The Singapore Changi Airport Get's Five Stars for Comfort and Security

Airport delays are frustrating and monotonous to say the least, but they are necessary as security threats have forced the hands of reputable airports to safeguard their passengers. This is where innovation has come into play where down time is concerned. Waiting for a flight for several hours can grate the nerves of even the savviest business man, but having luxury at your fingertips can almost make up for the inconvenience of dealing with the long wait and the irritating process of declaring everyone safe for departure.

The classier high-tech airports are striving to find ways to occupy your down time so that you can relax or keep up to date with business meetings by offering lounges with fully stocked bars, spas, gyms, and online services. Singapore Changi Airport has recently been named the world's best airport due in part to the many services available. Everything from ATMs, bureaux de change, business services, airline lounges, travel clubs, duty-free shops, child facilities, multimedia payphones for Internet and e-mails, a mini-supermarket, snack bars and restaurants, a putting green, gym, rooftop pool, hairdresser, laundry service, karaoke lounge, Science Discovery Centre, smoking room, prayer room and a post office is located under one roof.

It would seem that the design of the airport was meant to be a pleasurable experience as there are many outlets available for the passenger's comfort, both onboard the aircraft, and during down time. In fact one of the many services available includes an oxygen bar which gives you a boost of scented oxygen, and it is designed to rejuvenate the body after long flights. The cost of this service is by the minute and the scents can be varied by request. It is set in a relaxing environment so that you can prepare for your flight in comfort or help out your jet lagged immune system after a particularly long flight.

The over all ratings of the Singapore Changi Airport are excellent, especially when it comes to baggage delivery arriving promptly, allowing passengers to exit the airport within 30 minutes from gate arrival. The airport is also easy to walk around, and there are plenty of friendly staff members willing to assist you with questions or directions, and information desks are literally available at every possible location throughout the airport.

It comes as no surprise that Global Traveler readers selected Singapore Changi Airport through a survey as the "Best Airport in the World" with its efficient staff and smooth operations, not to mention the 23 consecutive awards for commitment to quality service that they have received. Travelers that are frequent flyers claim that this is not an airport they want to rush through, but instead, they wish to enjoy its beautiful surroundings.

The airport's security comes under the jurisdiction of the Singapore Police Force, and it has been stepped up since the attacks in 2001. They have made all security issues a top priority, so much so that they took top honors in the "Excellence in Airport Security Award", making it the first airport to have won the award outside of the United States. Highly trained patrol teams consisting of two soldiers and a police officer, heavily armed with assault rifles survey the terminals at random intervals and do not hesitate to investigate questionable actions or suspicious activity, and the screening of luggage is conducted privately, and secured before loading as opposed to them being done publicly, and just before check-in. Carry-on bags are screened at the individual departure gates, while check-in-luggage is screened in the backrooms and secured just before loading.

Skytrax, the official World Airline Star Rating has given the Singapore Changi Airport five stars for service efficiency, passenger assistance, efficiency in handling flight delays, and cancellations, responding to passenger requests, and exceptional long haul accommodations, including comfort, cleanliness, and entertainment venues.