World’s Best Airports

Nope Philippines – NAIA is not included! That’s is hardly surprising though. For me NAIA is quite maddening.. the check-in lines in chaos, some immigration officials who are at times downright rude (last time I went out of the country, I saw a customs official actually shouting at a passenger. they were having discussion on the validity of the passengers ticket. Valid or not valid, the passenger didn’t deserve to be humiliated like that). I really hope our airport would improve and follow after these airports that are passenger-friendly.

Geneva based Airports Council International conducted their annual survey of airport quality service and the results show that airports in the Asia-Pacific Region were found to be most passenger friendly. The agency polled 200,000 travelers at 90 airports on 34 criteria such as cleanliness, courtesy and restroom availability.

WORLD’S BEST AIRPORTS:

1. Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea) – first place for three years in a row. Staffer’s really take pride in welcoming travelers. Some of their outstanding amenities – visitors just passing through can book tours of a nearby temple, natural reserve, pottery factories, local Chinatown, or a set of a Korean TV drama for only $5. The airport also boasts of a billiard hall, electronic game room, Sky 72 Golf club welcomes visitors day and night, and nightly excursions to Golden Gate Casino – a foreigners only gambling haven.
2. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – The 216 check-in counters ensure passengers make the most of their time at the airport without waiting in line. There’s indeed something for everyone here: free Internet kiosks for e-mail addicts, play areas for tots, luxury shops for big spenders, an observation gallery for airplane enthusiasts, and a Transit Hotel for the weary. For $11, visitors interested in seeing Kuala Lumpur can hop on the KLIA Ekspres for a 28-minute ride to the city center.
3. Changi Airport (Singapore) – Any airport that gives out candy at passport control deserves high standing on this list. But Changi Airport goes above and beyond. With five gardens, a free, 24-hour movie theater, napping areas, and more than 300 retail outlets, Changi is a destination unto itself. The Balinese-themed swimming pool is free for guests at the Transit Hotel, but for $9.70 anyone else can dip in, too. (The price includes a complimentary, non-alcoholic drink from the bar.) Visitors with at least five hours to spare can book one of three free, two-hour sightseeing tours.
4. Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) – This airport thrives on efficiency. Its user-friendly Web site lets time-strapped passengers book a valet to collect luggage from the baggage claim and deliver it anywhere in the city. At check-in, designated “packers” armed with bubble wraps, protective filler, and cartons of various sizes box fragile items and anything else that may need repacking. Travelers who fly to Hong Kong three times in 12 months can receive a frequent visitor card to quicken the immigration process. The fatigued can freshen up or nap in the 2,000-square-foot Plaza Shower & Relaxation Lounge. Both terminals have free Wi-Fi access.
5. Central Japan International (Nagoya, Japan) – Here, passengers can watch planes come and go from the comfort (or awkwardness) of a communal bath. Centrair, as the airport is known, also boasts an indoor garden, replicas of old Japanese and European streets, and a 300-meter sky deck for those who prefer to view air traffic with their clothes on. The place is also very child-friendly, with nurseries, rental strollers, a play area, tyke-size toilet seats, and even a free boiling hot water service for caregivers who want to disinfect milk before a feeding. After all, “It is a big, wonderful, and heart-beating event for small children to fly,” declares Centrair’s Web site.

BEST AIRPORT BY REGION:

AFRICA:

O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) – The Feb. 25 confiscation of 265 lb. of cocaine on its way to Durban notwithstanding, O.R. Tambo International Airport has a lot going for it. Already the busiest air transport hub on the continent, O.R. Tambo is undergoing a $400 million overhaul to prepare for growing passenger traffic, newer planes, and the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It was renamed two years ago for a former president of the African National Congress and anti-apartheid politician, Oliver Reginald Tambo.

EUROPE:

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto, Portugal) – named for a Portuguese politician who was killed in an airplane crash, has placed first in Europe, up from a third-place tie with Helsinki-Vantaa Airport last year. Its festive atmosphere and recent renovation may have something to do with it. On World Tourism Day in September, the airport greeted arriving passengers with flowers, port wine, and optional organized tours. The arrivals hall often hosts exhibits, such as a recent collection of cartoons from around the world. Visitors can take the subway to the city, less than seven miles away.

LATIN AMERICA & CARRIBEAN:

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayagil, Ecuador) – This is the first year Airports Council International has created a separate ranking for airports in Latin America and the Caribbean, and José Joaquín de Olmedo took the prize despite competition from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Costa Rica, and Mexico City International Airport. Named for an Ecuadorean poet, José Joaquín boasts modern stone and glass architecture, 13 eateries with a variety of international fare, good shopping, and a snazzy Spanish-language Web site.

MIDDLE EAST:

Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv, Israel) – Since 2004 travelers have stepped out onto jetways and walked—and walked and walked—down glimmering hallways of Jerusalem stone to a sleek, airy hall for a thorough passport check before retrieving their bags. The first time Ben Gurion was surveyed, in the third quarter of 2006, it placed first out of 40 European airports and fifth among 77 worldwide.

NORTH AMERICA:

Dallas Forth Worth International Airport ( Dallas and Forth Worth, Texas) – Southern hospitality is a staple of this Texan transport hub. Volunteer airport ambassadors greet visitors, direct them to connecting flights, and provide information on local attractions and hotels. The artwork of more than 30 artists from around the world graces the international terminal and the waiting areas of the Skylink train, which connects all five terminals. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the picnic tables in the Founders Plaza, and then walk over to the observation area for some prime aircraft viewing.

source: businessweek

Thanks for hopping along again.. Please do subscribe to my blog's via RSS or Email and be regularly updated.

Related Articles

• February 5, 2010 -- Flights on Sale: Cebu Pacific @ 50% Off All Destinations (2)
• October 31, 2009 -- Cebu Pacific’s 1-Peso Seat Sale is On till Nov 2, 2009 (5)
• January 6, 2010 -- Airfare Promotions Updates (3)
• November 18, 2009 -- AirAsia’s Febulous Sale – November 16-22 2009 only! (0)
• August 3, 2009 -- Direct Flights – Phnom Penh to Manila via PAL to start late 2009 (17)
• April 29, 2008 -- Try the Cheaper Way to Travel (3)
• July 24, 2008 -- World’s Priciest Cups of Coffee (4)
• July 13, 2008 -- Math Learning Programs in the Philippines (4)
• June 23, 2008 -- Typhoons, Aftermaths and Memories (3)
• April 16, 2010 -- In a Quandary (3)

1. London Tours says:

   June 30, 2008 at 8:29 am

   Exeter Airport in the UK is a fantastic regional airport… I absolutely love it in the heart of Devon.
2. Stroller says:

   July 20, 2008 at 7:08 pm

   The airport at Barcelona is pretty majestic too..!
3. Golf Clubs Advisor says:

   August 14, 2008 at 6:05 pm

   Wow all these airports seem extremely fun and a great place to travel to…Im going to have to make my way out to these airports…Thanks for the great reviews!