But Terminal Two at Soekarno-Hatta is, in my limited experience, probably the best international airport I have come across. The worst is undoubtedly London’s Heathrow. (If any poor fool needs to fly to the UK, for goodness sake go to a regional airport instead, even if it involves changing in a European hub.) Soekarno-Hatta wins on most points.

The first hurdle is dealing with the crowds and congestion at check in with everybody’s extended family saying emotional farewells.

That problem is solved by having the check in area for passengers only. The queues to get into the area are short and the area itself is large so congestion is minimized. The walk to the gate is reasonably civilized without having to be forced through the nightmare of a “duty free” shopping mall.

One of the most delightful things about arriving at Soekarno-Hatta (apart from the emotional relief at being home again) are the little garden areas — which help to bring tranquility and are separated by glass from those passengers who might abuse them. The immigration officers are, despite having what must be one of the most thankless of jobs, usually cheerful and appreciate a kind word.

And then there is the wonderful efficiency of the shuttle buses which take us to almost wherever we want to go with frequency and in comfort. Flying is horrible.

I would much rather travel everywhere by train and ship. There is usually no real need for speed. But Soekarno-Hatta really does make the best of an impossible job.

Rafiq Mahmood
Bogor, West Java

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