Interesting experience going through Beijing International Airport Terminal 3

Recently a took a flight from Taipei to Beijing. Yes, the flights between the two cities are now becoming the norm. Earlier in the Summer (of this year) I flew from Shenzhen directly to Taipei, and now from Taipei directly to Beijing. For those of us who remember just a couple-three years ago this was a dream…. I recall 2004 — possibly the first time we saw charter flights (during the Chinese New Year) take Taiwanese expats on direct flights between Shanghai and Taipei… That was a big happening. In that same time — in 2004, 2005, 2006….all of us traveling on business or pleasure between China and Taiwan had to take the long route via Hong Kong, or Macao, or South Korea or via Japan to make it from the mainland to Taiwan. That usually meant that a trip to Taiwan had to factor in a day to get there (from Beijing) and a day to come back….

Today the situation is different. I was able to get on a 7:55am flight from Taipei International Airport to Beijing via China Air and arrive in Beijing at 11:20am. What an improvement :-)

Once we arrived in Beijing I had to go through Terminal 3 of the new Beijing Capital airport. Each time I go through it I think how impressive the new structure is. Yes, an interesting and innovative building. All this is good until you hit the medical check point. While on the plane you are given a medical certification form — you describe your health condition etc. Fine. Then you get off the plane and start heading to immigration. Prior to immigration you go through the proverbial control point — infrared cameras take your temperature while you walk and then you face a government official who examines and stamps your medical certificate. Then you walk further and then “surprise…!” Another official collects the paper that was stamped just 2-3 minutes ago at another desk. Well, that is one way to fight unemployment :-) and create jobs. Who needs a stimulus package :-)

The next thing that surprises you about Terminal 3 is how huge it is. And how empty. I ended up walking for a while and went down three floors to find my way to the exit for the taxi stand…. So nice job in building the Terminal. I just wished it was easier to get in and out of it…. But then, who would mind a few miles of walking :-) We all need the exercise. Wait, wait, I sense a business opportunity: we can create a walking exercise routine for airline passengers. “Walk to fitness”

Happy travels!