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13 Sep 2007 08:16 PM

China's Airport---What To Expect If You Are Going To The Olympics

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

Beijing Capital International Airport... it may not be a place many Americans are familiar with. But, by this time next year millions of world-class athletes along with their friends, family members, and fans of the Olympic games will have spent at least a few hours in it. Namely in the newest portion of it---Terminal 3.

According to city officials, when the massive steel and glass structure opens to the public early next year it will be among the world's largest airport terminals. Not only will it be one of the biggest, but it will also be one of the most technologically advanced airports on the planet.

Designers traveled the world and were able to incorporate the best features from airports in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Denver, Madrid and South Korea. It also appears they spared no expense in doing so. The final bill for Terminal 3 is nearly $3 billion. (That's right; BILLION.)

But, those who have seen the new addition to Beijing's airport say it was worth every penny and travelers---especially the ones visiting for the Olympics---will be "blown away." So, what's so mind blowing about this airport? It's shape, for one. Terminal 3 was designed to resemble a dragon. But, it's the terminal's state-of-the-art, $250 million baggage-handling system that's getting the most attention. Then, there are the dozens of restaurants and shops. That's the true test of whether an airport is really one of the best in the world, right? Who cares whether you have to walk two miles to get to your gate as long as you can stop and get a Big Mac along the way. If you are traveling to China for the Olympics rest assured you can super-size your drink to an Olympic size portion... in the airport. Along with world-class Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine, Terminal 3 will also be home to familiar fast food eateries such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, and my personal favorite, Kenny Rogers Roasters.

In addition to the restaurants, the airport is also introducing measures to reduce wait times and improve service. Airport officials consider Terminal 3 a key "non-competition Olympic venue." As such, airport staffers are getting a crash course in Manners 101 in an effort to produce friendly receptionists and courteous immigration officers.

Now that's an airport feature that will really blow the minds of travelers.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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