With the Super Bowl just days away, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to drop in on the New York-New Jersey region. The first and last part of most fans’ trip will take place in one of our region’s three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia or Newark.
Even though these airports have often ended up at the bottom of passenger surveys, there are still great things for Super Bowl guests to see and do while traveling through our airports, which are conveniently connected to the City via cost-efficient transportation links.
So in the tradition of NYC’s own “Late Night with David Letterman,” GGA presents our “Top Ten” visitors guide to NY-NJ Area Airports:
10. Get Real Time Airport Alerts and Advisories – Signing up for these handheld updates will make sure you don’t miss a thing when it comes to your flight. The service, provided by the Port Authority, messages you in the event of general disruptions to airport operations, which may prove to be particularly helpful given the weather we’ve been having. And the good news is: it’s free.
9. Convenient Pick Ups from the JFK Cell Phone Wait Lot –The Cell Phone Wait Lot at JFK eliminates the stress and the cost of an airport pick up. Cars can wait for free for up to an hour in a nearby parking lot until getting the call or text from passengers ready to be collected.
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| JFK Cell Phone Lot. Photo: Ken Spencer, Courtesy of greatvisualtruths.blogspot.com |
8. Have the kids blow off steam at the Play Area at JetBlue Terminal 5 – Airports can be a challenge for parents traveling with young children, especially if you’re stuck there for a while. But not at the JetBlue Terminal at JFK, which has become a popular destination. Here, kids have the chance to play and explore in a safe environment, while you get the chance to sit down and relax (if only a short while, anyway).
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| The play area at JetBlue's JFK Terminal. Photo credit: JetBlue's Flickr |
7. Try Some Fine Dining – New York is famous for fine food, and our airports are becoming a foodie haven as well. For example, stop by the Grand Central Terminal Oyster Bar in Newark’s Terminal C, featured on CNN’s “Best Eats at Busiest U.S. Airports” list. This is not only delicious but, as an offshoot of the Grand Central-based restaurant, it makes for an authentic New York experience. There are also award winning establishments at LaGuardia, like Crust and Taste of Tagliare. Terminal 5 also features everything from hole in the wall bistros to sushi bars. Basically, don’t get on the plane on empty stomach!
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| Grand Central Oyster Bar at Newark Airport. Photo: Spence Cooper, Courtesy of blog.friendseat.com |
6. Shop the latest gadgets, books and gear – The redeveloped terminals at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark all feature state-of-the-art retail post-security. InMotion Entertainment in Newark’s Terminal C is stocked with the latest in electronics, not to mention key flight accessories, such as chargers and neck pillows. Meanwhile, at LaGuardia, Delta’s recent upgrades to Terminal D gives passengers access to free iPads attached to desks, an amenity which serves both a useful and fun purpose. Equally, Terminal 4 at JFK was recently redone, meaning that all the trendiest brands have opened up shop, from Ferragamo to Puma and Swarovski. Inspired by food trucks, Benefit Cosmetics has also launched their Glam Up & Away kiosks in JFK’s Terminals 2 and 5, so you can grab your makeup on the go!
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| Benefit Cosmetic's Glam Up & Away Airport kiosk. Photo credit: www.moodiereport.com |
5. Watch the Planes from the Food Court Observation Deck – The dining spot at Terminal 1 in JFK is an ideal place to kick back and watch the planes fly in and out. With spacious glass windows, the food court functions as an observation deck but means you don’t have to venture outside to get the best view in the house.
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| Food court in Terminal 1 at JFK. Photo credit: stuckattheairport.com |
4. Get to/from the airport on the AirTrain – This overground train is one of the “cooler” modes of transport available to and from the airport. With its raised tracks and streamlined cars, if you haven’t ridden it already, you should. For families with train-enthusiasts on board this is a must. But “cool-factor” aside, it is one of the most efficient ways to get into the city, so forget cabs and take the AirTrain at either JFK or Newark and make an easy connection directly to Midtown Manhattan.
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| Top: JFK AirTrain; Bottom: Newark Airtrain. Photo credit: Port Authority of NY and NJ |
3. Grab a Burger at ShakeShack – NYC is the birthplace of this famed burger chain but if you don’t have time to squeeze it in during your visit, fear not. One such joint has opened in Delta’s Terminal 4 at JFK, which means many passengers have now boycotted plane food in favor of a burger and fries. It’s so popular, in fact, that Moodie rated it the Best Fast Food/Quick Service Restaurant in October 2013.
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| ShakeShack at Terminal 4. Photo credit: airchive.com |
2. Keep your device juiced at the Power Poles – We’ve all faced that scary moment when your device is running perilously low, with nowhere to charge it. But at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark, you won’t have a problem. Samsung’s Power Poles provide passengers with charging stations throughout all three airports, meaning you can crack open your electric devices, do what you have to do and not worry about running down the battery.
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| Power Pole in LaGuardia's CTB. Photo credit: Port Authority of NY and NJ |
1. Visit NYC! – The best part of our airports is that each is just a short trip to NYC. From museums to markets, bowling alleys to movie theaters, and bars to cafes, there are near endless things to do. Fun as the airports may be, nothing beats the City they serve.
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| NYC Skyline. Photo: Buck Ennis, Courtesy of Crain's New York |
So there you have it. These are our 10 best for grabbing a bite, catching a ride, or just hanging out. We’re crossing our fingers for good weather and minimal delays, but whether Super Bowl visitors are in NY-NJ area airports for a short time or longer than they hoped for this week, there’s plenty to do.
