Airport Experiences: In Love with SIN

I think I’m in love.

There, I’ve said it.  It’s not what you think though.  I’m not in love with Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome, I’m still waiting for him to show up.  No, don’t laugh but I’m in love with an airport.

Crazy?

Yeah, I know.  I SO know.  But after a lifetime of airports treating me as one of the many, how can I not be enamored by the first one who pays attention to my needs as an individual? 

Let me gush for a minute here.  Girly, yes, but guys should hold on as well because it’s not all pink bows and pantyhose. 

My affair is with Changi International Airport (SIN).  Located in Singapore, this gem of an airport comes with a city touted as a shopping and botanical garden haven with the best collection of five star hotels I’ve ever come across.

Why indulge in SIN?  How about:

1.       Shopping

Sure, they have duty free shops for your booze, chocolate and cosmetic addiction, but SIN’s shopping experience is more similar to a mall than to your average airport.  High end offerings include Tiffany’s, Miu Miu, BLVGARI, Bally, Burburry, etc., but you also have options for those not wanting to drop hundreds or thousands on a single item.  On a recent pass through I picked up a really neat shirt at Cotton, a shop in T2 where the average price per item is about $10.  Bring your credit card anyways, it’s fantastically fun shopping here. 

Note: even though security for SIN is at the gates, most flights allow passengers to bring liquids they have purchased in the airport on board.

2.       Orchid Garden

Can you imagine sitting in an airport admiring the flowers?  Perhaps watching the coy as they swim past, while reading a few chapters of your favorite book.  The orchids themselves are a gardener’s dream, with both standard varieties and hybrids on offer.  Gardeners use with caution or risk missing your flight.

3.       Sunflower Garden

This is a simple outdoor garden on the roof of Terminal 2.  Along with the rows of sunflowers and a bit of fresh air, the airplane geek in you can stretch his wings and enjoy fantastic views of planes as they taxi to the gates nearby.

 

4.       Distractions for Children

Have a screaming, bored, overly energetic, troublesome child?  Perhaps more than one?  Need a distraction to keep from murdering them?  You have options!  My favorite was an area where crayons and paper were set out, with the option of creating your own art or doing one of several rubbings.  All I saw were happy children and happy adults around this table.

5.       Movie Theatre

Recent Hollywood blockbusters on offer 24/7.  It’s a small theatre with couches laid out in front of a large screen.  Show times are listed outside, and passengers come and go as they please.  This is a great area to kick back, put your feet up, and catch that movie you were sorry you missed.

6.       Gaming

Guys, this is the point at which most of you will start looking for flights.  The Entertainment Zone has several blocks of PS3s available with 2 controllers each and multiple games on offer.  Additionally, there is a LAN gaming room set behind glass which offers the ultimate indulgence.  All free, of course.

7.       Relaxation Zone

Every traveller knows there’s a point where you just need to sit down for a bit.  Perhaps take a power nap, or just rest wickedly tired feet before going at it again.  Comfy chairs abound in creative nooks around the airport, offering both brief and prolonged respite from the trials of vacationing.

8.       Personal TVs and group videos

Missing your TV?  Not a problem.  TVs abound in SIN.  Just take a seat, grab the remote, and enjoy.

 

9.       Digital Postcards

Feeling disconnected from the rest of the world?  Wanting a Facebook post that will truly inspire jealousy?  How about a digital postcard which you can email to yourself or post on the giant backboard for other passengers to see?  Say cheese!

10.    Internet Voice Chat

Now that you’ve seen and done it all, it’s time to rub it in.  Call your lover, call your friends, or call your parents and tell them all about it using these internet voice chat consoles.  Just don’t spend too long, there is so much more to see and do before your flight!

Of course there is free WiFi throughout the airport, as well as computers if you haven’t brought your own. 

Obviously this is a big airport, and I can hear you whining about the distances you need to cover.  Trains run between terminals at 4 minute intervals, and there are guides available to help you map out your course.  If you’re wondering how long it will take you to get to your gate, consider one of the electronic maps which not only gives you step by step directions, but offers a “print” function so you can take them along.

I know!  Cool, right? 

Post indulgence, there are a plethora of options for munchies, transit lounges where you can sleep it off, a pool on the roof where you can work on your tan, and a gym where you can train for round 2.  Better yet, just keep going as my list doesn’t cover half of what is actually available.

So here’s to avoiding all the advice we ever heard about love at first sight and not falling for the first pretty face.  Screw waiting, screw patience.  We want what we want, and we want it now.  So here’s to falling in love with SIN.  I have, have you?