JoeDTW

Two weeks ago, I had a four hour layover at T5, so I left the terminal and relaxed at the TWA Hotel's Constellation bar. Yes, the drinks were expensive, but the vibe was a lot mellower than it would have been in the terminal.

upinsmoke

I was going to give you a hard time about going outside security to do this, but then found out that the B to C airside connector opened recently!

It's about a mile of walking from the Admiral's club to C17, but not a bad way to spend a long delay.

adambrau

T1 is the worst terminal at JFK. I work there 5 days a week so I can attest to this, PANYNJ is promising us a beautiful new terminal by 2026, so there is distant light at the end of the tunnel. And at least we have lounges.

https://www.anewjfk.com/m-w-lbe-sdvob-i ... dbreaking/

ty97

I have flown LH from JFK T1. Absolute madhouse. Still, the building didn't leak on me like the old LGA B

Definitely good that T1 is getting rebuilt though. It needs it.

(of course, the shining star of the old LGA Terminal B, even with the leaks and lack of space and with Auntie Anne's being the upscale dining choice past security....was the fact that the old LGA B was so very convenient curb to gate and vice versa)

S.R

Yup, can't tell you how many times I arrived at curbside 45 min before departure and made it through security and to the gate before boarding even started. It was super convenient.

ryanbriar

Yes! I walked it a few weeks ago to validate that what someone posted / was on Reddit was accurate. Here. I was surprised that Massport didn’t release anything, but I should have thought to check Twitter.

Depending on timing, I may make the daring attempt of accessing the BA lounge ahead of an AA flight in a couple of weeks. Fully expecting massive pushback.


The new set up is brutal for curb to gate, though Delta’s new terminal is worse.

vasantn

Yup.

bgasser

JetBlue is a discount airline that runs a lot of flights out of T5. The downside is crowds, the upside is cheaper fares with a lot of flight options. It is a busy terminal but a pretty quick walk once through security to any gate. T8 isnt that crowded because AA isnt utilizing it to its capacity.

DMPHL

I can't tell you how many times I arrived 20-25 minutes before departure and still managed to just make it. 100% would NOT recommend anymore.

lrdpenn

Yeah this is airport feature #1 and we definitely went backward. I remember even when the Precheck lines were like 25 people deep weekday mornings, you'd hardly even break your stride. IMO the new arrivals flow, which feels like walking in circles, is even worse than departures.

One claimed benefit (which I would sacrifice 5 mins of walking for) was the new design would decrease taxiway congestion which presumably would translate into shorter block times and fewer delays. I don't think we can conclusively say either way but feels the same for me.

Yes it is visually nicer & more spacious and has the FOUNTAIN

njvandy

Home is currently DCA and it used to be LGA. I HATE what they've done to both. There is just a fundamental disconnect between what I (and I suspect many frequent travelers) want in an airport.

I don't care about fountains, or shopping, or even dining options. I want to minimize the amount of time and steps I have to spend before and after the flight. Give me an AC to wait out delays and help with IRROPs and I'm happy.

The old LGA was magnificent! From wheels down, I could be in a cab headed towards Manhattan in less than 10 minutes (my record was 7). I couldn't care less if the ceiling was leaking as I walk past the Auntie Anne's. These days it feels like you're walking through half of Queens.

DCA is much better but it still adds time before departure to go all the way downstairs to security.

River in Sight

Completely agree with your post, however I don’t find new DCA to be that much different when arriving by Metro with no checked luggage. Last week my phone buzzed with the boarding notification as I was leaving the Metro and (with PreCheck/Clear) I still got to the gate with plenty of time to spare. I do find it much less convenient when checking bags but with no bags I still aim to arrive 35 or so mins before departure.

On the other hand the LGA situation drives me nuts. So much wasted time and walking compared to the old days. The only good thing I have to say about it is the new Admirals Club is beautiful.

EXP100

I've worked with several airport authorities in the US and they've all determined that their airport should be a mall. They're under pressure to "produce profit." Hence the build out of shops and other facilities that the FF has little need for. They've also will never say no to how many flights an airline wants to jam into their concourses/terminals.

bgasser

Haha, nothing is worse than the walk at the new SLC. You better have 20 minutes to get from the gate to the rental car counter.

pauleeepaul

It feels small to me, and some of the corridors are too narrow eg between the bar and the coffee station.