Nov 10, 2020, 12:21 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Start of service has been delayed -- now 28 March 2021
In April 2021, single flight M,Th,F,Sa,Su
SFO UA520,UA523
LAX UA514, UA517
UA's 2021 Return to JFK - Inaugural Flights on 28 March thread
AS (and VX) Moved to T7 at JFK; New Alaska Lounge (April, 2018)
Earlier related threads
FlightGlobal: United seeks return to New York JFK
United Airlines President: Leaving New York’s JFK ‘Was the Wrong Decision’ {2017}
p.s. Operations Transitioning to EWR on October 25, 2015
In April 2021, single flight M,Th,F,Sa,Su
SFO UA520,UA523
LAX UA514, UA517
UA's 2021 Return to JFK - Inaugural Flights on 28 March thread
AS (and VX) Moved to T7 at JFK; New Alaska Lounge (April, 2018)
We are Back! United Announces Return to New York's JFK Airport
Airline to offer new transcontinental service from JFK to the west coast starting February 1
November 10, 2020
-- United Airlines announced today that it will be returning service to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on February 1, 2021 with nonstop service to the west coast. The airline's entry back into JFK after five years reflects not only its strong commitment to the New York City area, but a continuation of aggressively and strategically managing the impact of COVID-19 by increasing service to and from the places where customers want to fly. The new United service will operate out of Terminal 7.
Effective February of next year, United will serve both JFK to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with two round-trips for each west coast city. The flights will utilize the reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the routes offering customers an extended premium cabin featuring 16 additional United Business class seats –providing all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46. The aircraft will also feature 22 United Premium Plus® seats, 47 Economy Plus® seats and 52 Economy seats. United offers the most premium seats between the New York City area and Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. Tickets are now available for purchase on United.com.
"I have been waiting a long time to say this - United Airlines is back at JFK," said United's Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby. "Come early next year, we will be serving all three major New York City area airports with a best-in-class product to provide our customers unmatched transcontinental service from New York City and the west coast."
Airline to offer new transcontinental service from JFK to the west coast starting February 1
November 10, 2020
-- United Airlines announced today that it will be returning service to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on February 1, 2021 with nonstop service to the west coast. The airline's entry back into JFK after five years reflects not only its strong commitment to the New York City area, but a continuation of aggressively and strategically managing the impact of COVID-19 by increasing service to and from the places where customers want to fly. The new United service will operate out of Terminal 7.
Effective February of next year, United will serve both JFK to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with two round-trips for each west coast city. The flights will utilize the reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the routes offering customers an extended premium cabin featuring 16 additional United Business class seats –providing all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46. The aircraft will also feature 22 United Premium Plus® seats, 47 Economy Plus® seats and 52 Economy seats. United offers the most premium seats between the New York City area and Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. Tickets are now available for purchase on United.com.
"I have been waiting a long time to say this - United Airlines is back at JFK," said United's Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby. "Come early next year, we will be serving all three major New York City area airports with a best-in-class product to provide our customers unmatched transcontinental service from New York City and the west coast."
"The upcoming return of United to JFK while continuing service at Newark Liberty and LaGuardia Airports will offer more choices for transcontinental flights just as travelers return to the skies," said Kevin O'Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "As the recovery begins, we're pleased to see these increased options for those who choose to fly in and out of the Port Authority's airports."
"United Airlines' return to JFK Airport is a clear sign that air travel is returning in New York and across the region," said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "As numbers start to rise, the Port Authority is ready to welcome travelers back to JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia Airports with increased cleaning and sanitizing in all terminals and touch-free options from curb to gate to ensure a world-class travel experience even in these unprecedented times."
United's premium cabin will feature flat-bed seats on all flights similar to the current Newark-Los Angeles and Newark-San Francisco offerings, providing a consistent and comprehensive NYC-west coast product. Additionally, United's wide-body service can participate in the robust cargo market between JFK and the west coast.
"United Airlines' return to JFK Airport is a clear sign that air travel is returning in New York and across the region," said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "As numbers start to rise, the Port Authority is ready to welcome travelers back to JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia Airports with increased cleaning and sanitizing in all terminals and touch-free options from curb to gate to ensure a world-class travel experience even in these unprecedented times."
United's premium cabin will feature flat-bed seats on all flights similar to the current Newark-Los Angeles and Newark-San Francisco offerings, providing a consistent and comprehensive NYC-west coast product. Additionally, United's wide-body service can participate in the robust cargo market between JFK and the west coast.
FlightGlobal: United seeks return to New York JFK
United Airlines President: Leaving New York’s JFK ‘Was the Wrong Decision’ {2017}
p.s. Operations Transitioning to EWR on October 25, 2015
UA service JFK<> SFO/LAX , experiences, lounge, ....
