The Perfect Airport
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: london
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Honestly, the finest airport I have ever been in.... is Dunedin in New Zealand. It is just so chilled. And the staff are actually pleasant, even security. But I guess its because it's such a small airport, a bit like Turku in Finland, which is also very civilised.
As for the baddies, well, where do I begin, Heathrow (possibly the crappest airport in the world and well worth avoiding) probably tops my list followed closely by paris CDG, then Gatwick, Stansted, Luton.
I agree with earlier post regarding kansai, as I've only ever had a good time there. And I do like London city.
Aside from crappy staff with a pathological hatred of customers, and congestion, the thing that really bugs me is airports who seem to have lost the ON switch to the aircon. Some airports are just so hot, it is hardly surprising pax get all worked up going through security (CDG,LGW,STN,LHR being the worst).
As for the baddies, well, where do I begin, Heathrow (possibly the crappest airport in the world and well worth avoiding) probably tops my list followed closely by paris CDG, then Gatwick, Stansted, Luton.
I agree with earlier post regarding kansai, as I've only ever had a good time there. And I do like London city.
Aside from crappy staff with a pathological hatred of customers, and congestion, the thing that really bugs me is airports who seem to have lost the ON switch to the aircon. Some airports are just so hot, it is hardly surprising pax get all worked up going through security (CDG,LGW,STN,LHR being the worst).
A well oiled operation throughout.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Northern Ireland
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Have just returned from a family holiday in the US, and have nothing but praise for DEN. The airport might be huge, and the concourses might be so far from the main terminal they need to be reached by underground train, but we experienced nothing but efficiency during several visits. Everything is well signposted and colour coded, and there is a lot of 'personal space' for all travellers - even at the gate areas. The outside pickup/dropoff points for the numerous car hire companies, hotel shuttle busses and other ground transportation options are easy to locate and follow. These are replicated on both sides of the terminal building. For the enthusiast, no restriction is placed on photography once airside, and it is possible to photograph from any part of the concourses, even while standing right next to a gate. Staff were pleasant throughout, and food prices are reasonable (i.e. only a small premium for being served airside to a captive audience). All in all, a very pleasant airport to use - highly recommended.
We used ORD on four occasions and found it to be a real mixed bag. Arrival into T5 (International) was painless, and as we'd already gone through US immigration procedures in Dublin before departure, it was a straightforward matter of collecting our baggage and going. T5's biggest problem is the almost total lack of any concessions after passing through security. Big though the terminal is it has what amounts to little more than display board type shopping in the concourse - there are NO shops or restaurants of any sort after the security check. Unless you're happy with a bag of potato crisps (chips?) and a plastic bottle of pop do not pass security. The food concessions and duty free/newspaper shops immediately beside security are your last chance at spending your dollars in earnest I'm afraid.
By comparison T3 (American Airlines) is a completely different kettle of fish. Huge, expansive, busy, bustling and full to the brim with many different food outlets and news stands. No problem here for the hungry or thirsty traveller keen to 'fill up' before boarding a flight. Well signposted, light, bright and airy - a pleasure to use.
ORD in general is having a massive amount of construction work done at present, and disruption inside the terminal buildings is almost inevitable.
We used ORD on four occasions and found it to be a real mixed bag. Arrival into T5 (International) was painless, and as we'd already gone through US immigration procedures in Dublin before departure, it was a straightforward matter of collecting our baggage and going. T5's biggest problem is the almost total lack of any concessions after passing through security. Big though the terminal is it has what amounts to little more than display board type shopping in the concourse - there are NO shops or restaurants of any sort after the security check. Unless you're happy with a bag of potato crisps (chips?) and a plastic bottle of pop do not pass security. The food concessions and duty free/newspaper shops immediately beside security are your last chance at spending your dollars in earnest I'm afraid.
By comparison T3 (American Airlines) is a completely different kettle of fish. Huge, expansive, busy, bustling and full to the brim with many different food outlets and news stands. No problem here for the hungry or thirsty traveller keen to 'fill up' before boarding a flight. Well signposted, light, bright and airy - a pleasure to use.
ORD in general is having a massive amount of construction work done at present, and disruption inside the terminal buildings is almost inevitable.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Bordeaux, France
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In my humble experience :
Best Hub in Europe : Munich
Best regional in Europe : Bordeaux
Best US airport : DFW or MSP
Best other : Dubai or Kuala Lumpa
Worst has to be LHR then CDG for Europe.
Miami is bad by US standards.
....Lets not talk about some other airport experiences Ive had in various uncivilised places of the world....though LHR is getting that bad now, definitely 3rd world.
Best Hub in Europe : Munich
Best regional in Europe : Bordeaux
Best US airport : DFW or MSP
Best other : Dubai or Kuala Lumpa
Worst has to be LHR then CDG for Europe.
