วันจันทร์ที่ 16 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2554

Six Things Every Traveler Should Know About Airport Security This Week

Since the attempted bombing of Delta/Northwest flight 253 over Detroit on Christmas Day, airport security has been turned on its head (once again).

While we expect changes, here’s what you need to know right now:

1>Most increased security is on inbound-to-U.S flights. As far as we can tell, the only changes you may notice for domestic U.S. flying are more frequent pat-downs at airport security and the possibility of a random screening of your carry-on bags at the gate. (If you were traveling post 9/11 you may remember this procedure where a handful of passengers, usually those near the front of the boarding line, were chosen “randomly” to have the contents of their carry-ons displayed to everyone boarding the plane…)

2>Canadian authorities have  lifted the onerous complete ban on carry-on luggage (except for personal items like purses or laptops) for flights departing Canada for the U.S. Updates here. British Airways tells The TICKET that travelers inbound to the U.S. from the U.K. are currently restricted to a SINGLE carry on that must conform to normal size standards (one bag only…which means you need to put your purse or briefcase INSIDE your carry on suitcase)

3>When returning from another country to the U.S., you will go through at least TWO security checks: First, when checking in for your flight at the airline counter, you will face possible frisking, baggage inspection and questioning BY THE AIRLINE. Second, local authorities at airport security checkpoints will screen you as you make your way to the departure gate. There is also the possibility of random checks at the departure gate.

4>REMEMBER: We are entering the “dead weeks” or the SLOWEST travel period of the year, so don’t expect ongoing huge delays or long lines. Despite media reports, you should not expect chaos at the airport. As a matter of fact, you could probably roll a bowling ball through airport concourses this week and not hit anyone!

5>Expect to see more frequent use of the full-body scanners at the 19 U.S. airports where they are in operation.  More international airports are said to be fast- tracking installation of these devices. Check out the 6 month stock price chart below that shows the jump of OSI Systems, which owns Rapiscan, the manufacturer of such devices.




6>Restrictions on on-board activities (such as getting out of your seat or using electronics during the last hour of the flight) that were mandated last week are now left up to cabin crew—and from what we’ve heard, are essentially no longer in effect. In his speech yesterday, President Obama did not announce any new rules or procedures that will affect travelers. 

Bottom line: Terrorist incidents, like airplane crashes, happen. No matter how hard we try to prevent them, they are going to happen. No airplane is 100% safe. No airport is 100% secure. We should do our best to be vigilant, but not make long term decisions based on reactive fear.

Travel Advice/Travel Tips - Don't leave your stuff at the security check point.

We notice that many travelers going through airport security seem to make the procedure much more difficult than it needs to be. Security practices are not going to change just because you do not want to wait in line. Get with the program and do what you can to speed the process.

1. Carry a clear, plastic baggy in your pocket or carry-on
When you are waiting in the security line, place all of your change, keys, pens, watches, rings, jewelry, and other metal objects in the bag.
Place the bag near the bottom of your carry-on for its trip through the scanner.
Using the clear plastic bag helps any security personnel who need to examine your stash.
In addition, using the bag helps speed you through the metal detector.
Finally, when you exit security, it is easy to reload your pockets with all the loveable junk that you carry.

2. Take special care with your wallet. If you carry metal in your wallet (keys, etc), you will need to send the wallet through the scanner. Most people forget to remove their wallets before passing through the metal detector and, then, dump it in a tray for scanning after they have failed their first pass through the metal detector.

Don’t toss your wallet in a bin for scanning
It is just too great a risk to take.  Many travelers are so flustered having failed the metal detector test that they forget to check for the wallet when gathering their "stuff".
Instead, place your wallet in the bottom of your carry-on (so that it cannot fall out) before you place it in the tray to be scanned.
Be sure to pick up your carry-on when departing the security check area.
Replace your wallet in your pocket or wherever you keep it before you give yourself a pat down, find it missing from its usual place, and start to panic.


