Though some airports have made great strides in recent years in improving the passenger experience, the reality is, many airports still aren’t exactly bastions of comfort. Between security checkpoints, confusing layouts, and uncomfortable (and insufficient) seating, most airports are simply viewed as a necessary evil between point A and point B. The ones that aren’t often have clever amenities that could inspire you to arrive earlier than usual or plot a layover just to avail yourself of them. Here are five of the best airport amenities we wish there were more of.

Sleep Pods and Nap Rooms

Anyone who’s ever been forced to sleep on the floor during a long layover or delay has dreamed of a better way to rest at the airport. Enter: sleep pods and nap rooms. Though they’re still fairly rare, you can find them abroad in cities including Berlin and Seoul, as well as domestically in Detroit and Atlanta. Minute Suites, which are essentially small private rooms, will usually set you back $65 for an hour — which, in the middle of a 24-hour travel day, could feel like a bargain. Other companies offering similar services at a small-but-growing number of airports include Napcabs and GoSleep, a trend we’d like to see more of.

Movie Theaters

Why wait for the in-flight entertainment to see a movie when some airports have actual theaters? Singapore’s famed Changi Airport, consistently ranked the best airport in the world, has a free 50-seat theater that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the domestic front we have Portland International Airport, whose PDX Airport Microcinema plays short films by local directors, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International, where travelers can stop by the See18 screening room, which also specializes in shorts. And while it might be tough to squeeze in a full movie without showing up especially early or having the mixed blessing of a long layover, it would certainly be nice to have the option in more than just a few airports.

Live Music

Bars, parks, and other public spaces have bands playing all the time, so why not airports? Well, some do — namely Austin and Nashville, cities known for their live music scenes — but they’re vanishingly rare. Since so many terminals have plenty of spots that could double as a makeshift stage, though, we hope to see more of them offer live entertainment — it can be a great distraction from an otherwise stressful travel day.

Libraries and Museums

On the other hand, if you’re seeking some quiet time before your flight, why not a library or museum? Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has you covered; its library and museum are both open to any travelers in search of solitude. Stateside, there’s also the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library at San Francisco International Airport and MIA Galleries in Miami. Increasingly, airports are placing a focus on local art, an effective way to liven up otherwise drab terminal decor and shine a spotlight on homegrown creatives.

Therapy Animals

Should you find yourself at the airport in Dallas, Charlotte, Calgary, or Istanbul sometime soon, you might be lucky enough to be greeted by a therapy dog. They roam the terminal, sometimes wearing vests that say “pet me,” to calm down travelers during what can be a very stressful experience. This raises a very important question: Why doesn’t every airport have friendly pups, kittens, or even llamas asking you to pet them? Hopefully, we’ll see more of these programs rolled out soon.

It’s safe to say that no traveler likes going through airport security. Even if you have a routine that works for you, there’s always a chance that long lines or other delays could result in a missed flight — or, at the very least, more anxiety than normal. That’s been especially true in recent months, as the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) scanners have made the process slower, not faster, for some travelers. This naturally leads to a question: Why are they so slow, anyway?

New Technology, New Problems

Those bulky, sci-fi-looking screening machines — officially known as computed tomography (CT) scanners — use 3D imaging to produce more reliable images of bag contents than their predecessors, which aims to reduce the need for secondary inspections. They were first approved in 2019, when the TSA purchased 300 of them to install at select U.S. airports. In 2023, following several other orders, the TSA spent a cool $1.3 billion on more than 1,200 units. 

“These CT units represent sophisticated technology that helps our professional, dedicated, and highly skilled workforce detect new and evolving threats to improve aviation security,” TSA administrator David Pekoske said at the time. “Deploying these units across our security checkpoints as expeditiously as possible will also improve checkpoint efficiency and the passenger experience.”

The new CT scanners, which, as of early 2026, have been installed at more than 250 airports across the country, are also intended to hasten the screening process by eliminating the need to remove certain liquids, laptops, and other electronic devices from carry-on items. As is often the case with new technology, however, they’ve sometimes had the opposite effect.

