By Chris Cosci

Airports aren't usually thought of as exciting places to go. There are long lines, cranky passengers, and the baggage claim area, which is usually located as far from the arrival gates as possible, sometimes even in another city. Over the years, many airports have tried to change their image.

Some airports have turned into malls, complete with kiosks, Disney stores and food courts. The airport in Las Vegas is filled with slot machines in every area, from the waiting areas to the baggage claim (which I think is actually in Arizona).

Singapore's Changi Airport is defying conventions by transcending the gimmicks of its competition. This multi-award winning airport is well known for its elaborate layout. There are more things to do in this airport than in some major cities.

It starts out with plenty of shopping. In addition to over 100 shops and restaurants, there's a 24-hour mini-supermarket. After you've bought everything you need, it's time for some entertainment. From piano bars to a movie theater to an entertainment center complete with virtual reality games and interactive simulators, you can waste hours just having fun. If you'd rather relax, you can walk around some of the airports' many gardens, including a bamboo garden, a cactus garden, and a koi pond. If you really want to treat yourself, there are masseuses, hair salons, and places where you can get a facial, a manicure or a pedicure.

For frequent travelers, the airport offers the usual amenities like lockers and Internet stations. There are also showers. Why would you need a shower at the airport? You would use the shower after working out in the airport's fitness center, of course. Or perhaps you would want to feel cleaner after spending time in the sauna, the swimming pool or the jacuzzi. Changi Airport is not so much an airport as it is a resort with planes flying in and out of it.

As if all that wasn't enough for passengers, Changi Airport has recently introduced something entirely new to airport life - a live game show. This show is called "What's Your Range?" and it features a fully lit stage, seating with hand-held consoles for 50 players, and, of course, a perpetually smiling host.

On the show, passengers (who must show their plane ticket to play) compete against each other by answering trivia questions. The winner of each half-hour show gets to choose an envelope that contains various amounts of Changi dollars, which can be used at any of the shops or restaurants in the airport. The first season ends in March, and decisions are being considered to extend the show, or possibly even bring it to other airports.

The strategy behind all of this is probably to stop passengers from thinking about their flights. People will no longer mind showing up three hours before their flight. They may show up even earlier. Flight delays will be cause for celebration. Some people may book flights just to go to the airport.

Singapore has created its own little world in their airport. All they have to do now is build condos.