3. Perform a mental checklist before you leave the security area.
Make sure that you have retrieved your wallet, luggage, shoes, jewelry, and anything else that you put through the scanner (like your belt, perhaps?).
The process will go a lot quicker if you place your wallet and the plastic bag full of pocket stuff (including your watch and rings) in your carry-on while you are cued up for the security checkpoint.

Incheon International Airport Scores High in Passenger Satisfaction…Again



Anyone who travels frequently knows that airports vary greatly. Some are better than others. I have always found Incheon a positive experience. It’s really no surprise that year-after-year they rank top in passenger satisfaction.  When the new bridge linking the airport to Songdo IBD is completed later this year, the travel experience to Korea will be even better.
Global media notes…Incheon International Airport in South Korea won the coveted Best Airport Award, according to a survey conducted by Airports Council International. Passenger satisfaction with the new Terminal 3 promoted Singapore Changi Airport into 2nd place this year, with Hong Kong International Airport coming in at a close 3rd place. Airports Council International announced the top performing airports in the Airport Service Quality Survey.

Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)

South Korea's premier air facility, Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) is around 52 km / 32 miles west from Seoul city centre and is also close to Sindo Island, Gangwa-do and Yeongheung-do. Incheon has grown to become one of the most important airports in the whole of Asia and boasts around 18,000 monthly flights, almost all of which are international.



A single year in the life of Seoul's Incheon Airport will see some 15 million passengers passing through this facility, using over 70 airlines to reach almost 150 worldwide destinations. In recent years, the airport has received a series of prestigious awards for excellence and commitment to high standards of service.


Incheon Airport offers travellers plenty of choice when it comes to transport, including ferry services, a modern rail network (KTX trains) and buses. The airport buses link central Seoul and nearby Gimpo Airport, along with other destinations such as Gaebong Station, Seoul National University, Tower Palace and Yeongdeungpo Station. Buses at Seoul's Incheon Airport also travel further afield, linking the provinces of Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi and Gyeongsang, as well as the neighbouring city of Incheon, stopping at locations such as the Hyundai Shopping Mall and the Munkak Stadium.

Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) Information: History and Facilities
In the 1990s, the already established Gimpo International Airport was finding it difficult to cope with increasing traffic and so the need for a new airport arose. In 2001, Incheon International Airport was completed, after around eight years on construction work.

This state-of-the-art airport opened to great acclaim and the international traffic from Gimpo moved here. Passenger levels have already exceeded expectations and so therefore, the second phase of construction began, sooner than originally planned. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) was designed to accommodate the Airbus A380 double-decker passenger plane, which will significantly contribute further to overall demand.

Facilities at Seoul Incheon International Airport are comprehensive and offer plenty to keep even the weariest of travellers occupied. With over 40 different stores onsite, shopping is a definite highlight and the most popular outlets include Duty Free Korea, the AEKYUNG Department Store, Family Mart, the Shinsege Department Store and the Korea Landscape Market.

Those looking for something to eat will also find plenty of choice. Noodles are a firm favourite at Seoul Incheon Airport and the Chang-tuh noodle bar is always busy, while other options within the main food court area include Korean beef dishes at the Byeok-Je Galbi and Bong Hee restaurants. For banking needs, the onsite Woori Bank offers a range of financial services.

Conference facilities at Incheon International Airport (ICN) suit the needs of business travellers flying into and out of Seoul. Both the Diners Club International and Paradise Business Centre offer a comprehensive range of services, including videoconferencing, while all the terminals feature Internet access. The Landside Information and Communication Centre features two travel lounges and free Internet usage for up to 30 minutes.

Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) Information: About Seoul Tourism
South Korea's capital city of Seoul lies next to the Han River and its metropolitan area is amongst the biggest on the planet. Seoul is a vast, cosmopolitan city, with endless sights to see, such as the Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace, Gyeongbok Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace, all of which date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Also worth visiting is the Korea Exhibition Centre, Namsan Park and the many sporting events, which regularly take place at the acclaimed Seoul World Cup Stadium, which can seat almost 70,000 people.

