3 airports in the west you won’t mind landing at for a layover

Even the most avid travellers can have their enthusiasm dampened by endless security lines, delayed flights and interminable layovers.

Luckily, more airports are figuring out that passengers on a layover shouldn’t feel like they’ve been trapped in Dante’s nine circles of hell, and over the past decade, there’s been a concerted effort to make airports more welcoming and hospitable. As a result, many now offer a wide range of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, nap pods, soothing spas, fantastic food, premium shopping and yoga rooms.

Some airports, of course, do more than others.

So, while we all love a direct flight when we can get it, Way.com recently looked at some of the best airports to get stuck in, picking up on AirHelp’s recently revealed list of the world’s best airports.

Lucky for us, three of them were here in the west – airports that offer inviting layover experiences for travellers passing through, and in some cases, destination in themselves.

Edmonton International Airport

Canada’s top airport according to AirHelp, Edmonton International Airport – orYEG – is Canada’s most northerly 24-hour major airport and boasts and is the nation’s fifth busiest in terms of passengers and its largest major airport by land mass (just under 7,000 acres).

What makes it a good option for layovers?

• YEG offers a good selection of shops – from the “essentials” to those worthy of a longer browse – along with an assortment of restaurants to nourish you pre- or post-flight.
• In addition to quiet spaces for those flying with infants, and three play areas for kids, YEG offers a free online activity book – download before you travel and the kids can enjoy some fun activities while waiting to board!
• Flyers of all ages should be on the lookout for the airport’s Therapy Pets, from the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta. Easily identified by the matching outfits of dog and handler, these Very Good Dogs help keep travellers calm and encourage interaction. Don’t forget to ask for trading cards that share photos and information about each pet.
• As the first airport in Canada to launch a permanent live music program in 2004, YEG’s Live Music Program showcases emerging musicians from around the region year-round, providing an opportunity to share their music the airport’s stages.
• Looking for a literary diversion during your layover? Across from Gate 64 on the Departures level, look for a short story dispenser that prints out free one- or five-minute stories on slips of paper much like an ATM receipt. In addition to about 100 local authors, you can also enjoy writings by authors from destinations like the Netherlands, Iceland, London and France.

Los Angeles Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and the 11th busiest in the world, with millions of travellers passing through each year. It’s also the busiest airport in the world for both origin and destination flights.

According to AirHelp, LAX is ranked as the second-best airport in the U.S. for 2025.

With tons of amenities to help travellers, LAX is especially great for business travel. Here’s what makes this a great airport for layovers:

• With 180 dining and shopping options spread across its 9 terminals, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
• The art program at LAX offers a unique way to enjoy your time at the airport. You can see art exhibitions, view permanent art installations and attend live performances, all of which enhance your travel experience.
• If you’d like to learn about Southern California’s aviation history, there’s an aviation museum, the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center, on the airport grounds.
• You’ll love the Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program! LAX created this program involving therapy dogs with which travellers can interact.
• LAX is set to introduce the Automated People Mover, which will help passengers navigate the airport more easily.
• The award-winning Tom Bradley International Terminal, with its ultra-modern design and wide range of dining and shopping options, raises the level of traveller experience at LAX.

Portland International Airport

Travellers seem to love the Portland Airport, which probably explains all the awards it’s garnered – it’s been crowned the best airport in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler multiple times!

READ MORE: Travelling to Portland? Here’s what’s new!

PDX is probably one of the few airports you’ll want to arrive a few hours early. Here’s what makes the Portland Airport so popular:

• Sample some of the best craft beer in America at the outposts of local breweries, or try some whiskey at the world’s first airport distillery tasting room, House Spirits.
• The main terminal offers a literal walk through the forest! The terminal’s 9-acre mass timber roof hovers over a grove of deciduous trees and lush planters.
• Portland Airport has a highly regarded food selection, with plenty of locally sourced food and international cuisine, all for the same price as their off-airport locations, thanks to their street pricing.
• Shop to your heart’s content – there’s no sales tax in Oregon, and there’s no need to go through an annoying duty-free process.
• Watch short movies by Oregon filmmakers at the 17-seater microcinema, Hollywood Theater.
• Check out the rotating art exhibits or the live music shows while you’re there.

This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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