November 2009

Flights of Fancy.

Check out these airport facilities and services for a super getaway

WORDS JOANNA HALL

SINGAPORE

Changi International Airport was rated the world’s third best airport in the recent Skytrax awards, largely because of its impressive leisure amenities including movies and game consoles.

One of the newest attractions located at terminals 1 and 3 is Time Travel, a lifestyle-concept bookshop designed to meet the specific needs of travellers. In addition to major international newspapers and the latest books, it offers a wide variety of travel gadgets and accessories, and a Berlitz Listening Station where you can pick up 200 useful phrases in various languages such as Mandarin, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese before flying out.

BANGKOK

There are many great reasons to visit Bangkok, but a new one to add to the list is the opportunity to shop ’til you drop at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Think of something you need and you can probably buy it here, but if you have something really special in mind, or just fancy a jaw-dropping window-shopping experience, head for the glamorous boutiques located on Level 4 (departures), Concourse D. From Bally and Burberry, to Cartier and Hugo Boss, most of the best-known international designer brands are represented here. After all that shopping, indulge in a Thai massage to end refreshed.

SYDNEY

If you find yourself with spare time at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, there are plenty of options for amusing yourself.

One is stopping by the new Lonely Planet concept store in the International Terminal, where you can browse through over 500 travel books, get expert tips and recommendations from its authors using innovative i-touch screens, and even print your own custom-made guidebook.

Or if you’re in the Domestic Terminal and feel the need for a little pampering, take some time out at Body Inc, a beauty salon and spa where you can get a manicure, a massage or even a new hairdo.

GOLD COAST

Whether you’re waiting for a flight or have time to kill between connections, the new must-visit hot spot here is the Jetstar Lounge. Facilities on offer in this quiet oasis include comfy chairs, complimentary food and drinks, wireless internet access, plasma TV screens showing news, music videos and movies, and two dedicated areas to amuse the kids with movies and games.

Entry is free for children aged six and below when accompanied by an adult, who can get in for AU$15 at the door or pre-purchase access for AU$9.99 from Jetstar.com. If you’ve upgraded yourself to travel StarClass, it’s free.

ON THE FLY WITH JETSTAR TRAVEL BOOKINGS

Jetstar has launched the next phase of its website technology, making it easier than ever before to make travel plans – even if you’re already on the move. In addition to browsing the Jetstar.com website, travellers using an internet-enabled mobile phone can now buy a ticket, check in for a flight, and even make changes to an existing booking. This amazing new technology is available in both English and Japanese, and is in operation system-wide so if you’re in Singapore, but need to book a flight from Sydney to Melbourne for the following week, now all you need to do it is your mobile!