Seoul's greater metropolitan area encompasses the harbour city of Incheon and its busy airport. Incheon Airport (ICN) lies directly west of Incheon city and on the neighbouring Yeongjong-Yongyoo Island, being surrounded by the Yellow Sea.

Stuck in Hong Kong airport during the holidays? Enjoy it!

Assuming that you have six plus hours to burn at the Hong Kong airport, one of the best airports in the world as voted by Passengers from all round the globe, there really isn’t much that you can bitch about here. The Hong Kong airport has so much to do that you might not even want to leave here so soon. The whole airport has wifi access and if you are flying Cathay Pacific or any other airline on One Alliance then the Wing Lounge is probably the best business class lounge you’ll find in Hong Kong.


Near Gate 36, Departures Level, Terminal 1 (restricted area) Between Aisle F and G, Check-in Hall, Departures Level, Terminal 1 (non-restricted area)
Terminal 1 is where all the shopping is, apart from a more than well stocked A-Z brand named luxury fashion designer handbags of Agnes B to Zara. Duty Free, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, jewellery and lingerie but lets not go into detail because what really makes Hong Kong airport worth the 6 hour layover is of course the food. If you want authentic Chinese food then there is Crystal Jade, Tsui Wah, Maxims, Taiwanese beef noodles and if you are wandering around the food court then Cafe de Coral is a must try because its considered very local Hong Kong food so you don’t want to say that you’ve been to Hong Kong until you’ve tried Cafe de Coral or Fairwood or had some wonton noodle soup, if you count that as your last chance for tasting local Hong Kong cuisine.

If you are looking for a British pub to pass an hour then head to Katie O’Connors to grab a beer. Otherwise the Oyster Bar has got some really basic refreshments prior departure.

What about kid-friendly things to do or children play areas when stuck in the Hong Kong airport for the holidays? Talk about just a laid back family outing at the cinema, when you take the connecting train from terminal 1 to terminal 2 of the Hong Kong airport, on level 6 of the unrestricted area there is a 4D cinema which is one of the largest in Asia. Not far from the cinema, kids can ride the cockpit simulator at the Aviation Discovery Centre. The PlayStation® Gateway, the only dedicated special gaming area to be found within an airport in Asia, lets you play free of charge to your heart’s content with the next generation PS3™, PSP® games and games with the themes of aviation, transportation and movies. You can even enjoy the free latest PSP® trail games download service.

Near the Hong Kong airport:

If you are allowed out of the transfer lounge and your bags have been checked in but you still want to venture out then there are two points of interests that are easily accessible from the airport. The Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastary and Lantau Link Visitors Centre & Viewing Platform are just a few miles away and you can easily get to and back to the airport under 2 hours. One other hidden gem near the Hong Kong airport is the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course, you can even play golf when you get stuck in the Hong Kong airport and its not just any odd gold course – it is the Hong Kong’s first nine-hole golf created to United States Golf Association standards and inspired by the world’s famous 17th hole at the Tournament Payers Club in Sawgrass, Florida, the Nine Eagles adds a new dimension to the Hong Kong golf scene with a signature hole, Island Green. Situated on an island in the middle of an artificial lake, this signature hole is unique in Hong Kong.

For the love of Rudolph, will you make it back to the airport in time? This is for the ballsy traveler… the one who is going to have an adventure during their layover, departure times be damned. Only if you consider making the most out of being stuck in Hong Kong airport during the holiday and want to see that one iconic thing in Hong Kong before you fly away, then you better take the airport express train to the city and go up the Peak. Most locals would recommend that if there is just that one thing that you have to see before flying off, it would be the Peak. Good luck.

Hong Kong International Airport


Airport Code: HKG
Airport news: 
In the summer of 2010, the airport management announced that it is to develop a new 20-gate passenger concourse in the midfield area. Completion is likely to be in 2020.
Here you'll find essential information on Hong Kong International Airport, including contact details, airport transfer facts, details of airport facilities, and how to get there.
Information: 
The Customer Service Centres can be found in the check-in hall in Departures and in the Arrivals hall, open daily 0530-2400. Multimedia booths are located in the East, West and Arrivals halls, with interactive information and a touch-screen map. There are dozens of 24-hour help phones located throughout the terminal. Information in English is available (tel: 2181 0000).


