Like most people, I prefer a direct flight to where I’m going. I hate ‘wasting’ time on stop-overs and changing planes. But, today I’m on my way to Bali from my home in Bangkok, and I ended up taking a Singapore Airlines flight, since it was cheaper that Thai’s direct flight. So, last night, I found myself pondering whether or not my layover in Singapore was long enough.

Changi Airport in Singapore has to be my favorite airport. Heck, it’s way up there on my list of favorite places. Why? Well, for one thing, I’m writing this entry on one of the dozens of free internet terminals scattered around the terminal. Yes, you’re supposed to limit your time to 15 minutes, but there are so many terminals you can walk away from one when your time is up and have little or no trouble finding another one that’s available. If you are traveling with your own notebook or other wi-fi enabled device, then you don’t even have to bother finding a terminal. Is this cool or what??

I’m moving to Changi

Remember that Tom Hanks movie ‘based on a true story’ about a guy who gets stranded in an airport? He can’t leave because his passport is invalid, and he can’t go back for some other reason.

Well, I’m thinking that wouldn’t be so bad if the airport was Changi. In addition to the free internet, there’s a gym, an airside hotel, lots of fast food, and even a massage place. Why would anyone want to leave? I could just stay in the airport between trips, update my web site, get some workouts in. Rent a room when I want to sleep on a real bed.

Unlike Hanks’ character, I could leave any time I wanted to, like to change clothes — a one-hour cleaners is about the only thing this airport doesn’t have. I suppose immigration might get a little suspiscious, but then again maybe they won’t notice.

Look for my next post from my new home in Changi Airport!