World's Second Best And Proud of It According to a survey of Conde Nast Traveler magazine's readers published in November 2001, Keflavík International Airport was chosen the world's second-best airport. Many factors weigh-in when rating an airport and its terminal. The most important are services, security, ease of movement and comfort. These are all part of Keflavík Airport's essence - particularly after the new 16,000 m2 South Building went into operation last spring, opening up a new era for passengers. All USA-Europe passengers disembark at the South Building, which can handle 14 aircraft simultaneously. They quickly move through the non-Schengen (European passport control agreement) area for quick passport inspection and then either to the baggage area or transfer/connecting flight lounge where the wait to re-embark is usually short, and shorter still for those interested in shopping or having a bite to eat. "By next summer departing passengers will have an exciting range of services to choose from, including several restaurants, shops, bars and, the only Duty Free store in Europe open to both arrival and departure passengers," said Höskuldur Ásgeirsson, CEO of Keflavík Air Terminal. "One of the restaurants being considered is a fast-service Seafood Bar where the taste of Iceland awaits to tantalize the curious and connoisseur alike, accompanied perhaps by an Icelandic beer or fresh bottled water that just doesn't get any better, anywhere." The Duty Free stores for incoming and outgoing travelers stock an excellent variety of gifts, food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, all at low prices. This is especially attractive to US passengers since the dollar has strengthened by about 35% against the króna over the last year. "The incoming duty free service makes traveling easier: purchases for oneself or friends and business colleagues no longer have to be made before the flight and carried onto the plane. Prices are also considerably lower than in Iceland. And those traveling on to Europe can make mental notes of prices, compare them with their European counterparts, and make economical purchases on the return trip," said Höskuldur. Security has always been part of the air terminal experience, but never as intensive as today. Keflavík Terminal has installed state-of-the-art, Face-It recognition software that makes it possible to computer-identify individuals wanted for crimes or questioning by local and international authorities. Iceland is the first country in the world to incorporate this new technology. There is also a large immigration hall with seven thru-booths for quick, thorough checking. Passengers going on to Europe do not have to go through immigration again at their destination point (except for Britain and Ireland); they simply go on to baggage claim. "Services and facilities play a key role in a traveler's impression of an airport, which can make the difference between having a pleasant, satisfying experience or one that is better off forgotten. Yet there are two other aspects of an enjoyable encounter that when bonded to services make for an ideal union: ambience and architecture," commented Höskuldur. The South Building is divided into two by a 'gorge' that depicts Iceland's geographical position along the North Atlantic rift that separates Europe from North America. Blocks of colorful rhyolite stone from East Iceland cover the walls, adding a natural dynamism to the overall affect, protecting and soothing passengers on their way to and from this island halfway between Europe and America. The building as a whole has a simple, functional appeal accentuated by strong references to nature. Its beauty is authentically Icelandic: hot and cold materials, soft and sharp lines. It fits in perfectly with the national environment, with the national mood, so transfer passengers should be able to gain some insight into the country's soul by examining and sensing the terminal's environment. That plus trying Icelandic cuisine and refreshment might just perhaps trigger interest in seeing more - the next time around