April 26th 2024.
Flying can be a stressful experience, and no one knows this better than those who have traveled through some of Europe's most hectic airports. Whether it's long lines at check-in or unexpected flight cancellations, a bad airport experience can quickly put a damper on any holiday plans. Recently, a list of the most stressful airports in Europe was released, and to the surprise of many, a UK airport was ranked among the worst.
While some may argue that smaller and more chaotic airports like Stansted or Luton should take the top spot, it was actually London's Heathrow Airport that came in at number three. With over 79 million passengers passing through in 2023, Heathrow is undoubtedly one of the busiest airports in the world. But with that comes a myriad of stress-inducing factors, as revealed by the latest data from StressFreeCarRental.com.
One of the main sources of stress at Heathrow is the high cost of parking, with a weekly rate of £122.97, making it the most expensive among Europe's top 10 airports. And with four terminals and a potential of 217 destinations, the sheer volume of flights can be overwhelming. Plus, Heathrow is located 28.57km away from the city center, adding an extra layer of logistics and stress for travelers.
However, Heathrow is not the worst airport in Europe, as that title goes to Charles De Gaulle in Paris. This French airport welcomed over 67 million passengers in 2023, making it even more crowded than Heathrow. And with a distance of 31.66km from the city center and flights to 270 destinations, it's no wonder that Charles De Gaulle received the top spot for stress levels.
In second place was Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, with 61.8 million passengers and 260 destinations. And while these numbers may seem overwhelming, keep in mind that they are also a testament to the popularity and accessibility of these airports as major hubs for international travel.
Speaking of busy airports, the world's busiest were also recently named, with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport taking the top spot. This airport saw over 5 million seats booked in April alone, followed by Dubai International Airport and Tokyo International Airport. And of course, London's Heathrow Airport also made the list, coming in at number four with 4.2 million seats booked.
So, the next time you're planning a trip, it might be worth considering the stress ratings of the airports you'll be passing through. After all, a smooth and stress-free journey is the best way to kick off a well-deserved holiday. And if you've had a particularly stressful airport experience, we'd love to hear your story. Just send us an email and share your thoughts.
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