Guest Author - Yvonne Russell

Hong Kong International Airport has come second in the 2006 Best Airports of The World Survey. With five wins, and a second place this year, Hong Kong International is the most consistently awarded airport in the survey. What's even more remarkable, is that the awards have been voted by pasengers, rather than industry bodies.

Hong Kong International was pipped at the post this year, by the winner, Singapore's Changi Airport. There has been a close tussle between the two, with Singapore coming second in 2005.

Hong Kong International - A Consistent Performer
When Hong Kong International was announced winner of the 2005 World’s Best Airport Award for the fifth time in a row, it was like one of my kids had won the egg and spoon race, or maybe even the 500 metre sprint. Funny, I never thought I’d care which major corporation won anything. But Hong Kong International Airport is something else.

Shopping
With seven floors of shopping, there are numerous designer names represented, along with the usual pharmacies, restaurants and electronics stores. If you have time, you can relax at the beauty salon and have a foot massage, or browse at one of the eleven bookstores.

The difference with Hong Kong International Airport is the scale of things, and the level of infrastructure in place for travelers. The sheer size of the airport means that while it is one of the world’s busiest airports, it doesn’t appear crowded, noisy or rushed. That in itself puts Hong Kong International Airport one notch up from most airports.

A Place to Relax or Work
When I discovered the readers’ lounges tucked away in quiet corners of the departure lounge, I thought I’d been upgraded. Travelers were stretched out full length on the long black leather style recliners. At last, departure lounge chairs where you’re actually allowed to lie down full length, and not feel guilty! There are also showers, relaxation lounge rooms and semi private rooms for a nap.

For HK$250, the Hong Kong Airport Authority encourages travelers to “refresh yourself and relax and… enjoy unlimited facilities inclusive of hot showers, all day food & beverage buffet, internet and Email, movies and music, CNN area, magazines and newspaper, and massage chairs and seated massage.”

Hong Kong International Airport is the sort of airport where you don’t mind arriving three hours early for check in before an international flight. They actually suggest you come even earlier to give yourself more time to shop and relax. If you absolutely have to work, or are in transit, there are also plenty of business facilities.

Passenger Satisfaction Survey
Skytrax, an airline industry research company, says that over 5.6 million passengers globally, voted in the online survey for the World’s Best Airport Award. The traveling public has consistently given the thumbs up to an airport which works with its customers to make air travel a pleasant experience.

Skytrax says that other airports are taking note. Many airports are including more customer friendly features in the design of airport facilities upgrades. This is good news for travelers.

2006 World's Best Airport - Results

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Hong Kong Int'l Airport
3. Munich Airport
4. Kansai International Airport
5. Seoul Incheon Airport
6. KLIA - Kuala Lumpur Airport
7. Helsinki Vantaa Airport
8. Zurich Airport
9. Dubai International Airport
10. Copenhagen Airport