Singapore's Changi Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world. Photo / Getty Images
Singapore's Changi Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world. Photo / Getty Images
A good airport experience can make all the difference when travelling - these are the world's best.
A good airport experience can make all the difference when you're travelling.
While some are rudimentary at best, others can be innovative, comfortable and fun - even when you're faced with a six hour wait.
Skytrax has recently released the results of its annual World Airport Awards, based on thousands of international passenger surveys. While no New Zealand airport made the top ten, Auckland Airport appeared at 22 and Christchurch Airport at 61.
Here are the best of the best, based on thousands of international passenger surveys:
One of the gardens at Changi Airport. Photo / Getty Images
There are several good reasons Changi has been named the best in the world for five years running now. For a start, there's not one, but two free 24-hour movie theatres, a rooftop swimming pool, eight gardens, three spas and even a butterfly garden. With all that in mind, Changi is almost a destination in itself. And it's getting bigger - a fourth terminal has just been built and is set to open later this year.
2. Tokyo Haneda, (Japan)
Tokyo Haneda Airport is a short subway ride away from the city. Photo / Getty Images
If you're a germaphobe, this is the airport for you - it's also been named the world's cleanest airport. Plus, once you've arrived at Haneda, you won't be facing a long commute into the city - it's only 13 minutes by subway.
3. Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea)
Incheon International Airport includes an indoor skating rink. Photo / Getty Images
Since it opened 15 years ago, this airport has expanded over time, with a second terminal set to open in 2020. There's plenty here to keep a bored traveller entertained, including a casino, ice skating rink and even a nearby golf club, which can be accessed by a free five-minute shuttle ride.
4. Munich Airport (Germany)
The square between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Munich Airport. Photo / Getty Images
Officially the best airport in Europe, Munich is known for its VIP terminal - where every passenger receives a personal VIP assistant - and for the well-regarded Hilton Munich Airport hotel. You can even dine in a real gondola at a new Alpine-themed restaurant that just opened, or if you're passing through in December, there's a proper Christmas market complete with two ice rinks and 450 real trees.
5. Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is known for its dining options. Photo / Getty Images
As a well-known foodie destination, it's no surprise Hong Kong International Airport was also voted the best for dining - you can even get a beer slushie, if you're so inclined. There are also plenty of premium lounges to relax in, as well as an IMAX movie theatre to kill some time.
The World's Top Airlines 2017
1. Singapore Changi 2. Tokyo Intl Haneda 3. Incheon Intl Airport 4. Munich Airport 5. Hong Kong Intl Airport 6. Hamad Intl Airport 7. Centrair Nagoya 8. Zurich Airport 9. Heathrow Airport 10. Frankfurt Airport 11. Amsterdam Schiphol 12. Kansai Intl Airport 13. Vancouver Airport 14. Narita Airport 15. Copenhagen Airport 16. Brisbane Airport 17. Helsinki Airport 18. Shanghai Hongqiao 19. Cape Town Airport 20. Dubai Airport 21. Taiwan Taoyuan Airport 22. Auckland Airport 23. Sydney Airport 24. Vienna Airport 25. Beijing Capital Airport 26. Cincinnati/Kentucky 27. Hamburg Airport 28. Denver Airport 29. Cologne / Bonn Airport 30. Melbourne Airport 31. Madrid-Barajas Airport 32. Paris Cdg Airport 33. Barcelona Airport 34. Kuala Lumpur Airport 35. King Shaka Airport 36. London City Airport 37. Johannesburg 38. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 39. San Francisco Airport 40. Dusseldorf Airport 41. Hartsfield-Jackson 42. Bogota Airport 43. Toronto Pearson Airport 44. Soekarno-Hatta Airport 45. Xi'an Airport 46. Dallas/Fort Worth 47. Gimpo Airport 48. Haikou Meilan Airport 49. Abu Dhabi Airport 50. Gold Coast Airport
