Toilets That Tell Travel Tales
Airports are full of surprises, but not all of them are pleasant. You expect long lines, pricey snacks, maybe even a gate change or two—but a bathroom horror show? That’s a whole new level of travel drama. On the flip side, some airports treat restrooms like mini spas, complete with spotless stalls and fancy touches. So, let’s take a look at ten airports where the bathroom experience is more of a nightmare than a necessity.
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1. JFK International Airport
Stepping into JFK International Airport, many travelers quickly learn that Terminal 5 bathrooms are more stressful than a relief. Reviews complain of dirty stalls paired with locks that don’t work, making privacy tricky. Some unlucky visitors even report empty toilet paper holders at international gates.
2. London City Airport
At London City Airport, the bathroom experience feels more like a headache than a convenience. Skytrax reviewers call the toilets filthy and point out how a shortage of cubicles leads to long waits when crowds build. Adding to the misery, travelers describe dirty seats and dim lighting that make the area feel bleak.
3. Orlando International Airport
Instead of a smooth welcome to sunny Florida, Orlando International Airport often greets travelers with bathroom chaos. Yelp reviews call the facilities outdated, poorly maintained, and consistently overcrowded, with trash piling high and unsanitary stalls near the Southwest gates.
4. Newark Liberty International Airport
Few airports rack up bathroom complaints quite like Newark Liberty International. Its Terminal C toilets are described as gross, outdated, and frequently out of order. Travelers point to moldy grout, graffiti, and even rude staff as recurring problems.
5. Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is infamous for bathrooms that test a traveler’s patience. Soap and toilet paper are often missing, and some stalls don’t even have doors. Complaints about dirty conditions rarely bring action, and seasoned fliers warn newcomers to pack their own supplies.
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6. London Heathrow Airport
In London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, TripAdvisor reviewers quickly point out that the Clubrooms lounge bathrooms fall short of expectations. To begin with, many complain about toilets left messy, with paper and sanitary bags scattered around. Moreover, showers in some lounge areas are reported as non-functional.
7. Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Skytrax gives this airport just two stars, pointing to weak ventilation, low comfort, and poor hygiene. Adding to that, TripAdvisor reviewers describe toilets without paper and broken fixtures. For this reason, many travelers suggest carrying disinfectant or relying on hotel restrooms nearby.
8. José Martí International Airport
Imagine the arrivals hall packed with hundreds of passengers yet offering only two toilets for women—an immediate recipe for frustration, as Skytrax reviewers point out. Toilets that refuse to flush only intensify the stench, while TripAdvisor guests complain about missing seat lids and frequent overflows.
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9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Bathroom conditions at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport draw frequent criticism, particularly around T2 dormitories. Staff response times are described as slow, leading some reviewers to advise avoiding lounges altogether and resting near boarding gates instead.
10. Charles De Gaulle Airport
Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport draws harsh criticism for its restroom standards. Travelers describe public bathrooms as dirty and poorly maintained, with rust and moisture evident in many areas. Showers are another frustration—too small and lacking toiletries, even in premium spaces.
Now, here are ten of the cleanest, most impressive bathrooms, all ranked among the best, according to Skytrax.
1. Changi Airport
Changi Airport has set a new benchmark by winning World’s Best Airport Washrooms 2025 in Skytrax’s first-ever category, standing out among 235 airports worldwide. Changi’s restrooms were praised for touchless fixtures, ambient mood lighting, and spa-inspired layouts that make them more than functional spaces.
2. Tokyo Haneda Airport
Maintaining exceptional hygiene while serving more than 70 million passengers each year is no small feat, yet Tokyo Haneda Airport achieves it with consistency. Travelers regularly highlight spotless restrooms and orderly seating in satisfaction surveys, showing that comfort is prioritized at every step.
3. Incheon International Airport
Travelers passing through Incheon International Airport often notice that its spotless environment is matched by a 5-Star cleanliness rating. The airport’s reputation is further strengthened by a decade of recognition from ACI as Asia-Pacific’s best, underscoring long-standing consistency.
4. Bahrain International Airport
Modern design and meticulous upkeep make Bahrain International Airport’s restrooms a frequent highlight for travelers. Cleanliness and comfort ratings remain consistently high in passenger surveys, which reflects the airport’s strong maintenance standards.
5. Hong Kong International Airport
Operational efficiency at Hong Kong International Airport extends to its restrooms, which are maintained with the same precision. Across all terminals, restroom quality is consistently reliable, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal to ensure facilities are both practical and inviting.
6. Kansai International Airport
Built on an artificial island, Kansai International Airport is as notable for its striking architecture as it is for its well-kept facilities. Moreover, restrooms are consistently maintained to a very high standard, reflecting quiet efficiency rather than show.
7. New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido, Japan)
New Chitose Airport is recognized for maintaining exceptional cleanliness while offering a distinctly regional touch. Frequent upkeep and an efficient layout ensure easy access, while travelers consistently commend the polished, cozy experience the facilities provide.
8. Narita International Airport
At Narita International Airport, even the bathrooms reflect Japan’s love for minimalism. The design feels intentional, with uncluttered layouts that make them both functional and calming. Moreover, travelers note how spotless they remain, thanks to constant upkeep and efficient layouts that allow staff to clean frequently.
9. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport proves that restrooms can be a reason passengers leave with compliments instead of complaints. With travelers praising both cleanliness and comfort, the airport has mastered the balance between technology and hygiene.
10. Fukuoka Airport
What makes Fukuoka Airport’s bathrooms stand out is how easy they are to enjoy. Compact layouts mean cleaning crews can work efficiently, and travelers benefit from smart restroom locations. Even with heavy use by locals and visitors alike, regular upkeep ensures a spotless experience.