Growing Pains

In 2022, the travel website The Points Guy reported on travelers who were frustrated with the slow speed of the new scanners. In a statement, the TSA pointed to training issues with the new technology, sharing with the outlet that “as with any new technology, there is a learning curve for officers; as their proficiency increases, there is an expectation throughput will meet and exceed existing systems.” The agency clarified that the machines themselves are not the culprit, adding, “Our operational testing of the CT units shows that the baggage search technology takes no additional time.”

Growing pains were certainly to blame on opening day for Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal last November, when several passengers complained of long lines that made getting through security “four times slower” than usual. Though the TSA released a statement touting Pittsburgh’s 12 dedicated lanes (an increase from the previous seven) that represent “a leap forward in both safety and efficiency,” the experience on the ground was a bit different as people adapted to a new system.

It isn’t just travelers who have to adapt, however — it’s the actual TSA officers who have to operate the new scanners. As one of them posted on Reddit, officers at Pittsburgh International Airport received minimal training on the new machines. The officer added that the machines “are breaking down constantly, and we don’t really know how to use them yet. Things will speed up a bit once the technical issues are fixed and we become proficient in the new machines.” A scanner is only as efficient as the person operating it, and first days are difficult regardless of profession.

As the CT scanners become the norm rather than the exception, it’s likely that getting through security will indeed be faster and more efficient than it used to be, especially if travelers no longer have to remove certain items from their bags to be scanned separately. For now, though, keep arriving early just in case — particularly if the airport you’re traveling through just installed the new scanners.

Featured image credit: Joe Raedle via Getty Images News 

Airport lounges have been booming in popularity in recent years. And these days, you don’t always need to be a business-class ticket holder or high-status traveler to enjoy them. The Priority Pass program offers access to more than 1,800 airport lounges along with dining, spa, and relaxation experiences spread across 600 cities and 146 countries. If you’re a frequent flyer and looking to up your lounge game, we’ll go over the pros and cons of Priority Pass in this article.

How Do You Qualify for Priority Pass?

In short, there are two paths to obtaining access to Priority Pass lounges. Some credit cards offer it as a benefit for being a cardholder, which can often be a valuable perk. For instance, Priority Pass membership is one of many travel-related benefits that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which has an annual fee of $795 (as of early 2026). With this type of membership, cardholders get unlimited complimentary access to any Priority Pass lounge for themselves and up to two guests.

The other way to access Priority Pass lounges is to purchase a membership. There are three different membership tiers available, open to any traveler:

• Standard membership: $99 per year, plus an additional $35 for each lounge you visit; this is aimed at occasional travelers 
• Standard Plus: $329 per year for 10 complimentary visits ($35 for each subsequent visit), which may represent better value if you travel more frequently 
• Prestige membership: $469 for unlimited complimentary visits, marketed to the most frequent flyers

Which Airports Have a Priority Pass Lounge?

You can search by airport on the Priority Pass website or app to find out which lounges are available. You may notice that lounges dedicated to a specific airline are rarely offered through the Priority Pass program. For instance, American’s Admirals Club or Delta’s Sky Clubs are open only to those who purchase a lounge membership offered by the airline, along with business-class ticket holders, high-status travelers, or those who hold a premium airline co-branded credit card. 

However, it’s worth noting that some Priority Pass-accessible lounges can be managed by a specific airline, such as the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport. At some lounges, a dress code may apply, so be sure to check in advance if you tend to travel in casual gear. 

What To Expect Inside Priority Pass Lounges

In general, airport lounges are advertised as quiet spaces (or may have quiet zones) and offer comfortable seating (some with day beds). They usually provide complimentary drinks (often including alcoholic beverages) and food, though this might range from packaged snacks to a buffet serving hot meals or, rarely, table service. 

Most lounges are equipped with Wi-Fi, and you’ll be able to get online as part of the lounge admission fee. You might also encounter TV screens, be offered a selection of newspapers and magazines, or find space for business meetings. Typically, there’s an additional charge if you wish to bring a guest.

Some Priority Pass lounges have payable extras, such as shower facilities, sleep pods, spa or salon services, or, at MSP PGA Lounge, golf. 

Is It Worth Paying Directly for Priority Pass?

Sometimes, even if a lounge belongs to the Priority Pass membership, you may be able to pay per use if you’re not a member. Making comparisons between the cost of visiting a lounge using a Priority Pass membership or simply paying on a lounge-by-lounge basis can be tricky, as prices vary considerably between regions and airports. Typically, however, you’ll pay less to enter with a Priority Pass membership. 

