My Five Favorite Airports

My article on the five worst airports kicked up such a storm of comments, I decided that it was only fair to follow up with what I think are the best airports.  I only commented on the worst airports that I’d actually transited, but felt that my readers should be able to weigh in on the list of best airports.

The criteria used in selecting those airports that merit being called ‘best’ are similar to the ones used in putting terminals at the bottom of the list:  customer service, treatment at check-in and security checkpoints, appearance, safety, and convenience.  The world of air travel after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington changed, mostly in a negative way.  Getting on a flight now takes more time and red tape than ever before, and getting through security in some airports is a lot like getting a colonoscopy; invasive and demeaning.  But, there are some airports that at least try to minimize the inconvenience.

Changi International Airport, Singapore:  Singapore has a reputation for being an orderly place, almost anal retentive in fact, but its airport ranks in my book as one of the best in the world.  With 5,000 arrivals and departures weekly on 80 airlines, you might expect it to be a bureaucratic nightmare.  Well, think again.  The Singaporeans manage to get people on and off planes to and from over 200 destinations with the same efficiency that they manage downtown traffic, but in an atmosphere of comfort and charm that makes this one of my favorite airports in the world.  Security is stringent, but officials are polite, and they move people quickly.  Even during the avian flu scare, they managed, using the latest technology, to screen incoming passengers unobtrusively and quickly, and avoid delaying all but those showing suspicious symptoms.  Beautifully designed, with comfortable waiting areas, lots of food courts and restaurants, and Wi-Fi available throughout, if you flight is delayed, you’ll hardly care.

Munich International Airport, Munich, Germany:  Located some 18 miles northeast of Munich, this airport is a model of German efficiency and Bavarian charm.  A hub for Lufthansa and other Star Alliance airlines, it’s preferable to the Frankfurt airport, which is unfortunately the main transit terminal for flights into or through Germany.  In contrast to the industrial look in Frankfurt, Munich’s airport has lots of open air spaces, and is conveniently located near ground transportation.  It’s also a lot easier to get from your arrival gate to your departure gate when you have to make an onward flight, in contrast to the hike you have in Frankfurt.

City Airport, London, England:  On all my visits to the UK, I’ve never been to City Airport, a single runway terminal in East London, but I’ve been assured by a reader that it’s the best in all England.  An African, the reader said he was impressed by the treatment he received upon arrival. Immigration and security officials didn’t treat him like a refugee or suspicious person, and I can relate to that.  On occasion, I’ve gone to London on business and been grilled by the immigration officer as if I was coming to the country for some nefarious purpose.  I think I’ll have to give City Airport a look on my next visit.

Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX, USA:  Everything in Texas is big, or so they would have you believe.  Named for the first president Bush, the airport is located 23 miles from downtown Houston, and is huge.  Impeccably designed, it’s a fitting tribute to its namesake.  The five terminals are widely separated, and at first glance this can seem like a pain if you have to switch terminals to make a connecting flight, but the airport shuttle service, and connecting tunnels help.  Many of the connections move you to your destination without putting you through additional security checks, unlike many airports that do screening of even transit passengers, which adds irritatingly to the time it takes to make connections.  There’s free Internet access in every terminal, which is a boon to the business traveler who wants to keep track of things between flights.  There’s also movie rental, dozens of great restaurants, and play rooms for the kiddies. 

Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong:  Named best airport in the world for 2011, Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok International airport, built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok is a welcome relief from the nail-biting experience of landing at Kai Tak, which was in Kowloon, not far from Star Ferry.  It’s a long, and expensive train ride from main Hong Kong, but a great place to transit.  The airport hotel’s only a short walk from the terminal, and the layout is convenient, with lots of restaurants, shops, and easy Internet access.  The train terminals, to get you to Victoria and other parts of Hong Kong, are also located a short walk from arrivals.

I fully expect that readers will also take issue with my rankings; each having his or her favorites that I’ve left off this list.  But, except for City Airport in London, I’ve had nothing but great experiences in the airports listed here.

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