Great airports to transit in Europe
By Su-Ann Mae Phillips
Transiting in one of Europe’s airports is common among travelers – while the Asian counterparts emphasize luxury and pampering, European airports focus on practicalities - the foremost to any transit passenger’s mind is the availability of connecting flights. Two airports that have gone out of their way to invest in providing all-rounded customer service are given special attention here.
Hot on the heels of international favorites such as Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport, Amsterdam’s Airport Schiphol (Luchthaven Schiphol) competes with other European airports such as Heathrow Airport or Paris’ Charles de Gaulle in terms of passenger and cargo handling volumes. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is internationally-connected to more than 260 destinations in 91 countries, and is served by almost 100 airlines.
Home to Dutch national carrier, KLM, the airport offers seamless transfers for the transit passenger. KLM Transfer passengers get to relax in exclusive KLM lounges. Transit travelers with long transit waiting times can opt to go on a range of guided tours to Amsterdam, which is incidentally only 20 minutes away by train. For the transit passenger in search for some rest, the Hotel Mercure Schiphol in located within the terminal building and offer shower rooms. Within walking distance to the airport is the 5-star Hilton Airport Hotel. The most recent accommodation option is Yotel, offering small rooms at affordable rates for the more budget-conscious transit passengers. In terms of facilities, there is a good range of bars, restaurants, shops, express spa or massage services. The complimentary lazy or snooze chairs are a welcome change in the transit areas. For business passengers, it is possible to hold business meetings at the airport at the Regus Skyport Meeting Centre. The Regus Skyport Meeting Centre can also plan and organize the meetings for you. The communication center offers internet connection, telephone and fax services.
The main draw of this airport is the range of facilities catered for families. The award-winning baby care lounge is a quiet sanctuary for parents and babies in search for some peace in-between flights. There are also children play areas. When all else fails, there is a casino area with slot machines and gaming tables.
Germany’s Munich airport is tailored for business traveler. Imagine attending to your business meetings at the airport without the hassle of transferring from the airport to the city. Thanks to the Municon Conference Center, conference facilities for up to 120 persons are available right in the airport. For smaller scale meetings at the airport, there is the Regus Business Center that also offers a full range of office services.
Aptly described as a European hub, Munich is strategically located within Europe, with connecting flights offered by 85 airlines to many destinations in Europe. Airport operations such as fast-track passport screening, high-speed baggage sorting and moving sidewalks operate with German efficiency for transit passengers. Germany’s national carrier, Lufthansa, runs a complimentary bus service (known as the Ramp Direct Service) that picks up transit passengers and their baggage to their connecting flights when incoming flights are delayed.
In terms of facilities, there are 10 passenger lounges for rest and relaxation, apart from the shopping and dining options. Complimentary movies are screened in the transit areas, and there are informative movies and exhibitions about airport operations catered for children. Slot machines and gaming arcades are also available in the airport. For transit passengers in search for some shut-eye, the Airport Hotel Kempinski is located within the terminal building. There are also many other hotel accommodation options available near the airport. For transit passengers in search for some adventure, there are specially catered tours of the airport (conducted in German only). An 18-hole mini golf course and a Visitors Hill that offers views of the airport are available in the Visitors Park. In consideration of Europeans’ love for their pets, dogs are also welcome at the Visitors Park.