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Earlier this year, The World Airport Awards were announced, aiming to recognize the best airports.
For the seventh year in a row, Hong Kong was named the World’s Best Airport. Munich was named Europe’s winner, while San Francisco came in first in North America. Singapore’s airport won top ranks in the categories of best duty free shopping, best airport dining and best leisure amenities.
But Skytrax's survey wasn't the perfect one for discovering the opinions of American budget travelers. The awards are given every year by the British aviation research group Skytrax. They're based on surveys of more than 8.2 million passengers worldwide. Airlines are rated for terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency, security processing, walking distances, and features like shopping and dining. But the survey is disproportionately filled out by business travelers, which might skew the results somewhat.
At This Just In, we’ve asked you about your favorite airports before, and more than 50 of you responded. So I thought it may be interesting to compare what you said with the survey results. There were a few favorite airports that appeared in both the survey results and in your own comments, like Singapore and Munich. And then there were also some of our hometown airports that offer a sense of place and distinct character.
Here are a few of your favorites:
Sarasota-Bradenton: "The water walls, plants, and aquariums add much class and make it so unlike an airport. No endless shuttles here — just sun and palms."
Minneapolis-Saint Paul: "In addition to being a pleasant airport, you can catch an inexpensive light rail train right at the airport. In one direction is a beautiful park and the other is the Mall of America."
Singapore: "It has indoor gardens, a free movie theater with comfortable seats, a barber shop, a hotel, scores of shops and 300 free internet kiosks."
Munich: "Clean, modern, open, easy connections to rail, well-marked and friendly staff."
Portland, Ore.: "You know that you are in the Pacific Northwest as you walk around. Large floor to ceiling windows look out towards the Willamette River and woodsy scenery. Also, there is a playroom for kids where they can crawl and play on a huge airplane."
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I also love the Portland, Oregon airport. It's by far the most relaxing major airport I've ever been in. Part of that is its size--it's smaller compared to something like O'Hare, but it still serves most major domestic and international destinations. More importantly, however, the building layout, the colors, the windows, and the clean, modern facilities all contribute to making it a very pleasant place to fly out of or into.
Posted By Donna on September 29, 2008, 12:29 PM
Zurich, Switzerland airport has a huge play center for kids. Large playroom with big windows, fun toys, separate kid size bathrooms, even small amenities like diapers if needed.
German Airports: Munich, Frankfurt (Lufthansa Terminal), Karlsruhe, Germany (Ryan Air) - clean, modern, all done well - and nice play areas for kids!
Amsterdam Schiphol - lots to do, clean, interesting and a Baby care lounge!
Posted By Anya Clowers, RN on September 29, 2008, 1:45 PM
Isn't that picture above from Chicago O'Hare's god-awful walkway between the United terminals? The one with the tacky neon loops along the ceiling?
The caption says it's from Hong Kong's airport, but I hope not, for I fear more these nausea-inducing tunnels have learned how to replicate.
Posted By mikey on September 29, 2008, 2:06 PM
Mea culpa. I inserted the wrong photo. I've re-published the page with the correct photo. Thanks for the catch.
--Sean
Blog editor
Posted By Sean on September 29, 2008, 2:35 PM
I second the vote on Sarasota-Brandenton: it's serene. I also like Bermuda's airport: the pain of waiting on the international arrivals line is lessened by a cheerful band that meets every flight. Zurich also gets my vote: signage is excellent and the segue to the railroad is seamless. Vienna's airport has a nice outdoor cafe across the street. But then there's the world's worst airport, Charles de Gaulle, skewered so expertly by Brian Sack in his review, "L'Airport Que Sucks":
http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000376.html
Posted By Marilyn Terrell on September 30, 2008, 11:24 AM
I second the vote for the Munich Airport. It's a great airport, not so large that you could easily get lost. I was there about 6 years ago during High Season and I didn't feel like cattle while waiting for my flights.
The one I hated the most was Charles de Gaulle. Ugly Ugly Ugly and downright confusing... but then it's been about 9 years. I heard that they've updated it a lot since then.
Posted By Lili on September 30, 2008, 2:29 PM
I second the vote for Zurich as a great airport for people travelling with kids. Saved us when we had a long layover.
Posted By Nadine on October 2, 2008, 2:48 PM
Ever rented a car in Minneapolis/St. Paul? You'll walk forever, dragging you luggage behind you. Not one of my favorites.
Posted By Jim of Winchester on October 3, 2008, 9:52 AM
Munich is the best airport to me! They even have a HoffBrau Haus Restaurant--yummy. It is ultra modern, super clean, and they also have a kid's play area. We've flown into many European airports, but after flying into Munich it is our first choice!
Posted By Anne B on October 3, 2008, 4:51 PM
Portland's airport is on the COLUMBIA river. The views are of the western edge of the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood. The actual Willamette valley is south.
It is a great airport though.
Posted By JSteve on December 8, 2008, 9:02 PM
La Guardia.
I kid!!!!
Posted By Tim C on March 5, 2009, 12:56 PM
I've traveled the world and here is my take on airports. Narita (Tokyo)is often a stopover when traveling to China and Thailand.They have mini hotels rooms in the United Terminal which they rent-out for approx. $5.00 per hour.It is great if you have 2 hrs between flights to rent the room for 1 hour to take a shower and change into clean clothes.They provide all the toiletries and towels, and there is a single bed to take a short nap.Each person must get their own room as 2 people are not permitted to share.It's my best airport experience and have been there 4 times.
The worst airport award goes to Heathrow.
Posted By Anna Urling on March 9, 2009, 7:06 PM
I agree that Sarasota Bradenton is a great airport...easy in , easy out! I have to give an honorable mention to the new terminal building in Indianapolis. Its very fast to get through as well and its very open and modern. Check it out.
Posted By Scot on March 9, 2009, 8:37 PM
For beauty I do not believe that Changi airport (Singapore) can be beat. It is like strolling through a large tropical garden: multitudes of exotic flowers and lush greenery everywhere. At least when I have been there, it has not been or seemed crowded, which further accentuated its beauty and sense of Asian calm. Of course, no litter and unfailingly clean! Staff (airline, airport, shops)are unfailingly polite, knowledgeable, and helpful. I have never truly wished to return to any airport, but Changi is virtually a "destination airport" to me!
Posted By Cheryl on March 10, 2009, 10:45 AM
The best US airport i've been to is DCA. It's (relatively) small , friendly and has pretty good amenities with terrific views on take off/descent.
Posted By charlie on April 10, 2009, 8:50 PM