Originally Posted by
NYC Flyer
When I was primarily based in Manhattan (west side), I avoided EWR. Most traffic nightmares to/from airport were associated with EWR. I am generally pleased with the LIRR>Airtrain (or even the subway if I'm coming from midtown east) to JFK.
As for the service desk, I don't think there are any AS employees at JFK. They seem to be outsourced, so I'm not sure what they'd do in the lounge other than call AS reservations. My only data point is that I once had an issue with an AA booked award where the AS computer insisted needed a paper ticket. It was clear that the check-in counter staff were third-party (they spent 15 min on phone with AS), and maybe the gate too (10 min on phone after counter staff failed to correct the PNR). I do think I've seen the guard/dragon/bouncer person at the door trying to help someone with a ticket once, though (probably calling AS).
Thanks for your observations. Driving to JFK much easier than to EWR (esp. last Sat. - 35 min), but I'd take MTA/NJT/AirTrain to EWR over MTA/AirTrain to JFK. (I rarely used LIRR, and taking PATH to EWR is unattractive - but good to have as Plan B.)
About staffing at JFK's AL: I had extensive conversations with 3 employees there last Sat. (More employees than guests that day!) They *are* AS employees, but non-union. Any service desk must be staffed by union people. So if that's accurate, there is little they can do. What I wonder is whether AS will leave it like that, or ever add the service desk people.