A new survey is out on travelers' favorite airports, this one claiming to be among the most comprehensive to date. 14,500 frequent travelers representing 160 countries from around the world were polled, and after everything was tallied the winner was Singapore's Changi Airport. Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok and Amsterdam's Schiphol were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

We're not sure how actually legitimate these results were and if there was any campaigning in the background. Whoever's responsible for the airport's PR seems to have an ambitious streak, and someone has gone so far as to insert copy into Wikipedia: "the designer airport is one of those anomalies where the phrase 'I spent all my time in the airport' is likely to be a positive."

So maybe this was a commissioned survey. But as the old saying goes, if you've got it flaunt it. And the Singapore Changi Airport certainly seems to have it.]]> Omri 2009-10-29T09:14:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/15/123926/176

What with the recession supposedly ending this year, it's time to get back to building jewelry stores and luxury shopping emporiums! First to hop on the hopeful train is diamond dealer Harry Winston, who'll debut their first Singapore store within the ultra-glam ION Orchard shopping center.

Opening next month, Harry Winston Singapore marks the 19th international store for the ritzy jewelry brand and their fourth city in Asia after Hong Kong, Taipei and Beijing.

Of course, if they're trying to attract the big spenders with cash left to burn, this new shop is going to have to literally sparkle. That's why, for their autumn grand opening period, they'll be showcasing "one-of-a-kind pieces from The Incredibles, a travelling collection of rare gems and magnificent designs inspired by the Winston archives." No, these pieces aren't from the Disney movie, but are surely going to be just as entertaining if you can handle staring at items that cost well into the six figures.

Related Stories:
· Harry Winston [Official Site]
· Shopping Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Harry Winston Hong Kong]]]> JetSetCD 2009-06-15T15:37:12-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/11/131241/872

Sadly, the much-hyped Airbus A380s don't fly over American skies for Singapore Airlines, but the carrier is still tops in service and in-flight amenities no matter the route. This is why we're thrilled to hear that their joining in with the summer travel discounts, and even extending the low pricing through November.

Travelzoo alerts us to this deal: Book by June 28 and travel between July 1 and November 30 out of New York to Singapore, Bangkok, Bali, Manila and Kuala Lumpor for $679, including taxes and fees. Of course keep your dates flexible to find the cheapest fares, but man is this some good stuff.

Another $200 to total an $879 flight will get you from New York to Delhi, Mumbai, Melbourne and Sydney. It seems like only months ago we were thrilled about a $750 Hong Kong direct, and now these fares fall into our laps. You know what to do: book early, book often.

[Photo: grosbyvn]

Related Stories:
· Global Sale on Top Airline from NYC [Travelzoo]
· No Sex, Please: We're On Singapore Airlines [Jaunted]
· Airfare Deals Coverage [Jaunted]
]]> JetSetCD 2009-06-11T14:07:09-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/20/1035/36538

That's more like it! After we scolded Andrew for going soft in Australia last week, this episode he got back to the truly bizarre with a food trek through Singapore.

We usually think of the tiny city-state as being more modern than exotic, but between its Chinese and Indian populations, there are sure still some crazy eats here, and we can at least say this for Singapore eaters: they finish their meals. As in, they eat every animal down to the last bizarre morsel.

Andrew slurped some soup made from the throwaway parts of pigs at People's Park, bit into steamed shark heads at Tin Jin Hi Seafood Restaurant, devoured fish eyeballs at Banana Leaf Apollo, and even sampled some deer penis at Lee's Restaurant (it soothes a bad back, apparently – who knew?)

Travel Channel's got the info for all the bizarre eateries Andrew visited, so you can be sure where to check out (or avoid) when next in Singapore.

Related Stories:
· Singapore Travel Guide [Bizarre Foods]
· 'Bizarre Foods' Aren't Far From Home, Especially Roadkill [Jaunted]
· The Real Outback Steakhouse [Jaunted]

[Photo: Travel Channel] ]]> BS 2009-05-20T17:26:57-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/1/71335/20032

We've spent many an hour in transit at Singapore's Changi Airport without chancing across the curious range of delights that await us at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2.

A shower for S$8 ($5) is pretty reasonable; having to pay for a three-hour nap (S$30; US$20) is something we're less sure about, because it's not clear what kind of private place we get to catch our Zs. And somehow we're just not hip enough to pay between S$15 and S$23 for the oxygen.

To be sure, this place doesn't have the sleek appeal of the Singapore Airlines first class lounge, but then the sleek place doesn't offer oxygen. Or perhaps it does, but it's gratis. Take your pick.

Related Stories:
· Singapore's First Class Lounge Invites Great Experiences [Jaunted]
· Changi Airport Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Steel Wool] ]]> amandak 2009-04-01T10:40:15-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/23/35219/8996

Some airlines fascinate us with bidets in their first class lounges, but Singapore Airlines has won us over with what we can only describe as style and sophistication.

This is their hometown lounge at Changi Airport and we like it for its late-night, Lost-in-Translation vibe. This is an airport lounge where elegant strangers fetch you drinks and (we figure) anything can happen.

The nice part is that Singapore Airlines actually lives up to the expectations this lounge gives you: remember their fancy-looking first class cabin on board? Attractive strangers welcome in either spot.

Related Stories:
· British Airways [Jaunted]
· How First Class on Singapore Airlines Spent Christmas [Jaunted]
· Singapore Airlines Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Richard Moross] ]]> amandak 2009-02-25T13:01:11-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/1/23/7182/59342

How come we can’t persuade anybody to send us on a long-haul flight in first class? Because if we could, we might get to see more than just this great picture of the first class cabin on a Singapore Airlines 747.

We’re digging the Christmas decorations although they’ve no doubt been banished to their rest-of-the-year storage cupboard by now. Since Singapore Airlines is having a rough patch and cutting flights, we’re confident that they will be reusing those wreaths again next Christmas, if you want to see them.

But what’s really making our jaw hang open is all the wonderful space and ultra-comfortable looking chairs. According to SeatGuru that single seat right at the front is the most coveted on the plane because it’s so private, although there are some ultra-fussy fliers who get bothered by the flight attendants accessing stuff in the closets nearby. We can pretty much promise that if we got that seat, we wouldn’t be bothered. If you want to try for yourself: Singapore’s 747s cover routes to New York and Los Angeles as well as Europe and Australia; NYC to Singapore in first class will set you back upwards of $12,000.

Related Stories:
· Singapore Airlines Offers Passengers iPod Docks But Cuts Some Flights [Jaunted]
· Singapore Airlines Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Blackwych] ]]> amandak 2009-01-23T15:39:43-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/