These Airports Have Amazing Outdoor Spaces

Being hours early to the airport no longer means having to be cooped up indoors. One of the hottest trends happening at terminals these days? Outdoor decks or seating areas as a passenger amenity. Most of them include great views of airplanes, taxiways and runways. Below are 10 airports with outdoor spaces you should visit on your next trip.

1.Frankfurt Airport, Germany

Frankfurt airport’s Terminal 2 is home to the Visitors’ Terrace. The indoor/outdoor space has seating, with some placed under pavilions to protect against bad weather. The terrace offers great views of the activity on the apron, along with aircraft taking off and landing. The fence features small gaps that allows visitors to take photos on the tarmac. It’s close to the terminal’s Food Plaza, so visitors can take food and eat outside.

2.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

The Panorama Terrace is open to all visitors at the home of KLM. It’s located between Departures 1 and 2. The terrace popular with plane spotters and travelers alike because of expansive views of aircraft parked in Schiphol’s C, D and E piers, along with city views. There’s a KLM Fokker 100 on display, and visitors can enjoy a meal and the views when they eat at either Touchdown, a buffet-style restaurant, or Dakota’s Cafe and Bar.

3.Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin’s hometown airport is home to the South Terminal, designed to house ultra-low-cost carriers including Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines and Via Air. After clearing security, passengers can sit in an outdoor patio area and catch some sun before take-off. The area has tables and chairs, a pet relief area, and access to food trucks that have become iconic in the Texas state capitol. There’s also Wi-Fi access and charging stations for electronic devices.

4.Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

The Delta Sky Club in Concourse F features an outdoor deck at the world’s busiest airport that is a delight for its best customers. The 1,710 square-foot outdoor space has great views of the airline’s ramp operations. It seats nearly 40 guests and has Wi-Fi access and power outlets. There are large heaters for chilly days and an outdoor bar that regularly features the best mixologists from across the country.

5.Hong Kong International Airport

In Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2 (near the Food Court on the departures level) is the Aviation Discovery Centre, which features aviation-themed exhibits and graphics. It’s also home to the outdoor SkyDeck. The large platform is the perfect spot to watch the world’s jets, including those of hometown airline Cathay Pacific. It’s an open area with no shade, so wear a hat and use sunscreen as you enjoy the aviation view.

6.JFK Airport, New York

As if New York-based JetBlue’s flagship Terminal 5 wasn’t hip enough, the carrier decided to open a rooftop deck in 2015. The 4,046-square-foot post-security rooftop includes landscaped green spaces, seating for 50 people, a 400-square-foot children’s play area and a 400-square-foot dog-walk area. It also offers amazing views of both the Manhattan skyline and the historic TWA Terminal. The space also features free Wi-Fi and three food and beverage carts for a meal or quick snack.

7.Long Beach Airport, California

After passing through security at California’s Long Beach Airport, passengers have access to nearly 22,000 square feet of outdoor space with canopied seating areas. Check out the terminal’s local eateries and eat outside on wood benches and watch the planes fly in and out. There’s even a patio where travelers can grab a glass of wine or food near a fire pit. And enjoy the landscaping that has palm trees and water-friendly native drought-tolerant plants

8.Los Angeles International Airport

You need to have status to enter the Star Alliance Lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. But if you do find yourself in possession of the golden ticket, you can expect fire pits and amazing views of Hollywood and the mountains, along with a free open bar and an expansive food buffet.

9.Sydney Airport

If you’re departing from this airport down under, you’re most likely looking at a long flight. Before going through security, check out the Cloud 9 rooftop bar at the Rydges Sydney Airport hotel. The bar features signature cocktails, spirits, champagnes, wines and food. But it also has killer views of the airport runway, Port Botany and the city’s skyline.

10.Zurich Airport

The Aspire Lounge, open to all international travelers, is located in the airport’s Midfield Terminal above Gate E. It not only offers free food and drinks, it also offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and airport gates in its outdoor terrace seating.