JFK International Airport is among the busiest airports in the US and one of the worst hit by delays. Shopping options are limited, restaurants range from the appalling to the okay, and queues for security can be seemingly endless, while the welcome from security guards is frequently less than warm. As one traveller put it on an online forum: “This is seriously a traveller’s nightmare.”
But as the main international hub for New York, and the largest of the city’s three airports, there is little you can do to avoid it. The best advice, as always, is to check-in online, and leave plenty of time for queuing. The airport is spread out and with nine different terminals this can make transfers difficult.
Lounges and facilities
The quality and range of facilities vary depending on the airline you use. American Airlines and British Airways have two of the better kept terminals. In American’s light, modern and airy terminal eight, there is upscale shopping, including Hugo Boss, Lacoste and the chance to for a quick wine tasting session at Vino Volo. The facility is new and its business class Admiral’s lounge has high speed internet access and conference rooms. BA’s lounge comes highly recommended by Valerie Wilson Travel, an exclusive New York agency.
At Delta’s terminal three, facilities are older and more run down, according to Elliott Arluck, a travel manager with Carlson Wagonlit. Delta has pledged to improve the look of terminal by the end of 2008. At the moment “it comes in last” out of all the transatlantic options, according to Dan Beschloss at Valerie Wilson.
Transport tips
Located in Queens, JFK is about a 30-75 minute drive from Manhattan, depending on traffic and the time of day. A cab from the airport to the city is a flat $45, not including tolls for bridges or tunnels (or the standard 15-20 per cent tip). You can order a smart black car service to pick wait for you at the gate and pick you up, avoiding the hordes of tourists, for about $100-125. There are also long-term and short-term parking in all terminals.
The airport is easily reachable by subway, although you may need to change a few times if you are not staying near one of the direct lines, and then catch the Airtrain connection from the particular subway station. From midtown Manhattan, the subway takes at least an hour, including the Airtrain. The quickest subway route is to take the E train to Jamaica Station. There is also a train which runs regularly from Penn Station, again requiring you to get on the Airtrain, as well as a $13 bus from Manhattan.
The savvy traveller who doesn’t mind spending a few dollars more will choose to fly by chopper. US Helicopter will zoom you from Terminal 3 to midtown Manhattan or Wall Street in 10 minutes for $105 – less than a black car service – and combines great views of Manhattan with the novelty of flying almost straight to your hotel. Its a price that almost makes sense for a family trip, let alone a time-pressed senior executive.
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