Between flights

Which are the top three airports in the world?

What is it?
A study conducted by Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy firm, on the top ten airports in the world. We'll give you a low down on the top three.

Why are we writing about it?
Well for one, it is the world's largest, independent passenger survey of airport standards.

Large because the total number of eligible entries were 5,584,365 and more than 150 airports were covered in the survey.

Independent because the survey was conducted without any sponsorship. And two, this gives us an opportunity to tell you what all you can do at these airports as you jet set across the globe.

Who are the top three?
Bagging top spot is Singapore Changi Airport; close on its heels is the Hong Kong International Airport and at third place is the Munich Airport.

What's in it for me?
Despite the fact that the Singapore Changi Airport handles 80 airlines and 35,033,000 passengers a year (2006), it promises you a speedy and hassle-free clearance.

The airport claims that arriving passengers can clear immigration, claim baggage and complete customs in less than 34 minutes. The airport has two main terminals and one terminal specially reserved for budget carriers.

A third terminal is in the making and will be complete next year. These features apart, there are theme gardens in the departure and transit lounges, and an open air sunflower garden in the airport that provides a view of the airfield.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Airport has the world's largest terminal building (570, 000 sq mt). The airport is also well serviced by an airport express train, by buses, coaches, hotel limousines, and taxis. The airport has nearly 150 Airport Ambassadors who'll answer your queries, give directions and also provide other help.

On the other hand, if you are an aviation buff, you'll certainly appreciate the Munich Airport. There are three historic aircraft representing different eras in the history of flying, namely, a Lockheed L-1049 G Super Constellation, a Junkers Ju 52 and a Douglas DC-3.

The airport also has an observation platform atop a 28-metre hill providing an excellent view of the terminal, the apron and activities on both runways. There is also a specially designed terrace from where you get a view of the apron, the aircraft handling areas and the runways.

What about food, shopping and leisure?
At the Changi airport, if you are bored, you can entertain yourself at any one of the three thematic lounges "" the first of its kind in an airport "" Skyplex Entertainment Lounge, Movie Theater, News Hub and Discovery Lounge.

Each of these shows programmes that fit in with the lounge's theme. There are television sets at four different locations in the departure and transit lounges of both the main terminals.

For shopaholics, there are 100 shops at the airport and Changi also offers a No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee on all items, valid upto 30 days from purchase. It also has more than 50 food and beverage outlets in both the main terminals put together.

The Hong Kong International airport has areas designated as resting areas that have reclining couches and are designed in such a way as to provide the right atmosphere for you to rest.

Besides these, there are plasma screens in both the terminals where you can catch the latest news.

The airport also has a dedicated area called SkyPlaza that has more than 100 shops and nearly 20 restaurants offering all types of cuisines. The SkyPlaza is located at the airport's Terminal 2 which takes care of all the arrivals.

Munich Airport, on the other hand, has a common area between the two terminals and houses the shops, restaurants and recreation centres.

SNIPPETS

Sun n sand
Brazillian carrier TAM is planning a direct flight between Rio de Janeiro and Miami. The airline is yet to set the date for this flight, but says that it will not just ferry passengers but carry cargo on the flight as well. TAM has three flights to Miami already.