Singapore Gets Customer Experience Right, Even Before You Leave The Airport. #changi

I snapped the above recently as I passed through Changi Airport in Singapore. It's their Balinese rooftop pool and  just the thing you need when you've been hot and squashed up like a battery hen for several hours.

As we sat there, I wondered why Changi is the only airport I have been to that offers SUCH good facilities and service?

Nine times out of ten, airports utterly suck to be in. Pretty lack luster service, seats, over priced and poor wi-fi, terrible fast food, and lame toilet and shower facilities.(If any!)

Yet it's always a total joy to get to Singapore and experience Changi Airport whenever I fly through or visit. It gives the traveller a great brand experience for Singapore itself even before you leave the airport.

So what else apart form the blissful pool and cocktail bar makes Changi rock?

• Free (and excellent) Wi-fi (Critical for travellers!)
• Lush gardens in and outside the airport to rest, relax and walk through
• Free movie theater and TV shows for all
• Free XBOX 360 and PS3 gaming
• Free local telephone calls
• Free Singapore 2 hr bus tour (if at the Airport for more then five hours)
• The Balinese pool above of course (cost about $15 AUD)

All the above requires no crappy frequent flyer card or point scheme nonsense, It's there for every tourist to enjoy, and experience and pass on the word to others. In short it's marketing and customer experience done right.  So much so that customers are clearly sharing their experiences and using the hashtag #changi across Instagram, Google+, Twitter & Facebook

My tired feet salute you Changi Airport marketing team, you are one of the very few smart airport teams who get brand and customer experience right.