Top 10 Visitors Guide to New York City's Airports

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.

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). 

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! 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.   

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. 

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.  

Breaking Records and Barriers: Amelia Earhart

Earhart portrait printed in
the Syracuse American on
December 6 1936.
Courtesy of  Fulton History

Amelia Earhart was a national celebrity, galvanizing support in a similar way that race car drivers do today.  The public watched intently as she set world records, broke down barriers and challenged social conventions both in the air and on the ground.  She also excelled outside of the cockpit; she co-founded National Airways (later known as North-East Airlines); penned several books; and became a notable orator; according to Mary Lovell, Earhart delivered a total of 136 speeches and lectures in 1936 alone. 

The Herald Statesman
reports on Earhart's
flight to Newark on
May 8, 1935
Courtesy of Fulton 
History

Earhart was a frequent user of New York airports, although her years of flying preceded both LaGuardia and JFK.  Rather, Newark was her regional airport of choice, which is unsurprising given that it was the first and only commercial airport in the area at the time.  However, she would also later fly into the Floyd Bennett Airfield and practice at the Glenn H Curtiss, which LaGuardia replaced in 1939. 

Earhart and her accomplishments were constantly the focus of media attention, and understandably so.  A poll conducted by NYU journalism students in 1935 cited Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart as the best-known women in the world; a finding that makes sense given that Earhart’s name was featured in the papers on an almost weekly basis.  Not only was Earhart one of the few female pilots in the industry, but she was also able to compete with her male counterparts – often setting records for both genders.  

In 1935 Earhart set the record for the first solo flight (male or female) direct from Mexico City to Newark, which she completed in just over 14 hours.  Although nowadays a fourteen-hour flight from Mexico City to Newark might set the record for most inefficient flight ever, it was seriously fast for the time.  New Yorkers were delighted by the feat, so much so that between 10 and 15 thousand spectators crowded the airport in celebration of her arrival.  The happy crowd picked up Earhart outside her plane and carried her on their shoulders to the official reception committee.  However, not everyone was thrilled by the public show of enthusiasm; her husband referred to the greeting as “the most disgraceful scene that I have ever witnessed,” (although we’re inclined to believe that it wasn't). 

Earhart was greeted with similar enthusiasm after her 1932 arrival in Newark. Photo: Citizen Advertiser June 24 1932. Courtesy of Fulton History.

The press was fascinated by her marriage, frequently reporting on the messages sent between Earhart and her husband, George “GP” Putnam, during her lengthy journeys.  On one occasion, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle published an article entitled, “Amelia’s husband knew ‘She’d do it’” in reference to her 1937 flight to Honolulu from Oakland.  This was the first leg of her round-the-world flight, which she completed in 15 hours and 47 minutes – a world record.  Putnam claimed, “I knew she’d make it easily,” (although the reporter did note that GP had stayed up nearly all night in order to receive messages from her plane.)  Furthermore, Earhart made the controversial decision to retain her maiden name once married, a decision which was flagrantly disregarded by the New York Times, who opted to refer to her as Mrs. Putnam.  In fairness, her husband was often referred to as Mr. Earhart, so safe to say it wasn't personal. 

Click the "i" button in the top right-hand corner for the details of each of the pictures.  

5 Things we’re grateful for this season

In the spirit of the season, we thought we’d use this week to reflect upon some of the airport-related things we’re grateful for this year, developments that have made traveling both safer and more efficient. 

1. Sandy recovery

Last year, the NYC area was shaken by the catastrophe that was SuperStorm Sandy.  However, we have come out the other end of it now, and continue to learn from the experience, as well as to adopt the appropriate measures to ensure we are in a position to “weather the storm” should another hit. 

2. Pre-Check

Efficiency is rarely associated with the security process (and generally speaking, for good reason!).  However, that’s all changing thanks to Pre-Check.  Passengers can now speed through that loathsome security line without stripping down to their socks.  So, special thanks to the TSA for making it happen – we knew you had it in you! 

3. NextGen developments

As you probably know by now, we’re big NextGen fans, mostly because we’re not a fan of delays.  So we view any progress on the NextGen front as something worth celebrating and encouraging.  The “Tennis Climb,” a new NextGen flight path in place at LaGuardia, is aimed at reducing emissions, fuel consumption, noise, and air traffic congestion.  It needs some work to help the local community understand its benefits, but we're thankful that it is in place.

4. Customs Kiosks

Delta was kind enough to budget for Customs kiosks in JFK terminal 4 this year, which we realized help cut customs time in half during their first month.  Delta’s terminal at JFK is in fact the busiest international terminal at JFK and so was in desperate need of the extra support.  Now we'd be especially grateful if Customs increased its manpower at JFK!

5. Airport Dining

So although NYC may not be known for its cushy airport experience, passengers are definitely not going hungry!  5 of the 35 best airport restaurants can be found in NYC airports, with JFK receiving three mentions and LaGuardia two.  So although you may have eaten your body weight in turkey this year, we hope you saved a little room for your airport visit – a burger at Shake Shack is pretty tough to beat. 

So in spite of the fact that we still have much ground to cover in terms of airport improvement, we continue to appreciate how far NYC airports have come already.  So, in no particular order, we’d like to thank the Port Authority; the FAA; airport workers, including TSA and CBP agents; the airlines; and local officials, all of which are responsible for presiding over the many developments this year. 

