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Incheon International Airport

Korean Air's main hub is ranked world's best airport
LA Times, 6/24/09, Peter Pae

Incheon International is little known outside Asia. But results of a recent survey of 8 million fliers could change that.

In a recent tour of the airport before the survey results were released, U.S. travelers were shown amenities that few if any U.S. airports could match, including free use of showers and changing rooms similar to those found at five-star hotels. There is a $2 charge for towels and toiletries.

In one area, a dozen computers with free access to the Internet were available for passengers. In another, a dozen sleeping chairs for those with long layovers. There was also a free television news and movie viewing room, a children's playroom and a museum. The same facilities were available at the opposite end of the terminal.

Those with more than a six-hour wait for a connecting flight could also check into a full-service hotel next to the gates where a private room with bed and bath was going for $40 for six hours or $100 for 24 hours.

The airport, built in 2001, also provides one of the more useful services for connecting travelers. Bags are directly transferred to the connecting flight. They don't have to be retrieved, taken through customs and then rechecked, as required at most other international airports.

I've only flown in and out of Incheon three times but I've been impressed, especially with the organization and the ease with which I cleared customs. The free luggage carts are also a big plus. There are even reading glasses attached to the tables where you fill out your documents. Security inserts a musical device (it sounds like a little like a musical greeting card) in your luggage if there is something in there that they want to discuss with you.

I didn't know about the free showers or sleeping rooms. It's nice that you don't have to belong to some premium airline club to get those services.

Incheon International Airport Official Website