Facilities

Conference and business: 
Full conference facilities are available at the World Trade Centre (tel: 3153 2338; www.wtchkia.com) adjacent to the airport. A business centre is located in the Departures check-in hall; services include fax facilities and mobile telephone hire. Further conference and business facilities are available from the Plaza Premium Lounge in the west hall (tel: 2261 2622) and east hall (tel: 2261 2668), as well as the Regal Airport Hotel (tel: 2286 8888; www.regalhotel.com). There are several airline lounges, and a number of multimedia lounges are available airside for departing passengers. The huge Asia World Expo convention and exhibitions complex (tel: 3606 8828; www.asiaworld-expo.com) is located adjacent to the airport.
Disabled facilities: 
The airport is fully accessible for disabled travellers. There are plenty of wheelchair-accessible toilets, lifts, ramps and escalators around the airport and Ground Transportation Centre. Car park spaces reserved for disabled drivers are available in Car Parks 1 and 4. Wheelchairs are provided free of charge by airlines; passengers should inform the airline prior to travel. For more information on wheelchair hire and in-terminal transportation, passengers should contact Worldwide Flight Services Holding SA (tel: 2261 2727). The terminal shuttle train is also wheelchair-accessible. Escalators and walkways have audio warning signals, while lifts, toilets and telephones have Braille signs. Tactile path guides and induction loops are installed at various points.
Hotels Description: 
The Regal Airport Hotel is connected to the passenger terminal by a covered walkway. There are also a number of hotels close to the airport. Information counters and a booking service, operated by Hong Kong Hotels Association (tel: 2383 8380 or 2769 8822; www.hkta.org/hkha), can be found in the Arrivals hall. Airport Express Line rail ticket holders can catch a free Airport Express shuttle bus to many hotel destinations from either Kowloon or Hong Kong stations.

Airport facilities

Money: 
There is a bank, and several bureaux de change counters and ATMs located throughout the terminal. A post office is located in the Departures hall. Free wireless Internet is available throughout the terminals. The Cyber Break Café is located in the northwest concourse, while 170 Power Phones for Internet access can be found in the terminal and Ground Transportation Centre.
Food: 
There are more than 150 food and drink outlets, including an Irish pub in the Arrivals hall.
Shopping: 
Shops, including gift and duty-free, are available in both terminals. There is a 24-hour convenience store in the Arrivals hall. A pre-order and pick-up service for duty-free products is available.
Luggage: 
Trolleys are available at all passenger drop-off points. A porter service operated by WFS (tel: 2261 2727), which also offers a home baggage pickup and delivery service, (tel: 2122 9813), is available at various points, including outside Departures and the baggage reclaim hall. An excess baggage shipping service is also available at aisle ‘K’, before check-in (tel: 2769 8681). A left-luggage facility is also available in the Arrivals hall (tel: 2261 0110). Lost and found services are available at the customer service centre, the airport police report centre and via the help phones; there is also a lost and found office on Level 6 of the terminal (tel: 2182 2018).
Other facilities: 
There is a medical centre on level six (tel: 2261 2626) and a pharmacy. The Plaza Shower and Relaxation Lounge on level seven of the west hall is open 24 hours and provides shower rooms, semi-private napping rooms and a mini salon. There is also an Oriental Massage Centre. Children's play areas are located near Gates 22 and 36, while nursery rooms are located at various points throughout the terminal. A non-denominational prayer room is situated in the check-in hall and is open 24 hours.
Information counters and a booking service, operated by Hong Kong Hotels Association (tel: 2383 8380 or 2769 8822; www.hkta.org/hkha) can be found in the Arrivals hall.

