking chairs and access to Bojangles’ sweet tea, I always feel like I’ve happily landed in the South when I’m there.” — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
“It’s far from the nicest one in the world (in total honesty, it’s gross), but my favorite is the New Orleans airport because it means I’m back at my favorite place in the world.” — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
"Hong Kong is my favorite airport. After landing very early in the morning from a 16-hour flight from JFK, we were easily able to navigate HKG and get to the lounge to freshen up and have breakfast. Picking up our luggage and getting through customs was also a breeze — though we were extra-relaxed and in a good mood after just flying Cathay First." — Kate O’ Brien, Director of Marketing & Compliance
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
"I haven’t been to too many airports; however the giant window in the Seattle airport I found particularly breathtaking."— Jessica Rovniak, Video Editor
John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
"As a New York-based aviation enthusiast, JFK has always been a personal favorite. That’s right. You read that correctly. A favorite. From an enthusiast’s perspective, JFK’s quite a dream, thanks to the impressive list of international carriers serving the airport, with flights to global destinations on just about any aircraft type that’s flown in the last 50 years. As much of a pain it is for travelers, I appreciate the half dozen or so individual terminals, unlike the mega-terminals you’d find in Atlanta, Dubai or Detroit." — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
"Favorite might be a stretch, but (ATL) has been a home-away-from-home for at least a decade. The massive airport has so many food options — especially in the way of fried chicken!" — Jeffrey Preis, Editorial Intern
Featured photo of Hong Kong International airport by Pavliha/Getty Images
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.