Sep 30, 2020, 9:51 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
I thought I would offer my 2 cents when I heard this. I am probably the customer UA wants back. Or maybe not since I stopped flying UA suddenly, and I didn't even get a note or check in, UA doesn't care.
From 2012-2015 I passed though JFK Terminal 7 once a month, sometimes twice a month, flying JFK-LAX and back in Business Class on the ps flights. After UA moved this to EWR, I went there a few times then switched to AA and diversified my flying. Pre Jet Blue, these tickets were expensive, they became affordable after jet blue disrupted that market.
Some reasons why the JFK ps service was special
- No crowds. Terminal 7 is primarly a BA terminal and was a pleasant place during the day, early evening prior to all the TATL flights. During the morning and day it was the ANA flights to Japan, otherwise UA had the terminal to themselves.
- Short walks. It was possible to hang out in the club and board the plane just before the doors close. The walk from the terminal to the gate was probably less than 10 minutes.
- 30 minute bag check in deadline . For those of us that work in the tech and entertainment, sometimes we need to bring equipment back to LA. There were a few occasions when I showed up at the curb at JFK T7 40 minutes before departure and still made the flight with pelican bags of equipment to bring back to California. Try doing that at EWR.
- The Red Carpet Club ( now UA club) was a great place to do bi coastal networking. Almost everyone in the club was either going to LA or SF, and more than likely was in my industry. I scored clients at the club, and gained friends, that I still have till this day.
- Towards the end 2014-2015, a global services agent was there dedicated ( I forgot her name ) she knew the regulars well and took care of us.
Although EWR is indeed closer to my New York apartment, when I got to the airport, the place was zoo, everyone was made to go though one of 3 giant lines like an assembly plant, the club was meh ( since remodeled) , and the walks to the gate gave me back pain, the only one that liked that was my chiropractor.
The tech and entermaimnet crowd moved to AA's ( at the time) new A321 service, flagship lounge access, and I never look back. In fact, during the pandemic AA still maintains full service with catering and amenities on this route. As with other flying, I diversified and try to fly foreign and asian carriers there days. My tastes have evolved, life is too short for mediocrity.
I wish UA good luck in the move. I would probably give it a try to check it out and see if I like it. Though I truly miss the time, pre Smisek when UA treated the ps transcon service as special.
From 2012-2015 I passed though JFK Terminal 7 once a month, sometimes twice a month, flying JFK-LAX and back in Business Class on the ps flights. After UA moved this to EWR, I went there a few times then switched to AA and diversified my flying. Pre Jet Blue, these tickets were expensive, they became affordable after jet blue disrupted that market.
Some reasons why the JFK ps service was special
- No crowds. Terminal 7 is primarly a BA terminal and was a pleasant place during the day, early evening prior to all the TATL flights. During the morning and day it was the ANA flights to Japan, otherwise UA had the terminal to themselves.
- Short walks. It was possible to hang out in the club and board the plane just before the doors close. The walk from the terminal to the gate was probably less than 10 minutes.
- 30 minute bag check in deadline . For those of us that work in the tech and entertainment, sometimes we need to bring equipment back to LA. There were a few occasions when I showed up at the curb at JFK T7 40 minutes before departure and still made the flight with pelican bags of equipment to bring back to California. Try doing that at EWR.
- The Red Carpet Club ( now UA club) was a great place to do bi coastal networking. Almost everyone in the club was either going to LA or SF, and more than likely was in my industry. I scored clients at the club, and gained friends, that I still have till this day.
- Towards the end 2014-2015, a global services agent was there dedicated ( I forgot her name ) she knew the regulars well and took care of us.
Although EWR is indeed closer to my New York apartment, when I got to the airport, the place was zoo, everyone was made to go though one of 3 giant lines like an assembly plant, the club was meh ( since remodeled) , and the walks to the gate gave me back pain, the only one that liked that was my chiropractor.
The tech and entermaimnet crowd moved to AA's ( at the time) new A321 service, flagship lounge access, and I never look back. In fact, during the pandemic AA still maintains full service with catering and amenities on this route. As with other flying, I diversified and try to fly foreign and asian carriers there days. My tastes have evolved, life is too short for mediocrity.
I wish UA good luck in the move. I would probably give it a try to check it out and see if I like it. Though I truly miss the time, pre Smisek when UA treated the ps transcon service as special.
