World's Best and Worst Airports Named

First Class or Economy - Where does your favourite airport rank?

The votes have been cast and the numbers have been tallied! London Heathrow has been voted the worst airport in the world by members of Priority Pass, the world's leading independent airport lounge program. More worrying news for Heathrow is that British members, who know the airport best, give an even more damning verdict than those in the rest of the world. In contrast, Asian airports get top votes, with Hong Kong and Singapore being voted favourite airports by these travellers, who take an average of 19 flights a year each.

London Heathrow is the airport most frequent travellers want to avoid according to a new survey from Priority Pass, the airport VIP lounge programme.

Priority Pass members, who take an average of 19 flights a year, were asked to name their favourite airport as well as the one they consider the worst to travel through.

Heathrow Airport was a clear "winner" in the "worst airport" category with 15% of the votes of worldwide travellers. British travellers were even more damning, with 30% naming Heathrow as the worst airport in the world

Paris Charles de Gaulle also fared badly, along with Los Angeles airport.

There was less agreement on the favourite airports, with Hong Kong topping the list, gaining 13% of the vote, followed by Singapore (11%) and Amsterdam (7%).

"Heathrow's reputation remains battered after a series of PR disasters in the last year or so," commented Jonathan French, Brand Director of Priority Pass, "but there are signs that Terminal 5 may be able to swing opinion back in the long-term."

The Aussie Opinion

Australia agreed with the rest of the world in naming London Heathrow as the worst airport, with a massive 23% of Australians voting for it.

When it came to our most favourite airports around the globe, the clear winner was Singapore Changi, which 43% of Australians voted as their favourite airport - way ahead of Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, which was second with 12% (in the worldwide vote, these two airports were also in 1st and 2nd place, but the other way round).

Back on home soil, both Sydney and Melbourne airports made it into the Top 30 worldwide list of "favourite airports".

I personally do not think Sydney airport is a favourite airport as when I first touched down in Sydney I was amazed that how SMALL it is the sydney airport. But it is renovating now since few months ago and perhaps my next visit will be impressed by the new look of Sydney airport.

What's important at the airport?

Travellers have very clear views on what makes for a good airport experience and what is less important.

The most important things are all based around minimising the time spent at the airport: punctuality of the flight departure, the speed of check-in, and the speed of getting through security checks. Having access to a peaceful lounge was also rated very highly.

Rated as unimportant was having shopping facilities, and having eating and drinking facilities was also much, much less important than simply having an efficient passage through the airport.

The message is loud and clear. Don't build more and more shops and restaurants; simply provide comfortable lounges and travellers through the whole airport process as quickly and smoothly as possible! True and agreed !!

Summary of results (Worldwide vote):

Which airport do you think is the worst in the world?
15% London Heathrow
5% Paris Charles de Gaulle
5% Los Angeles LAX
3% Chicago O?Hare

Which is your favourite airport?
13% Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok
11% Singapore Changi
7% Amsterdam Schiphol
5% Dubai World Central

Hmm... I wonder why no one voted Cairo airport is the worst airport also? Totally NO SYSTEM ! To those who have been there sure agreed with me.

I would vote for Doah airport because it is so clean, new and comfortable. There is a room called Silent Room? SOmething like that .. becaue that room is dark and only has fitted with many resting chair for travellers to take a nap. I had been there twice and all of us could sleep there very well. It is really dark, quiet and comfy.