airport (44)

Get a cab out to the Maglev stop and get the train to the airport - its the fastest train in the world and though the station is in the middle of nowhere, the experience is one you'll remember forever.

Japan's mobile phone system is not compatible with most non-Japanese phones. This includes Blackberrys and tri-region phones. Make sure you don't get caught short by checking to see if your phone gives you a signal when you get off the plane. If not, you are able to rent a phone at the airport (it's easier here as you can return it just before you head home and the language barrier is not an issue).

We've all heard the stories. You get off a long-haul flight, queue at immigration and when you think you're finally there... you discover that your suitcase has been damaged in transit. Whilst cursing under your breath may make you feel better. Remember that you can actually claim back off the airlines and get them to replace the suitcase. Make sure you fill in a claim form and ideally keep the receipt for your luggage and take photos to prove its condition. Full details can be found on the relevant airline's website - BA's is here: https://www.ba-flight.co.uk/travel/baggen/public/en_gb

Don't automatically assume that you have to fly from Heathrow to get long-haul. Look at your alternatives, including the very handy London City Airport or the further away (but sometimes more convenient) Stansted or Luton Airports. Dedicated business-class-only flights to New York can now be had from SilverJet (the only such airline still around) out of their Luton base. BA have also excitingly announced an all-busines-class flight to New York from London City. Starting in 09, it will stop for operational reasons in Ireland but passengers can take this time to check through US immigration (due to an age-old agreement between Ireland and the US), saving valuable time when landing.

...yes there is one. Most people arriving are EU citizens anyway and the non-citizens queue (on the right) is out of bounds, but there is a way. Choose the far right hand queue of the seven or so normal EU queues when you exit the train from the terminals - this is next to the non-EU desks and here there is always double the manning of every other EU queue. Works every time.

I can highly recommend a day trip to Macau, another SAR (Special Administrative Region), for the gambling and the architecture. There's a regular ferry service that will take you on the 45 mile trip (the threat of pirates in the area will give you something to look out for along the way). Alternatively, wait until 2010 and you can get there via an 18 mile long bridge that has just been commissioned by Beijing. When I was there, I used Macau as my departure airport to go to Thailand as it was cheaper than flying from Hong Kong.

A great way to break up a bleary stopover at Singapore airport is to take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. It's 'Balinese style' - more beach lilo than Olympic lanes. It's a much more relaxing way of getting the blood flowing after a long haul flight than drifting round the duty free shops, especially if you don't have enough time to get into Singapore itself. The humid climate means you can use the pool pretty much all year round. It's open from 7am to 11pm and the small entrance fee includes a hot shower and a free non-alcoholic drink. If you're en route to a business meeting, a quick swim will help get rid of that gone out look. If you're celebrating a done deal, there's a poolside bar. Every airport should have one.

Instead of bankrupting yourself on a taxi fom the airport to your hotel, get one of the reliable and regular limousine buses from the airport directly to your hotel.

If tight on time, get the lunchtime flight, work till 9, then sleep. You get into HK first thing and get a full day. Fly back that night, sleep and arrive back UK 1st thing UK time. Doing this means that overall you do not lose any time!

After a long flight from Heathrow (or anywhere else for that matter), there's nothing better than an outdoor swim in a rooftop pool without even leaving the airport. If you have a few hours stopover in Singapore airport, follow the signs for the spa - it's a bit of a trek, but very much worth it. For about GBP8 you get a swim, a towel and a free cocktail by the pool. Generally very quiet and wonderfully relaxing. Even better if it rains!