I won't even mention Singapore--it's in a class by itself. I agree with others who have pointed out Amsterdam--it's probably one of the world's most perfectly organized airports, both in its own arrangement and its convenience to Dutch urban areas via public transportation. Spotless, friendly and efficient, just as one would expect. And really good orange juice, which seemed appropriate for Holland.

Likewise, Keflavik in Iceland, which I adore--especially since the renovation, which apparently isn't fully completed. As of June 2007, the arrivals area was still wanting of attention. My biggest complaint about KEF, though, is that Icelandair sometimes books long layovers--some as long as 10 hours--but won't provide passengers with a way to store their luggage. My bags had been security-checked at my departure point, but because the layover was longer than 2 hours, the airline wouldn't check them through to my final destination. Since KEF closes down after the last flight arrives, I (and several other passengers besides me) had no choice but to claim my bags and book myself into a hotel room for the 8 or so hours I was on the ground. Icelandair staff were apologetic, but unhelpful. I would have preferred to go into the city (Reykjavik, 45 minutes away by bus) and enjoy the sites under the midnight sun, but couldn't without hauling my heavy bags with me. It seems to me there's an opportunity waiting to be exploited. It would have at least been nice for Icelandair to have informed me, when I booked my flight, that I would be responsible for making arrangements for myself during the 10-hour layover and should plan ahead. It seems to me there's no logical reason for forcing passengers booked on continuing flights to claim and recheck bags that have already been screened by security. They can't staff a secure holding area for luggage? It's Keflavik, for crying out loud, not Lagos.

Anyway, besides Amsterdam, I have to say that Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok is amazing. Intensely modern, beautiful, spacious and convenient. Some of the best Chinese food I've ever had was eaten there, believe it or not. I have to say, flying from Singapore to Hong Kong and back on a brand-spanking-new Singapore Airlines 777 was one of the best flying experiences I've ever had.

Looooonnnnnggggg hike to passport control. Hostile security/customs whether you're coming or going. And be sure to eat before you leave for the Continental flight on Saturday: the terminal is calm because almost nothing is open -- except the kosher McDonald's with all signage solely in Hebrew. Free WiFi is nice, 'cause an old-fashioned spiral notepad cost me $10!

Once a major air hub (and still the fourth-largest hub in the US), Lambert International in St. Louis still feels stuck in 1976: dingy industrial carpet on the floors and gray plastic everywhere else.

Too bad it's not stuck in 1956. Minoru Yamasaki's quadruple-vaulted main terminal was originally complemented by some truly wonderful mid-century interior design, now almost all replaced by ugly, dirty utilitarian crud that's really showing its age. If you love good design, it's tragic.

But you can take light rail into town from Lambert, so it does have that over some airports.

A quick plug for Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - although I don't think they have any international flights, and none of the routes go via the sun.

It's a quiet, airy and friendly place, with free wi-fi (and desks with power sockets to help you use it). Not a great range of food choices, but no long walks or long lines make it very manageable.

And as an expat Englishman I've spent much too long in LHR over the years. Grim, confusing and unfriendly at its best, Heathrow sets the tone for your visit to London. Fly into Stansted if you can manage it.

A list of the world's great airports could not be complete without Berlin Tempelhof being mentioned. Landing there is like flying into the 1930s. It's one of the world's oldest commercial airports, and it's an amazing experience to walk into its grand concourse and feel like you've stepped back into a black-and-white film. The size, scale and style are breathtaking. It somehow feels like the archetype for all airports and embodies all the romantic possibilities once posed by the very notion of traveling by aeroplane.

I'm a little late to this party but I am shocked it took this long for San Diego to get a mention. I just watched a SWA 737 out my kitchen window as it was on final approach. This is the Banker's Hill neighborhood of San Diego that you fly over, inches from rooftops. The PSA crash happened over North Park to the east due to a pilot in training wandering into the landing pattern.

Living here doesn't bother me. After two years you see how routine air travel is. The approach may be steep, but to me this ensures that the pilots are being especially vigilant. I always get a window seat on the left side of the plane so I can see my residence as I come home.

The airport has never been moved because there is nowhere to put it. In 1990 when BRAC ordered Miramar Airforce Base closed, then-mayor Susan Golding was offered the site for a new airport and she turned it down. It was then transferred to the Marines. That is the only major area of open space left in this county that would have been feasible. The only solution now is to shut down the Marine Recruit Depot, mow down half of the Midway district in Pt. Loma and build out. But that will never ever happen as it is too expensive. We are stuck with this airport, despite intense developer lobbying. They of course want the land at the current KSAN location so they can build condos and hotels.

I adore this airport. I don't think there is a problem. We are not an international port of call. This is a small city. If you want big go to LAX.

There have been several people post about PDX, Portland International in Oregon. I agree, and it should be added to the official best list, here's why:

It was voted the best by readers in the Conde-Nast Traveler 2006 magazine poll.

It is less than 30 minutes from downtown by car or light-rail.

Light-rail is the clean, quiet MAX train, located close by the baggage area.

Many of the shops are locally-based businesses with unique goods, e.g. Powell's Books, Made In Oregon, and Pendleton.

The restaurants are clean, well-designed, and efficient in service, as well as providing good food.

I am always proud to pick up out-of-town passengers, because on our short walk to the parking garage they see the beautiful glass roof over the atrium that makes up the arrival/departure zone.

The parking garage, steps away from the terminal, is where you find your rental car. As you approach, the walls are a hanging garden.

Finally, anyone lucky enough to fly in or out of here will probably see a spectacular overhead view of Mt. St. Helens' volcanic crater or Mt. Hood.

Weather permitting...