For instance, The Club offers several lounges in the U.S. that are available on a pay-per-use basis but also accessible to Priority Pass members. These include The Club at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, which can be booked by any traveler for $50, or The Club at San Francisco International Airport, which costs $75 to prebook.

Elsewhere, you can expect to pay around $40 in Bogotá, Colombia; $45 to $50 in Cancun, Mexico; and $55 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Access starts at around $55 USD for the No. 1 Lounge at London Heathrow Airport, $50 at Toronto’s Plaza Premium Lounges, or $80 at the Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. 

Are There Any Downsides to Priority Pass?

Anecdotal reports from Priority Pass holders suggest that both the availability and quality of lounges in North America fall short when compared to those located in other parts of the world. Some major airports, like Denver International Airport, currently don’t have any lounges available to Priority Pass holders. 

In other busy hubs, lounges may not be the peaceful retreats you might expect. It can be tough to find availability at peak periods, or you may be required to join a waitlist due to limited lounge capacity. Lounges may also have a capacity limit specifically for Priority Pass holders, even if they appear to have space, but prebooking is possible at some lounges as a way of overcoming this problem.

Access periods vary, too — you might be able to find a lounge that allows up to a six-hour visit, but some might ration you to a two-hour stay. Before you commit, check out reviews and browse the Priority Pass website to determine what the experience is likely to be for your local airport (or anywhere you plan to access lounges on a regular basis). 

Lastly, there’s also the cost of membership to consider — and what you might be able to experience instead for free. Some airports, particularly those in Asia, compete for transit passenger business by offering free sightseeing tours to those on longer layovers. By opting for lounge access, you could be missing the chance to explore Istanbul (when flying with Turkish Airlines) or Shanghai, for example. Other airports go big on visitor attractions under their own roof, such as the breathtaking gardens and art installations within Singapore Changi.  

Like the lounges themselves, no two airports and no two travelers are the same. This is one of those instances where it really pays to do your homework before investing in Priority Pass or a similar lounge membership program.

As with airplanes and hotels, there are both written and unwritten rules of passenger etiquette when traveling by train. That’s true whether you’re riding aboard Amtrak or the local subway. Some etiquette rules may be considered common sense, but if you don’t ride the rails frequently, you may not be familiar with the ins and outs of being a considerate passenger to your fellow train travelers and staff members. Here are nine helpful train etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Keep Bags Off Seats

Frequent rail riders say taking up too much space is one of the most annoying things other passengers do on trains. Seats are intended for humans, not your personal belongings (or pets). This is especially important on crowded trains — such as those during rush hour — where available seating may be scarce. While you may be tempted to place a bag on the seat so you have extra personal space, doing so is considered rude.

Instead, keep bags or other personal objects on your lap, in your hands, under the seat in front of you, or atop any luggage racks that may be available overhead or at the end of the car. Making each seat available not only provides other passengers with the comfort they’re entitled to but also helps keep the amount of standing passengers in crowded aisles and vestibules to a minimum.

In addition to keeping bags off seats, be sure to keep your body confined to just one single seat and avoid kicking up your feet or lying down across multiple seats. Thankfully, you’ll find footrests located in front of you on most Amtrak trains.

Use Headphones

I’m a frequent train rider myself, and nothing irritates me more than other people watching videos, listening to music, or having loud speakerphone conversations without headphones. Unfortunately, this is becoming a more frequent occurrence. Avoid being part of the problem and always pack a pair of headphones when riding the rails. Remember, nobody else in the car wants to hear what you’re listening to.

Speak in Subdued Tones

Much like in other public places, you should aim to keep the volume of your conversation at a reasonable level so your voice doesn’t echo throughout the car. But with train travel, there are a few additional distinctions.

For instance, it’s more acceptable to talk aloud on the subway than it is on an Amtrak train. On Amtrak, there are also stricter rules if you find yourself seated in one of the quiet cars, which are located on many Amtrak trains and regional rail lines and are clearly labeled as such. These cars are intended for peaceful and quiet rides, which means all phone calls are explicitly prohibited. If you need to chat with the person next to you, speak in a soft voice and keep conversation to a minimum.