Miami is bad by US standards.
....Lets not talk about some other airport experiences Ive had in various uncivilised places of the world....though LHR is getting that bad now, definitely 3rd world.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Monaco
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dubai
Well the airport might be clean, but the 20-30 mins taxi time, the total chaos outside, and the current building boom. No comment.
Yesterday: within 15 mins drive of the airport, I slowed down on the road for a string of camels crossing the road, and several Indians walking, (running in slip on shoes and long skirt) across the main highway, normal traffic speed 140k.
I also saw one Indian in the middle of the road, and the car that hit him, inverted in the ditch.
There is a 24/7 stream of heavy trucks on all roads and highways.
Buliding sites working all night.
I would call it an interesting place.
Yesterday: within 15 mins drive of the airport, I slowed down on the road for a string of camels crossing the road, and several Indians walking, (running in slip on shoes and long skirt) across the main highway, normal traffic speed 140k.
I also saw one Indian in the middle of the road, and the car that hit him, inverted in the ditch.
There is a 24/7 stream of heavy trucks on all roads and highways.
Buliding sites working all night.
I would call it an interesting place.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
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LOL Silver
i agree on the building, i couldnt see the sky for cranes.
I thought it was a very diverse interesting place though. But the airport was super efficient. made heathrow look like Noddys toy town
i agree on the building, i couldnt see the sky for cranes.
I thought it was a very diverse interesting place though. But the airport was super efficient. made heathrow look like Noddys toy town
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North, UK
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Agree with most Changi superb. HKG great depending on gate, too much walking at times. Was quite impressed on my first visit to KUL this year.
I used to love DXB but the 4 times I have flown through this year it has resemble a refugee camp with people lying all over the floor, shame.
My vote for speed goes to Karup in Denmark 3 minutes from walking down the aircraft steps to stepping into a car in the car park, including collecting my luggage.
Worst LHR no doubt a national disgrace to be avoided at all possible times.
I used to love DXB but the 4 times I have flown through this year it has resemble a refugee camp with people lying all over the floor, shame.
My vote for speed goes to Karup in Denmark 3 minutes from walking down the aircraft steps to stepping into a car in the car park, including collecting my luggage.
Worst LHR no doubt a national disgrace to be avoided at all possible times.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Gateshead
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Have just returned from Brussels and find this airport is always hassle free. On arrival from leaving the aircraft to getting on the train into the city centre took 20 minutes, luggage was waiting on th carousel. On departure, to check in and get through security took 10 minutes. I have always found all the staff I have come in contact with at BRU, are always efficient, courteous and helpful. It is a pleasure to use BRU
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: UK
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Another vote for Changi!
I've regularly transitted there on my way between Seoul and Mumbai. The flight timings mean I have a ten hour lay over, so I book the airside transit hotel for the full duration, dump my carry on bags then wander around shopping and eating before heading for my bed and a good nights sleep, waking up with ten minutes to spare before I need to be at the gate.
I'll also put a vote in for Incheon airport. It's a little far out of Seoul, but is well connected by cheap coaches from all over Seoul (and Korea I beleive), and is a model of efficiency - if a little "dull" in terms of food and shopping choices.
Though with an efficient airport you don't need to arrive three hours before departure "just in case" and the end up with hours to kill airside.
I've regularly transitted there on my way between Seoul and Mumbai. The flight timings mean I have a ten hour lay over, so I book the airside transit hotel for the full duration, dump my carry on bags then wander around shopping and eating before heading for my bed and a good nights sleep, waking up with ten minutes to spare before I need to be at the gate.
I'll also put a vote in for Incheon airport. It's a little far out of Seoul, but is well connected by cheap coaches from all over Seoul (and Korea I beleive), and is a model of efficiency - if a little "dull" in terms of food and shopping choices.
Though with an efficient airport you don't need to arrive three hours before departure "just in case" and the end up with hours to kill airside.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Ireland nowadays
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The best one that I've used is Hong Long.
The best large airport in Europe is Amsterdam.
Going down a tier, I'd say Helsinki. Athens isn't too bad in terms of building structure, but the organisation of it could be better.
There is a lot to be said for smaller airports though. As good as Amsterdam is, I would happily use Rotterdam instead if the flight was available. Getting off your plane and being out the front of the airport within 5 minutes is a great experience. The only drawback is that there isn't much to do if your outbound flight is delayed.
The best large airport in Europe is Amsterdam.
Going down a tier, I'd say Helsinki. Athens isn't too bad in terms of building structure, but the organisation of it could be better.
There is a lot to be said for smaller airports though. As good as Amsterdam is, I would happily use Rotterdam instead if the flight was available. Getting off your plane and being out the front of the airport within 5 minutes is a great experience. The only drawback is that there isn't much to do if your outbound flight is delayed.