Sep 30, 2020, 2:35 pm
#77
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Bolt Bus Rewards
Posts: 1,283
)AA, BA, B6, DL, UA, VA
Sep 30, 2020, 5:15 pm
#79
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, AA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 444
Sep 30, 2020, 5:41 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,351
Sep 30, 2020, 6:03 pm
#81
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,452
It was a miserable place in the 90s and I doubt it’s in any kind of serviceable condition for passenger use 20+ years later. I’m sure it’ll be a tear-down during the upcoming JFK projects.
Oct 1, 2020, 3:08 pm
#82
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC
Posts: 4,599
https://onemileatatime.com/united-airlines-jfk-airport/
Fun fact, I was the last UA pax to board a UA flight at JFK.
Fun fact, I was the last UA pax to board a UA flight at JFK.
Oct 1, 2020, 8:42 pm
#83
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
As for terminals, if I had to guess UA might try to get into either Terminal 1 ( to be close to their BFF LH Group) but in all practicality, UA will probably end up at Terminal 4, which isn't really a step up, its actually worse than EWR in terms of "zoo factor" . Pre covid in the evenings, 3-4 A380s leave in the evening with 300-400 pax each. The security line is a nightmare, even on all the shortcut lines / precheck, so much so some DL flyers have taken to arriving at terminal 2 and bussing to terminal 4.
Of course, an ideal situation would be to get back into Terminal 7. I think that ship sailed.
The best case scenario would be if UA got into Terminal1 or 7, which is quiet in the mornings and afternoons, busy in the evenings. And also, moving into a terminal without a lounge or access to a lounge would be a non starter
In all practicality though the terminal that has the most capacity to spare is AA's so called hub Terminal 8. Stranger things have happened. Personally that would be convenient for bicoastal flyers , if UA doesn't work, take AA ( same terminal )
For what its worth, the last time I was at Terminal 7 flying BA, I walked to the former Red Carpet club ( now AS lounge). Some sort of muscle memory…. some the artwork from UA's ps campaign was still on the wall.
Of course, an ideal situation would be to get back into Terminal 7. I think that ship sailed.
The best case scenario would be if UA got into Terminal1 or 7, which is quiet in the mornings and afternoons, busy in the evenings. And also, moving into a terminal without a lounge or access to a lounge would be a non starter
In all practicality though the terminal that has the most capacity to spare is AA's so called hub Terminal 8. Stranger things have happened. Personally that would be convenient for bicoastal flyers , if UA doesn't work, take AA ( same terminal )
For what its worth, the last time I was at Terminal 7 flying BA, I walked to the former Red Carpet club ( now AS lounge). Some sort of muscle memory…. some the artwork from UA's ps campaign was still on the wall.
Last edited by OpenSky; Oct 1, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Oct 1, 2020, 10:56 pm
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,049
I have fond memories of the JFK United Club while flying SPN-NRT-JFK-SFO in late February 2004 with my wife to visit my Mum for the second-to-the last time.
I flew that routing for the extra miles, the extra sleep, and to use two upgrade instruments that a generous FlyerTalker gave me before they would expire a few days later.
I flew that routing for the extra miles, the extra sleep, and to use two upgrade instruments that a generous FlyerTalker gave me before they would expire a few days later.
Oct 2, 2020, 12:48 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,226
Yes! Plus El Al, South African, Air India, etc... should be abandoning slots -- which allows UA to enter inexpensively.
I can't wait to:
1. Hop on the 8am SFO-JFK
2. Grab the world's best falafel at Naomi's in Flushing
3. Watch a Mets game at Citi Field next door
4. Pit stop in Flushing China Town for dumplings, time permitting
5. Hop on the EWR-SFO redeye that night
Fun times ahead!!!
I can't wait to:
1. Hop on the 8am SFO-JFK
2. Grab the world's best falafel at Naomi's in Flushing
3. Watch a Mets game at Citi Field next door
4. Pit stop in Flushing China Town for dumplings, time permitting
5. Hop on the EWR-SFO redeye that night
Fun times ahead!!!
Oct 2, 2020, 9:57 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Oct 3, 2020, 12:18 am
#88
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: US
Programs: AA/UA/DL
Posts: 2,773
Oct 3, 2020, 4:54 am
#89
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,884
was that really a Westin Renewal Lounge? I thought it was designed as a secluded place for celebrities to park themselves. Or what to do when you have a load bearing wall that cannot be removed. : )
Oct 3, 2020, 2:24 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: US
Programs: AA/UA/DL
Posts: 2,773
It was more like a quiet room with the Westin scent, white tea, for people to relax.
United used to have the Westin Renewal Lounge inside the Red Carpet Club at SFO, LAX and JFK.
During the same period, United also featured Westin Heavenly blanket and pillow on p.s. routes.
Westin Renewal Lounge SFO
Last edited by pigx5; Oct 3, 2020 at 3:06 pm