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hong kong international airport, china
it's no wonder that this airport has taken the top honors for seven years. it's easy to navigate and equipped with passenger-friendly amenities like free wireless internet and a pay-to-use arrival lounge. business and leisure travelers can also get to downtown hong kong quickly on an express train service. other perks include plenty of shopping, a mix of regional and international eateries and a program that allows frequent visitors to clear immigration quickly.
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singapore changi, singapore
since skytrax began ranking airports in 1999, singapore changi has placed first twice. the airport was built in 1981, and it has since added more terminals that cater to both budget and luxury passengers. the up-to-date services and amenities include an indoor orchid garden, a rooftop swimming pool, themed television lounges and a free sight-seeing tour for those who have at least five hours prior to their connecting flight.
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seoul incheon, south korea
if the 72-hole golf course at this seven-year-old south korean airport is any indication, your experience at seoul incheon will be both relaxing and enjoyable. passengers can also take advantage of the on-site hair salon, a children's play room and a business center with overseas shipping. the airport's web site even maintains a list of activities by the number of hours a passenger must wait. if you're within eight hours of a flight, try using the shower and massage services.
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kuala lumpur, malaysia
this airport has won several accolades since opening in 1998. in addition to ranking forth in skytrax's world airport awards, it also ranked first on the company's list of airports with the best immigration service. while passengers are almost guaranteed a seamless arrival and departure experience, they can also enjoy free wi-fi, luxury shopping and reflexology and massage services.
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munich, germany
staff here want you to be "carefree and relaxed," according to the airport's web site. to this end, they offer miniature golf, a 60-seat cinema, and cosmetic and physiotherapy services, among other cutting-edge amenities. the airport also promotes aviation technology and history with educational experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and "kinderterminals," a touchscreen that allows children to learn more about how an airport works.
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kansai, japan
the japanese are known for design, and this osaka airport is no exception. built on a man-made island, this sleek structure opened in 1994 and served 16.7 million passengers last year. they may keep returning for perks like on-site dentist and doctor's offices, a dvd and movie rental service, vip meeting rooms and a pet hotel.
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copenhagen, denmark
passing through the copenhagen airport is an aesthetic experience; the terminals feature works of art and place a visual emphasis on architecture. passengers even walk on brightly polished wooden floors. it's a cozy environment for an airport that receives 60,000 passengers daily. when not admiring the surroundings, passengers are shopping at burberry and gucci boutiques and swigging danish microbrews.
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zürich, switzerland
this airport aims to serve all passengers well but makes a point of catering to vips by coordinating on-the-ground limousine service, event planning and access to a vip lounge. passengers can also rent day rooms with a kitchen and wake-up call service. the pampering even goes as far as childcare. the airport staffs nurseries and playrooms with trained childcare providers. they are proficient in various languages and will keep an eye on children who are accompanied by an adult.
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helsinki, finland
if flying makes you frazzled, then passing through this capital city airport will soothe your nerves. the airport maintains a meditation room meant to create a "calm ambiance" for all passengers. but fliers who thrive on working non-stop won't be disappointed either, since there are several working lounges with pay-to-use wireless internet. if you'd rather shop and nosh, there are plenty of opportunities to do that as well.
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cape town, south africa
this modern airport in south africa has simple amenities that go a long way. for a small tip, porters will transport your luggage from one terminal to the next. a medical clinic serves passengers with aches and pains. there are several lounges for airline members, as well as passengers who don't mind paying a fee for access. and those who want to pray before or after takeoff can be accommodated in a quiet room.
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