Singapore's Changi International Airport
Southeast Asian Airport Notable for its Comfortable Atmosphere
Feb 1, 2009
They don't come much better than this. Since Changi International first commenced operations way back on July 1, 1981 the International Federation of Pilot Airlines Association (IFALPA) has never given this airport an unsatisfactory rating for its services. The list of awards for Changi really is impressive. In both 2007 and 2008, two United Kingdom based travel publications, Wanderlust magazine and Buying Business Travel magazine have given Changi the top worldwide airport and best worldwide airport awards respectively. The Condé Nast Traveler magazine from the United States also gave Singapore's Changi the best international airport award last year.
Here are some of the reasons why travellers speak so highly of this facility.
What Makes Changi Stand Out?
Among other things, there are:
- Beauty salons (in all three terminals)
- Children's play areas (in all three terminals)
- Medical services and pharmacies (in all three terminals)
- 7-Eleven stores and supermarkets
- Passengers in transit who have more than five hours to wait until their next flight can take a tour of Singapore (depending on their individual visa requirements). It lasts two hours and is free for everyone.
Natural Attractions
Various flora and fauna within six different gardens also add charm and grace to Changi. There's a butterfly garden in Terminal 3, a bamboo garden and a cactus garden which has more than forty species of cacti found mostly in North America and Africa.
What Can Travellers Do for Fun?
There's a lot to do for adults and children alike. Passengers who are waiting for a connecting flight can choose to see movies in any of the three terminals. These don't cost anything and they are shown twenty-four hours a day.
Some other options for families include:
- Playing Xbox 360 and Playstation games at the Entertainment Deck in Terminal 2.
- The Explorer's Lounge broadcasts nature/science/history programs from the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.
- Twenty-four hour cable television is available in the Nexus Lounge. Passengers can grab a bite and access the internet which is free.
- Seeing what's happening half a world away is no problem either. There are television screens broadcasting news from the BBC and CNN. These are never turned off.
What Is There to Buy?
One of the reasons Changi has received as many rewards as it has is because of the quality and range of the products offered, and there is much to tempt shopaholics.
Travellers can choose from the following items:
- Designer clothing
- Watches
- Electronics/Cameras/Computers
- Books and Magazines
- Toys and Games
- Cosmetics
- Wines/Liquors/Tobacco
Retail shops at the airport make sure their prices are lower than department stores and supermarkets in the city.
Other Services Available for All Passengers
Changi International has a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi near the Transit Hotel on Level 3 of Terminal 1. Guests who are staying here can use it for free; non-residents will pay a small fee (about fourteen Singapore dollars).
Travellers who want to take a nap can go to the Rainforest Lounge or the Plaza Premium Lounge. The rates for both of these will be ten Singapore dollars for each hour.
An Oasis of Calm and Relaxation
With its quick check in, immigration clearance and comforting services, Singapore's Changi is tough to beat. Hopefully the international airports that are lagging behind can look to Changi as an example of what travellers want after a long flight.
