I‘ve experienced many an airport layover and there are really only two types of airports in my book–those that cut it and those that don’t. Except of course, if one is biding time at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul or Singapore’s Changi International, two airports that fly high above the competition in terms of amenities and design. Both are so splendid as far as airports go that they make me actually WANT to have a layover!
Incheon’s international terminal is a wonder of airport entertainment. A movie theater, ice skating rink, jimjilbang (a Korean style sauna) and the ultimate in chic shopping options await travelers battling long layovers in the Korean capital. Toss in the free wifi (a must these days at airports if you ask me) and this airport is easily a chicest contender. Downside? Unless you like soju or beer, this airport is severely lacking in the cocktail-between-flights department.
Meanwhile, Singapore is another brand of airport excellence. The free foot massage chairs alone make this airport stand out, but other perks are the beauty salons, plethora of food and drink choices (adult beverages too), water fountains to refill bottles inside every gate, separate security at each gate (no long lines!), movie rooms, pay per day swimming pool, ample shopping choices, free relaxation lounging chairs, indoor gardens and of course free wifi.
I’ve dubbed it a tie for chicest airport, though Incheon clearly wins for its luxurious dazzle, and Changi for it’s attention to small details that make the weary traveler that much more comfortable.
Can other airports (I’m talking to you Newark and Shanghai!) please take note?
What’s your favorite airport? Least favorite?
Photos courtesy of hancinema.net, Leslie Patrick, businessinsider.com and blue-17.com
The Chic Adventurer 
I’ve actually been to both of these airports but unfortunately haven’t been able to properly experience them since they were both for arrival flights. I went to Singapore last November after traveling to Bali, Thailand and the Philippines. I was in awe at how clean it was, after spending a lot of time at the dirty, cockroach infested airports in the Philippines, but immediately left for my hotel.
I’m living in Korea now and most international flights depart/arrive in Seoul so I’ll definitely be going back there. I was a bit flustered after my 16 hour flight so I don’t recall a skating rink nor a jimjilbang ;). I’ll make sure to look for them the next time I fly out of here! Thanks for the heads up, I’ll be looking forward to going next time 🙂
I’ve got to agree with you about the dirty airports in the Philippines! But now that you live in Korea, you are sure to fly out of Seoul a time or two. Next time, definitely get there early to give yourself some time to look around!
Dear chicadventures ,
Thank you for all the useful information and fabulous photos you’ve given me in this blog. I’ve got to say that you inspire me to travel more and more. I love the way you’ve styled your blog and your angle – of – view in photography. It’s amazing! I just want to be there right away
By the way, I’m …..content staff of Fiuzu – Trip planner portal. I’m writing this to ask for permission to use your photos on our website http://fiuzu.com/ . Fiuzu is a smart trip planning app on the web and mobile that helps plan travel activities, especially auto/semi-auto generation of itinerary that match traveller’s time, budget and interests.
At Fiuzu, we want introduce outstanding astounding sightseeing and attractions in each city through the pretty photos as yours. Hence, your photos will give our users a vivid and intuitive view about the locations we target. We will definitely put your name under each photos and a link to your blog. Please have a look at this link: http://fiuzu.com/a/skyline-luge-sentosa-1978045999 to see how Fiuzu presents photo and credit authors. So I just want to ask whether I can use your images Changi Airport Singapore at https://chicadventures.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/changigarden.jpg
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Best regards,
Hello! The image from Changi airport is not mine to give. If there are any other photos on my site you would like to use, please feel free.