Take That, Heathrow

An online survey of air travelers ranked LAX as the world's third worst airport.

First question: Which airports are worse?

The most hated airport in the world is London's Heathrow, according to the survey. It was followed by Paris' Charles de Gaulle at No. 2.

Then there's LAX. Let's be kind and call it "retro."

In its defense, it was the world's sixth busiest airport (passenger traffic) in 2008. So maybe "Spartan" is the best way to describe LAX.

What do these survey respondents know anyway? They're just 14,500 members of Priority Pass -- an airport lounge service -- from 160 countries who have taken a combined 250,000 flights during the past year. They average about 17 flights in the last twelve months.

Fine. Let's see what they have to say after that $1 billion improvement project.

And to whom should these lowly three turn for advice?

Try Signapore Changi -- with its smartly designed Terminal 3, climbing plants, swimming pool, butterfly garden, spas, gym, nature trail, off-site options for long layovers, karaoke music studio, movie theaters, 230 retail shops and koi ponds. It topped this list and just about any other list of the world's best airports.

It's almost ok to say, "I spent all my time in the airport," if that airport happens to be Changi. In fact, USA Today travel writer Harriet Gaskas did just that.

Other top-flight airports included Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok and Amsterdam Schiphol, according to the survey.

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