About the Society Syndicate
Ashleigh Dempster & Amanda Blakley are cultural curators and co-founders of The Society Global, a “culture club for the creative class” in Toronto, New York and more. Each week come back as they share some cultural crumbs from the front lines.
Airport Culture
the society syndicate Canada
(Feb.04.10)
Thanks to our business, we spend quite a bit of time travelling. One of the best parts of being on the road (Amanda) and most annoying (Ashleigh) is time spent in airports. Some are obviously quite crummy (Newark comes to mind) but others really make the trip that much more enjoyable. Below is a list of our favorite airport activities:
Charles De Gaulle-Paris (CDG), Berlin-Tegel (TXL), Fiumicino-Rome (FCO). Scoping the magazine racks and the outfits on the other travellers for inspiration and trendspotting. These three airports also happen to offer some of the best coffee in the world – forgo your Starbucks and have a java!
London Heathrow (LHR). If you spent most of your trip drinking pints, party hopping and shopping (like a certain Culturite), then you forgot to pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Heathrow has got you covered with some of the best airport shopping in the world (from Paul Smith, Thomas Pink, Boots and WH Smith to Hermes, Bally and even a Harrod’s outpost). There should be something for everyone.
Keflavik Intl - Reykjavik (KEF). One of the best parts about flying in or out of Iceland is that you are a stone's throw by car or bus from one of the most famous geothermal spas in the world: The Blue Lagoon. We highly recommend a visit – but if time doesn’t allow, the Blue Lagoon products can be purchased before the gate. Another thought? Make this a stopover for your next European adventure. Not only will your flights be cheaper (in most cases) but you’ll have a chance to hit the lagoon for the best damn facial in the world. Your skin will thank you!
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If celebrity chasing is your religion, LAX is your place of worship. Be on the lookout for small, dressed-down travellers with tons of luggage (and large entourages). Time to cash in those upgrade vouchers or use your Platinum Amex to gain access to the various business class lounges and then sidle up to your favourite TV, music or film star for that tell-tale facebook status photo. Or if you prefer to spy from afar – be sure to send any scandals or encounters to our favorite smuthound, Lainey Gossip.
Hong Kong Intl (HKG). Hong Kong airport checks all of the ‘great airport’ boxes – exceptional design (inside and out), spacious, bright and airy, free wi-fi, good duty-free shopping etc… But what makes HKG our favourite, is the Cathay Pacific Lounge. Hungry? Head straight for The Noodle Bar and then let the bartenders at The Long Bar fix you the perfect dirty martini. Tired? Relax with a magazine on the comfortable leather couches.
And we thought holiday travel was bad! We've spent recent weekends travelling to the U.S. and despite the copious amounts of warnings, we still didn’t accept that anything too drastic would change at Pearson.
However, we took note and followed the regulations as closely as possible. Arrive 2.5 hours in advance. Check. Only bring a carry-on the size of a small purse. Check. Be prepared to spend two hours in customs and security. Say what?
And the ease of business travel is officially over. From body scanners, to massive line-ups, impatient people and unforgiving flight staff, we arrived at our gate with less than 2 minutes to take off!
This has left us wondering what the future of airplane travel looks like. Thoughts? Please share.
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