Bangkok: Such smiley staff and a big airy building this place was nice enough. Then at the security check they gave me a ticket that corresponded with the basket my bag was going through the machine in. The chap at the other end of the scanner would only give you a bag if you had the right ticket - really simple but for someone paranoid about her work laptop it made me much happier. (Oh yeah, I've heard all those scare stories about people nicking your stuff while you get manhandled by the security staff. Talking of which, the fiance got WOman-handled by the security lady - she was quite thorough with her pat-down and I think on the flight back he will probably fill his pockets with all the metal objects he can find to ensure the same treatment).
The other sensible idea was a series of signs at the gate showing the row numbers they're calling. I get REALLY arsy with people that dont follow the rules at the airport (get in the queue, jackass!) and this seemed to stop those wazzocks who barge to the front of the queue even when they've only called sprogs, the elderly and the infirm.
Singapore International: Awesome from start to finish. Whether its the big screen tvs or the spas offering massages I'd happily waste a few hours here.
Update: I know this isn't strictly a cool thing about the airport, but I have to applaud their thinking somewhere. On each ATM they had a list f the next 3 closest ATMs, just in case that one wasn't working - genius! And their underground transport system is organised so well. Each stop is numbered (in addition to having a name) so no worry about getting confused between Elephant and Angel or Bond Street and Oxford Street (I'm guessing to a non-native speaker, or my mum, thats all pretty similar looking). Much more sensible.
Singapore local: Average airport, but I cannot say enough good things about the ground staff of the community airline, Firefly. I was mega delayed for checkin and nearly missed my flight, but they let me check in and rushed me through to departures. And all of that good service with me looking like a knob in a cowboy hat (long story, don't ask).
Doha: Only a tiddly airport, but the free quiet rooms with loungers where you can take a nap were awesome.
Kuala Lumpur: Not much to write home about (although they do have a vending machine with postcards and stamps with a post box attached), but the self-flushing toilets were a touch of genius. No more questionable hygiene on the toilet flusher - the action of your arse leaving the seat is enough to trigger it. They just need to create self opening doors now (oh, wait, they have?).
Stansted: Not exciting or exotic, but their pre-booked, long-term parking system worked a treat. book online, turn up with your credit card and instead of tacking a ticket, just slip your credit card into the barrier on the way in and the way out. They get the bus to the terminal (easy peasy). I was a bit worried that we'd be standing at a cold bus stop for hours/have to pay twice etc. but it was quick and painless.
The Ryanair priority boarding we bought worked well here too - no scrum for a seat, we walked straight to the front and had our pick. Didn't work well on the return leg in Marseille mp2 though - lots of shrugged shoulders, cross english people and a sweaty seat-scrum. Give me my goddam money-back!
San Francisco: Longest. Taxi. Ever. Felt like we drove halfway across the state to get to the plane parking space.
Madrid: Yeah, I know some UK airports are serviced by metro or tube systems, but the Madrid Airport express was so bloody cheap it deserves a special mention. And it was pretty easy to buy from the tube station. And its covered in shiny, colourful signs to let all the stoopid foreigners know where they are and where they'll end up. Marvelous. Shame they couldn't manage a croque monseur that didn't taste like shit.
Abu Dhabi: Crud.
JFK: The big bit - awesome. The AA terminal - mega disappointment.