Public Transport

Car parking: 
There is one undercover multi-storey car park (Car Park 4) and three open-air ground level car parks (Car Parks 1, 2, and 3). Car Parks 1, 2 and 4 are short-term, while Car Park 3 is currently closed for construction work. Part of Car Park 2 is designated for long term use during this work. Complimentary 30-minute parking is available in Car Parks 1, 2 and 4.
Car rental: 
Driving is chaotic in Hong Kong, and self-drive car hire is rare. Most people wishing to rent exclusive-use vehicles rather than using taxis opt for chauffeur-driven cars; these are available from Trans-Island (tel: 3193 9333; www.trans-island.com.hk), and Parklane Limousine Service (tel: 2730 0662; www.hongkonglimo.com). Both companies have desks in Arrivals.
Public transport - Rail: 
Rail: The MTR Corporation Airport Express Line (tel: 2881 8888; www.mtr.com.hk) operates trains that leave the airport for downtown Hong Kong (journey time: 23 minutes) stopping at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations, where check-in and free porter services are available. The station is located in the Ground Transportation Centre.
Public Transport - road: 
Bus: Public buses also leave from the Ground Transportation Centre and from near Car Parks 1 and 2. Buses are operated by Citybus (tel: 2873 0818; wwww.nwstbus.com.hk), Long Win (tel: 2261 2791; www.kmb.com.hk) and New Lantao (tel: 2984 9848; www.newlantaobus.com). There are 11 Airbus routes to various parts of Hong Kong, including North Point Ferry Pier, Hung Hom station and Lam Tin station. Frequent external bus services are also available. Night buses take over after 2400. There are also six airport shuttle routes and a 24-hour Discovery Bay Airbus service, operated by DB Transit (tel: 2987 0208).
Coach: Cross-border coaches run by five operators offer regular services between the airport and major Guangdong cities in mainland China. A valid travel document for entry to mainland China is required.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available from the Ground Transportation Centre next to the passenger terminal. There are separate queues for various services; urban taxis are red and serve almost all destinations in the city, New Territories taxis are green, and Lantau taxis are blue.
 
Public Transport - water: 
Water: The SkyPier (tel: 2215 3232) provides high-speed ferry services between the airport and six points in the Pearl River Delta (Dong Guan Humen, Macau, Zhuhai Jiuzhou, Zhongshan, Shenzhen Fuyong and Shenzhen Shekou). Tickets are available from the ferry transfer desk in the arrivals hall before travel. A bus service runs from the airport to the piers. An Automated People Mover now connects arrival hall with Skypier ferry terminal.

Hong Kong International Airport is named the World's Best Airport at the 2011 World Airport Awards held in Copenhagen ....

AIRPORT OF THE YEAR 2011

Hong Kong International Airport



1. Hong Kong International Airport

2. Singapore Changi Airport

3. Incheon International Airport

4. Munich Airport

5. Beijing Capital International Airport

6. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

7. Zurich Airport

8. Auckland International Airport

9. Kuala Lumpur International Airport

10. Copenhagen Airport


 In a nine month customer survey with more than 11.38 million participants, Hong Kong International Airport has been named the Worlds Best Airport by air travellers across the globe. A perennial favourite of air travellers worldwide, and the 2010 top airport, Changi Airport Singapore was a very close runner up ranking 2nd in 2011. Incheon International Airport, the overall award winner in 2009 was similarly in very close contention, securing 3rd place. Munich Airport ranked 4th in the world and the repeat winner of the Best Airport Europe title. Beijing Capital Airport continued its improvement in the global ratings, moving up to 5th from 8th in 2010, also named Best Airport China. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport was 6th worldwide, and named Best Airport in Western Europe. Zurich Airport achieved 7th place, Auckland International Airport a repeat winner as Best Airport Australia/Pacific and ranked 8th worldwide. Kuala Lumpur maintained a place in the worlds top-10 airports with 9th place, and winning Best Immigration Service category. Copenhagen Airport enters the Top 10 world ranking in 10th, up from 15th position in 2010.