Wait for Riders To Exit Before Boarding

When boarding a train, the proper etiquette is to stand off to the side of the open doors and wait for passengers to exit. Only once it’s clear should you attempt to board the train yourself. If you try to push onto the train too early, you’ll end up bumping into those who are trying to leave, causing an unnecessary traffic jam — and potentially forcing the train to sit in the station for longer than necessary.

Don’t Block Aisles or Doors

Extending your legs into the aisle or keeping your luggage in the middle of the walkway prevents your fellow passengers from easily getting on and off the train, especially in the rare event of an emergency. This holds true for the vestibules at the end of the car, too, as you should never stash your luggage in front of the doors.

Share Outlets

Amtrak provides two outlets for every pair of seats, though they’re often located closer to the window. This means that the person sitting in the window seat has easier access than the passenger sitting on the aisle. But if you need to charge your device, don’t be a hog — always share with your seatmate, even if it means their power cord running underneath your legs.

Offer Up Accessible Seating

Typically, there are certain sections or seats of a train car — whether it’s regional rail or a city metro line — designated for people with accessibility needs. These seats are often clearly marked; for example, the New York City subway has signs that read, “Priority Seating for persons with disabilities.”

While it’s fine to sit there in an otherwise empty car where there’s nobody with special seating needs, you should relinquish your seat and move to a different location if someone requests to sit there, keeping in mind hidden disabilities.

Be Prepared To Disembark

Rather than waiting until the last minute, start to gather your belongings as you approach your stop. Otherwise, you may have to scramble to get off or cause a delay at the station. (You could also get caught in a traffic jam if you don’t make it to the exit before people start to board.) A little preparation can go a long way in terms of respecting your fellow passengers.

Be Mindful About Eating (And Your Trash)

When it’s time to leave the train, you should always clean up all of the trash at your seat, such as food wrappers or beverage bottles. Usually, you’ll find dedicated garbage bins at the end of the car on Amtrak trains and aboard many regional rails. If not, take your trash off the train and dispose of it in any garbage cans located on the platform.

Additionally, when bringing food aboard, particularly in more crowded train vehicles like subways, try to be considerate of what you eat. According to The New York Times, for example, “It is an unspoken compact among subway riders in New York City: If you are going to eat on the train, keep it simple.” That means avoiding messy or smelly foods that may be inconsiderate to your fellow passengers and train cleaning crews. 

The world’s top tourist destinations continue to evolve, blending history, architecture, culture, innovation, and entertainment in ways that consistently impress travelers. The “Top 100 City Destinations Index,” by the data analytics company Euromonitor International, analyzed the cities that attract the most international visitors in key categories such as tourism infrastructure and policy, sustainability, health, and safety. From storied capitals to trendsetting global hubs, these are the world’s 10 best cities for travelers to visit based on data from 2025.

10. Seoul, South Korea

The global rise of “K-culture,” driven by K-pop music, film, television, and fashion, has sparked increased interest in Korean tourism in recent years, helping Seoul to land at No. 10 on the list of the world’s best cities to visit. From K-Star Road (Seoul’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame) to Myeongdong, a hub for K-pop merchandise, K-culture hot spots are drawing young fans in droves. 

In addition to its pop culture appeal, Seoul boasts a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern amenities. The modern skyscrapers that extend across Seoul’s skyline are interspersed with ancient palaces, remnants of the Joseon dynasty that ruled the region for more than 500 years. Tourists can explore neighborhoods of preserved traditional houses (called hanoks) and world-class shopping districts like Gangnam, among many other highlights.

9. Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport was ranked the world’s best airport in 2025, but there are plenty of reasons why Singapore should be more than just your stopover point in Southeast Asia.

Clean, organized, and easy to navigate, this fascinating city-state is known for its bold architectural landmarks, such as the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, one of the world’s most expensive skyscrapers ever built. New to the city in 2025, Rainforest Wild Asia spans more than 30 acres and offers immersive walking trails where visitors can view native wildlife.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is a tourism mainstay known for its sunny beaches, acclaimed food scene, and distinct Catalan culture. The city is expected to see continued tourism growth in 2026, especially among international travelers, which has resulted in overtourism concerns.

