Sarah N.
Yelp
This airport would be a solid 5++++ short one design flaw in my personal humble Yelping opinion.
I have never Yelped about an airport while sitting in that actual airport, but I am doing just that today being at the Changi International Airport Terminal 4 in Singapore.
And quite honestly, everything about this shiny new terminal that only opened in late October 2017 is really excellent. Really one of the best airports I have been through in Asia. It has all the right things...wide layout, incredibly well stocked retail outlets selling everything from Korean skincare to leather goods to books, expansive food offerings, bright lighting and the really the most gracious Singaporian employees a city could want showcasing this great city. The immigration upon departure is completely automated and self serve. The baggage screening is the most advanced I have ever seen on the planet...no need to remove laptops, fully electronic conveyor belt, friendly staff helping along the way and guiding you at every step. Not to mention about 20 lines to move things along as quick as possible. Well done!
CARPET? REALLY? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
My only let down is with the carpet throughout the building. Carpet? It is the 21st century and travelers are "wheeling" along more than ever. My emphasis on the word "wheeling." Being the type of traveler that always carries on and never checks a bag, the type of traveler that I am usually moving quickly through the gawkers holding up traffic, the type of traveler that spends money on great well made luggage that is compliant with all global guidelines for size inside an airplane cabin. But what 21st century piece of luggage does not have wheels?
With that, the carpet can be a pain in the rump to drag your wheeled luggage along. It does not effortlessly wheel along as it should. If you are a backpack carrying traveler, have no worries, you are all set.
But short the carpet mistake by some designer who laid out all the other beautiful design elements of this new terminal just perfectly (maybe that guy or girl has never really traveled much through airports...just a thought?), this really is a great airport.