Years ago when we would hop into the family station wagon and head cross country on another epic summer road trip to Nowhereville, our mother would preach from “the journey is half the fun” school of thought. But without the benefit of technological marvels such as the iPod, handheld video game console and headrest television screen with James Bond DVD collection in rotation – not to mention the advent of Sudoku – we secretly wished dear mother would stay mum and keep her eyes on the road.
Despite advances in ergonomic science and operations management, air travel still feels a lot like those endless road trips of yore. Worse in fact, since expectations of speedy passage, comfort and stellar service, set as a result of exorbitant fare prices, are rarely met. At least when mom was behind the wheel, we knew what was in store: crustless egg salad sandwiches, banana chips and hours of rural AM radio.
Unless the inheritance of a yacht, complete with gas card and crew, is our karma, we as travelers have no choice but to contend with the dodgy state of the airline industry if we want to get around and see the world. To best endure the lines, security, sniffer dogs and make the journey half the fun – and please mom in the process – do try and connect in one of these airports.
Is there any surprise that this clean, efficient, diligent, lawful little city-state has one of the best airports in the world? Terminal 3 in particular, scores mad points from the most jaded international travelers. The amenity team at Changi T3 took services to another level when they drew up plans for the airline oasis. The airport is so plush that you may even miss your connection as you receive a Thai massage by the koi pond or lounge with a complementary beverage in hand and take in a Hollywood feature at the free theater. As with Singapore in general, the attention to detail is what makes the difference here. Free mobile phone chargers, hotel shuttle service with newspapers and bottles of mineral water, mini-hotels with snacks and toiletry products and last but not least, free PlayStation terminals.
Hong Kong International Airport
A faithful description of Hong Kong International to oblivious newcomers may go like this: space station meets amusement park. The architecture of the airport is spectacular, wholly unique and completely unexpected, especially to weary travelers. Bright, modern and spacious, Hong Kong International is a welcome break from the typical claustrophobic confines of most airplanes. The food courts are way above par and offer a myriad of culinary selections. Shops are plentiful, diverse and better than most malls back home. As a whole however, the seamless organization of the airport is what stands out. From the tidy baggage claim to the antiseptic washrooms, polite security and express train to Kowloon, Hong Kong International is a model airport.
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Quality is a Swiss hallmark, whether the criteria is timepieces, chocolate, banks or ski resorts. No big shock then that a major airport in Switzerland, the most neutral of nations, makes the cut. Business travel is a particular pleasure in Zurich, where services include shower and rest areas, barbers and beauty salons, tailors and luxury boutiques. Most people who arrive here do so for a brief period of time, as Zurich is a major connection point in Europe and abroad. As a result, the Swiss have gone out of their way to ensure that comfort and ease of passage reign supreme in Zurich. Service is stellar, terminals neat and modern and the airport operates with typical Swiss-clock precision.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. As a result, one would not be out of order to surmise that Incheon International could potentially pose a dreadful airport experience. After all, airports in Cairo, Manila and Mexico City are no picnics. Much like the nation of South Korea however, Incheon is the archetypal modern airport. Travelers to Seoul or those on a connection to another destination marvel at how smooth the airport operates. With breezy check-in, attentive but swift security, spacious terminals and easy passage to hotels and destinations within Seoul, the stress that seems to accompany most airport experiences is absent at Incheon.
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Another major connection point, Kansai International in Osaka underscores yet again the superior quality of airports in Asia. Design and service is not a mere afterthought at Kansai. Rather, the two function as the most memorable features of the airport. Culture shock for foreign visitors to Japan is a clich? that seldom plays out upon arrival in Osaka. The layout of the airport is first-class in every possible way. Spacious, lucent and clear, it offers none of the labyrinthine confusion that one may suppose awaits them at so large a destination. Unlike some airports in North America and Europe, the premium in Osaka is on speedy connections and comfort while you wait. Staff is plentiful and helpful and there are countless areas to relax and enjoy a good meal. This is an airport that knows how to shuttle people in and out in style and not like cattle.
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