A New Study Shows People Are Making Their Vacation Plans Around Places With The Best Airports

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NY Post - As travelers book holiday vacations for 2025, a new report reveals an emerging trend when it comes to airport travel.

Booking.com has released its annual travel prediction list for 2025, and one trend, “the gate escape,” has people embracing enjoyable airport experiences.

Booking.com’s website says, “2025 is set to be the year that the airport takes its place in the limelight as travelers actively seek out destinations with the best airports. … This trend marks a shift towards people working to make the most of their holiday from the moment they leave their homes.”

Ben Harrell, US managing director at Booking.com, told Fox News Digital via email that passengers arriving at the airport early is not just practical, but a part of the journey.

“These spaces are becoming gateways of relaxation and entertainment. There’s an argument about whether life is about the journey or the destination, but in travel, it’s increasingly about both,” Harrell said.

Twenty-seven percent of Americans are now factoring in specific airports when choosing a destination, with 52% feeling more excited and less stressed when airports have unique experiences, according to Booking.com.

“For many travelers, especially Gen Z and millennials, it’s no longer about rushing through security; it’s about embracing experiences,” said Harrell.

Thirty-four percent are excited about spa offerings, and 28% are excited about enjoying sleep pods.

Something new everyday. I feel like a travel a good amount, almost exclusively for work. So I spend a decent amount of time traveling through airports. (Side note: today I said hello to Matt Harvey in the airport and he was virtually unresponsive when I said "big Met fan") I have to be honest maybe it's because I cycle through the same airports a lot, but even when you take a trip to a random city, I don't notice shit about airports and what makes them good or bad. Have there been times where I'm like "wow the food options suck here" or "that sure is a random store to have." Yes of course, but I usually go about my day. 

So to see people actively pursuing airports as part of their travel seems foreign to me. An airport is an inconvenience on your way to a vacation not part of the vacation. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a little crazy to me. I find it odd people are seeking out good airports and looking to spend more time than they have to in them. Would it be nice to take a nap in an airport … sure. Is it better to have a nice sit down meal and a drink with people before you go sure, but none of that is what I would consider part of the journey nor would I rather do that then just have fun on vacation. 

Very odd behavior if you ask me but what I will say is this … airports should be equal opportunity. If there's a Chili's in terminal A there should be one in terminal B and C. No one should be penalized by the luck of the draw on their gates. If you have 8-10 restaurants in a terminal make them the same across all terminals. Fair is fair.