As the city aims to meet those challenges, Barcelona’s coastal charm, walkability, and outdoor-focused lifestyle continue to attract visitors from around the globe, whether they’re enjoying tapas on a patio, relaxing in a sunny park, or taking a stroll down La Rambla. Top attractions include the world-famous Sagrada Familia basilica and other Antoni Gaudí works such as Casa Batlló and Park Güell. 

7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam marked its 750th anniversary in 2025, drawing locals and tourists alike with a full calendar of events, including festivals, sports events, and appearances by the royal family. Like Barcelona, Amsterdam is facing record growth in tourist visits, but if you can brave the crowds, you’ll find plenty to enjoy — from historic neighborhoods and world-famous art museums like the Rijksmuseum to vibrant nightlife and social events — all packed neatly into a compact, walkable layout.

One of the best times to visit is during tulip season. From mid-March through early May, the city and countryside come alive with brilliant blooms. Take a boat ride through Amsterdam’s famous canals for some of the best views. 

6. New York, New York

New York City is a perennial tourism magnet — and the only U.S. city to land in the top 10 of the world’s top cities to visit. From winter holiday displays to summer days spent in Central Park and some of the world’s best dining and theater throughout the year, the Big Apple boasts endless appeal across its five boroughs. 

Following a record-breaking holiday travel season in 2025, there’s much to look forward to in New York in 2026. The city will host the official FIFA World Cup Fan Village at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, and New York will also undoubtedly be a hub for celebrations as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

5. Milan, Italy

Milan seamlessly blends contemporary fashion and design with old-world architecture (see: the Duomo di Milano) and historic art (The Last Supper), creating a unique atmosphere for tourists searching for the best of both worlds.

Twice a year, the city takes center stage during Milan Fashion Week, and in 2025, the events welcomed more than 260,000 visitors to the city. Milan is home to some of the most prominent designers in the world — including Prada, Versace, and Armani — and draws visitors year-round, even if only to window-shop after enjoying an aperitivo.

4. Rome, Italy

With the chance to walk where gladiators once fought in the Colosseum and where Roman politicians met in the Roman Forum thousands of years ago, it’s easy to see why so many tourists flock to Rome. Among the ancient ruins are surprises around every turn, from hidden piazzas and hole-in-the-wall cafes to family-run restaurants and stunning modern architecture. 

Visitors also have easy access to Vatican City, an independent city-state entirely surrounded by Rome. It is home to iconic attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. The summer of 2025 saw record-breaking numbers of tourists — more than 38 million — for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year. 

3. Tokyo, Japan

Euromonitor’s report ranks Japan’s capital city as the best destination to visit in Asia. As the world’s most populous metropolitan area, Tokyo is a global economic hub that welcomes millions of international travelers for both business and leisure. Its robust metro system and high-speed railway connection to other cities make traveling a breeze, something visitors and locals alike appreciate in this sprawling city. 

Tokyo has several new and exciting openings to look forward to in 2026. Among them is the Tokyo Dream Park entertainment complex, the renovated Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the highly anticipated PokéPark Kanto, the world’s first Pokémon theme park.

2. Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s bustling plazas, tree-lined promenades, and outdoor tapas restaurants bring a lively charm to the city that tourists can’t get enough of — reflected in its ranking as the second-best city in the world to visit in 2025.

Visitors can explore some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, together known as the “Golden Triangle of Art.” Meanwhile, sports fans arrive in droves to cheer for Real Madrid, the city’s beloved football team.

1. Paris, France

For the fifth consecutive year, Paris ranks as the best city in the world to visit, according to the Euromonitor survey. The French capital enchants travelers year-round with highlights such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, while others come for exciting events around the ever-evolving city. Paris experienced a post-Olympics tourism boom following the 2024 Summer Games, with an estimated 18.3 million international visitors exploring the city in 2025.

Many visitors came to see the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral after five years of renovations following a 2019 fire. Also in 2025, the Seine River officially opened for summertime swimming following the Olympic cleanup of the famed river. But even if you’re not up for a dip in the Seine, there are plenty of world-class museums, shops, historic neighborhoods, and renowned culinary experiences that promise an unforgettable experience.