[MartynSinclair]

“However, taking your question in the spirit for which I assume it was intended”

I dont think the question was at all clear hence the variety of answers. Its a bit like the question I am always asked by my friends, which is the best airline I fly and my answer is,…… the one that has the friendliest crew and service on the day.

[FlyingChinaman]

MartySinclair

You make sensible comments, whether it is for an airport or a particular flight but remember this thread is about an overall airport experience rating (a major world hub). Not regional airports.

In my worldly onpinon (not a humble one – a Bad Chinese here), Hong Kong and Singapore are the tale of the two airports in world travel as they are well designed and consistance in service.

HKG never gives you the impression that it is unbearably over -crowded and SIN offers you everything (minus a mini casino) to while your boring transit time away, indoors or outdoors, Don’t we all love the tropical Koi ponds!

The other new MAJOR airports world-wide are just either new or big or have only a small part of their operation (like a more pleasant LHR T5) but not in it’s totality

[Ausline]

Best
MEL – ease of use and friendly enviroment.
YVR – great international arrivals.
ZRH – better then most Euro airports.

Worst
LAX – Its like a zoo
LHR – with the exception of T5, dreadful airport
LOS – try and avoid it!

[MartynSinclair]

“What is the best airport in the world and why” – asked by Swiss Diver

Intereting and very open question. It doesnt specifically refer to either regional, national, international just “Best Airport”.

My ideal airport would provide 30 minute check in, 30 minute flight connections, 30 minute processing and no more than a 30 minute delay.It would make all those airport shops and lounges redundant, making the airport experience far quicker.

However, I realise that some people enjoy airports and the shopping expperience.

[FlyingChinaman]

MartynSinclair

Many people want many different things! That makes us human!!!

I support your idea of an ideal airport (swift and stress-free) as NO frequently travellers would want to stay in any airport area longer than necessary but in reality we often have to due to schedules etc and this is where the PLEASANT airport experience comes in and an import factor as the next best thing when stuck!

[CKYCKYCKY]

I shuttle between HKG and SIN at least once a month.

In terms of custom clearance, baggage handling security clearance , Singapore T2 and T3 are much better than HKG.

As SIN T1, it is going through major renovation, now, it can be not so user friendly.

SIN T3 even has a butterfly park ,roof top gardern and bars.

However HKG has better connectivity to the city and better city check-ins.

In terms of shopping both HKG and SIN are indifferent. All major brands are there. T3 even have a Le Perla and Apple store. Just came back from HKG today , as of now HKG does not have ipads, but T3 has it.

However for food, HKG in my opinion is slightly better in my opinion becos of the food court on L2.

The Kris Lounge in T3 is a lot more superior than Cathay’s Pier.

[FlyingChinaman]

CKYCKYCKY

Well summed up observation for both HKG and SIN. That’s why I said it is the tale of the two airports! Both excellent in their own rights.

I love the T3 Kris lounge in both Business and in First section. Much nicer than the tired CX Pier at the moment but wait as Cathay has plan of renovating the Business section first and to be followed with the First class section as the airport would have been over 13 years’ old where as SIN T3 is under 3 years.

CX First Class dining area is better staffed and with more attentive service than SQ Kris First but the decor is better in T3 Kris Lounge. Also Cathay has the famous Noodle Bar in their Business section where there are a lot of eager passengers wanting to sample the food prior to boarding !

[holmvall]

I probably travel 160-180 days around the globle yearly and here are my votes:

1. EUROPE – Copenhagen airport – efficient, cosy, great shopping and a huge SAS lounge
2. ASIA – as many others – SINGAPORE – so much to do – how can one get bored.
3. AMERICA….hard one – none are really good – but Chicago O’hare comes to mind and Toronto’s new Air Canada terminal.

[Skyways]

I would say Singapore’s Changi is the best. It facilities are second to none. I feel Changi has more things to do then Chek Lap Kok. T1’s renovation is also starting to take shape!!

[SimonRowberry]

Major – Zurich or Changi

Medium – Helsinki and Nagoya

Small – Zagreb or Hobart

It’d be interesting to run a similar poll for the worst, with four geographical categories: Worldwide, North America, Europe and Asia, and also three size categories: Large (over 15 million pax); Medium (5 – 15 million pax) and Small (under 5 million pax).

Simon

[travelbugz]

Haven’t been to all airports but the best airports i can consider are Singapore and Hongkong. The airport is new, big, clean, safe, with free unlimited wi-fi.

[OzTraveller]

sorry travelbugz, which airport is new? I don’t think you mean Singapore or Hong Kong … Is “big” a plus?

[flythere]

CKYCKYCKY

To be fair, you have to compare CX’s The Cabin in HKG with Kris Lounge rather than the Pier~ The Cabin has the most modern facilities there which i can guarantee Kris Lounge would be edged out despite of its 3-year age.

The connectivity to downtown is a big problem for SIN as the train is not solely catered for Airport transport and you have to switch at line and stop at every stations on the way to downtown. Other than train, what only left is taxi, which the surcharge and electronic road fee are just very discouraging.

Overall, I would still much prefer HKG.

[CKYCKYCKY]

If one were to take the airport express train from HKG to the city, it is necssary to take a taxi to reach the hotel, unless one is staying at 4 seasons.

The good thing about Changi is that it will cost approx. HKG 100 to take a cab direct to a hotel in the city.

Is T3 Kris lounge better or CX HKG lounge better ? in terms of deco luxury , my opinion is Kris lounge. The only con about Kris lounge is its distance to the gates.

Noodle bar and nice bar counter are what that give the Cabin/Pier its appeal. Shower facilities at both are equally nice. However CX lounge can be very crowded at times.

One airport lounge which i think is comparable is ANA at Narita.

As stated in my above post, interms of custom clearence and security clearence, T3 is more efficient.

Both are AAA aiports, which i think very few outside asia airports can match. Zurich airport is another AAA airport.

[FlyingChinaman]

CKYCKYCKY

Beauty is in the eye of the traveller!!

Most seasoned global flyiers would certainly agree HKG and SIN are a tie, much like Miss Universe pageant. Just pick your favourate Beauty Queen!

FYI, both Kowloon and Hong Kong Station have free hotel shuttle buses transporting the Airport Express passengers to the major hotels in the area.

I have directed hundreds of my colleagues to avail this frequent and reliable services.

I have long enjoyed easy transits at Zurich airport during and after the SWISSAIR era!!!

[Author]

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