Best Airports of 2008
Every year, we like to reflect on the best airports of the year. Over the years we've seen many airports improve and watched sadly as others deteriorate. This was the first year that you were able to vote on the best and worst even if you didn't submit a review. With more than 6500 votes since July and 650 new airport reviews, here are the airports you voted as the best and worst of 2008.
1. Singapore Changi
Yawn.....since this site began more than 12 years ago, Singapore has always won our prestigious Golden Pillow Award. While they may not take any noticeable pride in this great achievement, Singapore's Changi airport remains the reining mother of all airports. Airports around the world should emulate this airport and airport sleepers must visit it on their travels. Sleepers worldwide will be brought to tears of joy when they discover all of the wonderful amenities available at "Club Changi". Throw away those inflatable rafts for this trip, my friends, because you will find specially designed "snooze chairs" in the rest areas. In addition to those typical amenities that we rave about at other airports such as internet cafes, prayer rooms, shopping, and good eats, add these upgrades available at Changi: free WiFi and internet, free city tours, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, 24 hour massage and spa facilities, 24 hour business center, video games, music lounges, live bands, six gardens, a special "official" napping corner, and free movies -- all at the airport. There really is no reason to leave Club Changi. Several contributors have raved about Singapore's Changi airport and have suggested you stay a few nights there even if you have the money for a hotel. I am almost inclined to travel to Singapore, just to camp out in the airport. Best of all, the airport is comfortable, safe, quiet (so quiet in fact that students have gone there to study for their during exams) and there's even a karaoke bar. One other fun fact about this little piece of heaven on earth are the signs that read " no pets, no skateboarding, no smoking and no studying". Check out the official Singapore Changi web site before you go to see, via photos, what this airport is about.
Runners up of the Golden Pillow Award go to:
2. Seoul Incheon, South Korea
Why? Cultural Center where you can make traditional Korean arts and crafts, clean, comfortable benches and loungers, Jjimjilbang (hot tubs, showers and sauna), good temperature, dim lights in certain areas, telephone numbers throughout to should you be anal enough to want to "complain" about anything you find not to your liking, internet and WiFi at cost
Why not? expensive, Fun fact: Seoul Incheon was almost disqualified from our list after a ballot stuffing campaign by citizens of South Korea to elect Incheon as the best airport. Just kidding, but I'm on to you South Koreans!
3. Hong Kong, China
Why? pay lounges where you can sleep, eat, watch tv and check email; spacious gate areas, clean restrooms, Free "Travellers Lounges" offer recliners, free internet kiosks, WiFi, Cushioned benches, overstuffed single chairs, showers, courteous staff, children's play area, tv lounge
Why not? annoying announcements, cold, food court closes at night
Regional Winners
Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands (22.37%)
Why? in transit/departures area you will find long leather couches and sleeper rooms in transit area, WiFi,
Why not? wood benches and seats with armrests in check-in lobby, closed 12AM-5AM
Followed by: Istanbul (21.14%) & Munich (13.09%)
North America
San Francisco, USA (17.70%)
Why? cushioned seats without armrests at some gates, WiFi (but not free), undergone a renovation in recent years, clean, 24 hour Subway with padded seats
Why not? still some uncomfortable seats pre and post security, pricey food, frequent and loud announcements
Followed by: Vancouver (16.59%) & Orlando (13.88%)
Caribbean, Central & South America
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(17.14%)
Why? I really not sure why this was voted the best airport of the region. Hopefully more people can submit reviews of this and other airports in this region for 2009.
Why not? seats have armrests
Followed by: Buenos Aires Ezeiza (15.56%) & Sao Paolo (13.02%)
Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (54.76%)
A new entry on our best airports list.
Why? free WiFi, comfortable chairs, sofas, long lounge sleeper chairs in departure area, open 24 hours.
Why not? always busy, parts of the airport have not been updated, dirty bathrooms, annoying announcements, lots of people end up on the floor
Followed by: Tel Aviv (17.14%) & Abu Dhabi (9.05%)
