Many of us can clearly identify what drives us crazy about airports, but rarely do we consider what makes an airport great. Skytrax has taken 39 different elements of a possible airport experience into consideration and surveyed over 8.6 million passengers from over 95 nationalities. This survey took 10 months to complete and involved 196 airports worldwide. In case you’re wondering, our beloved Pearson International did not rate in any category.

Top 10 Airports in the World for 2009

1. Seoul Incheon

2. Hong Kong

3. Singapore Changi

4. Zurich

5. Munich

6. Kansai

7. Kuala Lumpur

8. Amsterdam

9. Centrair Nagoya

10. Auckland

These are the elements on which the airports were rated.

1.     Getting to & from Airport / Accessibility
2.     Public transportation options
3.     Taxi availability / prices
4.     Availability of luggage trolleys (airside & landside)
5.     Terminal comfort, ambience & general design / appearance
6.     Terminal cleanliness
7.     Seating facilities throughout terminal(s)
8.     Immigration - queuing times (departure / arrivals)
9.     Immigration - staff attitude (departure / arrivals)
10.   Waiting times - at Security
11.   Courtesy & Attitude of Security staff
12.   Check-In facilities
13.   Terminal signage
14.   Clarity of Boarding Calls / Airport PA’s
15.   Flight Information Screens - clarity / information
16.   Friendliness of Airport Staff
17.   Language skills for Airport Staff
18.   Ease of Transit thru Airport (between flights)
19.   Location  of Airline Lounges
20.   Washroom / Shower facilities
21.   Cleanliness of Washroom facilities
22.   TV / Entertainment facilities
23.   Quiet areas / Day rooms / Rest areas
24.   Children’s play area / facilities
25.   Choice of Shopping
26.   Prices charged in retail outlets
27.   Choice of bars / cafes & restaurants
28.   Prices charged in bars / cafes & restaurants
29.   Internet facilities / WiFi availability
30.   Business centre
31.   Telephone / fax locations
32.   Bureau de change facilities
33.   ATM facilities
34.   Smoking policy / Smoking lounges
35.   Standards of disabled persons access / facilities
36.   Baggage Delivery times
37.   Priority Baggage Delivery efficiency
38.   Baggage Delivery - efficiency / lost luggage
39.   Perception of airport security / safety standards

The Top 3 Airports in North America

1. Dallas/Forth Worth
2. San Francisco
3. Vancouver

Best Duty Free Shopping

1. Dubai
2. Singapore
3. Amsterdam

Best International Transit Airport

1. Seoul Incheon
2. Singapore
3. Munich

Best Airport Dining

1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Bangkok

Best Security Processing

1. Seoul Incheon
2. Hong Kong
3. Centrair Nagoya

Cleanest Airport Washrooms

1. Kansai
2. Seoul Incheon
3. Zurich

Best Terminal Cleanliness

1. Seoul Incheon
2. Singapore
3. Hong Kong

Best Baggage Delivery

1. Helsinki
2. Hong Kong
3. Singapore

Best Leisure Amenities

1. Singapore
2. Amsterdam Schiphol
3. Seoul Incheon

Best Immigration Service

1. Kuala Lumpur
2. Singapore
3. Munich