Has anyone asked you, lately, what sort of features and facilities you would like to see at Chek Lap Kok terminal? No? Strange, that. Nobody has asked me, either.
And as far as I can tell, the people designing our vastly-expensive, overdue airport have not bothered to ask most mobile Hong Kong travellers what entertainment, catering and business services we want.
In Singapore, I can report without astonishment, the authorities and airport officials take a different view. They practically beg people who use magnificent Changi Airport for their opinions, likes, desires and expectations. Not satisfied with having the best airport in the world with two gigantic, efficient and user-friendly terminals, jet-ahead Singapore is now busy building an enormous third terminal complex.
Planners there want frequent fliers to know what is happening. Instead of working under cover of secrecy, as is the habit of our Airport Authority which seems to loathe confiding in the public, the folks at Changi are constantly exhorting travellers to tell them what they want in Terminal Three.
Throughout the two existing terminals, there are racks of brochures, pamphlets, questionnaires and the airport's own magazine all giving information and asking opinions.
Changi is a dream. Smooth moving walkways whisk you to efficient, smiling, swift immigration. Trolleys are oiled, and functioning, and are plentiful. As you stand in a gigantic hall awaiting your baggage, you are separated from the arrivals hall by a glass wall. Waiting visitors and friends can see when you get your bags and walk towards the exit.
Get to the taxi queues, and you find orderly, effective lines, clean taxis with maps and low fares. Every step of the way things are helpful. There are useful tourist information and signs asking you how things can be improved.