Some want warm water, some less smiles
To satisfy each passenger and myriad requests is – how the Americans usually put it – a real challenge. And this rings true not only in Prague.
“During the last few years, we’ve had an influx of passengers from Asia, who have a different cultural background than Europeans. After they land, they usually, among other things, want to have a sip of warm water. That’s why we’ve had it arranged so that we can fulfil their wishes. Warm water can be ordered at the restaurant Prague.”
Russian travellers, on the other hand, like it when the personnel don’t smile as often: “They can take this as a negative. However, English-speaking clients take warm demeanour as a must. Being salty and bringing personal problems to work is a taboo.” The airport staff deals, aside from these “minor details” with some significant issues. The Czech Republic is the final destination for many Chinese tourists and businessmen, who are pretty widely known not to be very capable of using foreign languages. “That’s why we’ve created a special branch of assistants who will help them after they arrive at Terminal 1, be it before departure or after their arrival. They will personally walk them through all of the possible obstacles that they can face. We have a total of six such assistants. Some are native speakers fluent in Czech, others study Chinese at Czech universities.”
The airport is inspired by other airports when it comes to its equipment designed for children. Prague airport wants to more closely resemble Scandinavian airports and that’s why it’s implemented new children’s corners, so that even the youngest travellers feel great while flying.