Opening Up, Part III

New York City’s First Commercial Airport

Newark Airport, formally known as Newark Metropolitan Airport, opened long before both JFK and LaGuardia on October 1, 1928.  It operated for a time as the region’s only commercial airport, located a mere fourteen miles from Manhattan.  Before Newark, there was Heller Field, a US Mail Airfield located in the North Ward, which lasted only a short while; from December 1919 to May 1921.  Hadley Field soon replaced Heller Field in 1923 as the post office needed an air base.  However, the four airlines using Hadley ultimately made the transition to Newark Airport and the field was shut. 

Mail workers unload the mail bags from the well in the front part of the fuselage. Photo: Newark Evening News, December 8, 1919, courtesy of Newark Public Library

Plans to build the airport were announced on August 3, 1927 and the city moved with great haste in order to ensure the airport attracted the air mail business, whose existing contracts were due to expire in 1928.  Sure enough, the city’s efforts paid off and on February 18, 1929, the airport officially opened as an Eastern terminal for the United States air mail.  According to an article published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle the following day, more than 25,000 people showed up to witness the event, which was marked by the takeoff of three planes, each of which departed at separate times while carrying mail.  In addition, the new airport had welcomed its first international passengers on October 17, 1928, who flew in from Montreal on a Canadian Colonial Airways Ford Tri-Motor. 

Etching of Newark Airport by George A. Bradshaw for the Journal of Finance and Industry in 1929.  Photo: Newark Public Library

However, that is not say that construction of the airport was simple; far from it!  The airport was located on swampland and so had to be raised by six feet and four miles of creeks had to be diverted.  To fill the ground, the city used dry fill which consisted of 7,000 Christmas trees and 200 safes donated

Perhaps the only commercial NYC airport created outside the influence of Fiorello LaGuardia, Newark was championed by Newark Mayor Thomas Lynch Raymond.  Unfortunately, however, like LaGuardia in the case of JFK Airport, Raymond did not live to see the fruits of his labor, dying days before the grand opening.  

Newark had the world's first paved runway. Photo: Port Authority of NY & NJ, 1928, courtesy of Newark Public Library

Noting the absurdity of the lengths the city was going to in order to build the airport, one reporter urged his readers to, “Forget the airport!  The craze for aviation will soon die out!”[1]  That reporter, however, could not have been more wrong; not only was aviation to become massively popular, but it is estimated that roughly 50,000 people went to visit the airport every Sunday throughout the 1930s. 

Newark's original Art Deco Administration Building, which served as a terminal building until the opening of North Terminal in 1953. Photo: Port Authority of NY & NJ

Newark also paved the way for airports all over the world – it was reputedly the first airport in the world to have a paved runway.  It was also the first airport in the US to build a terminal building.  The opening of what is now Newark’s Administration Building in 1935 was therefore a significant event.  Amelia Earhart, the famed aviatrix, formally dedicated it.  Newark became the world’s busiest airport, with 90,177 passengers in 1931 alone. Furthermore, Earhart was a frequent visitor of the airport and was one of the many celebrities often seen flying in and out.  

In September 1930, passengers on the new Newark-Washington plane lined up to have their photo taken at Newark Airport.  Left to right: J.V. MacGee, former Vice President of Transcontinental Air Transport; A.W. Gilliam, Washington newspaper representative; Amelia Earhart, Vice President of the line; Mrs. Mabel Walker Wllebrandt, former Assistant United States Attorney General; Major General J.E. Fechet, Chief of the United States Army Air Corps; Command J.Q. Walton of the Coast Guard; Sydney Gross of Washington. Photo: Newark Public Library

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[1] Geoffrey Arend, Great Airports: Newark International (Air Cargo News Books, 1989), 27.  

Observing Change

The Observation Deck Phenomenon

When airports first opened in the US, flying was glamorous.  Locals flocked to the airports to witness the miracle of flight, and with less stringent security, just about anyone could show up and do just that.  Thus, the observation deck became a staple of the twentieth-century airport, and airports were as much an attraction as they were a transit zone. 

According to a New York Times article, back when JFK airport was still known as Idlewild and photos were still taken in black and white, roughly 3,500 youngsters would gather each week to watch the take off and landings from this elevated vantage point.  

Spectators line up along JFK's observation deck on Nov. 21, 1948. Photo: The New York Times

However, the viewing platform at LaGuardia was perhaps even more popular, especially given that it opened nearly a decade before that of JFK.  North Beach Airport, as LaGuardia was often referred to, opened in 1939, making it one of New York City’s first commercial airports and quite the novelty.  

View of LaGuardia's popular observation deck, known as the SkyWalk. (Photo: Port Authority of NY & NJ)

Airport officials installed turnstiles and charged each visitor a ¢5 entry fee to enter its SkyWalk, turning the deck into a source of profit.  Furthermore, this viewing platform was also equipped with a stand selling drinks and refreshments to visitors, known as SkyBar.  So as you can probably imagine, this outdoor area turned into quite the social scene attracting many a New Yorker.  

A lady places an order at LaGuardia's SkyBar, located on its SkyWalk. Photo: The Port Authority of NY & NJ

Although it developed as a commercial airport later, Newark Liberty was also home to an observation deck, where spectators were welcome to sit and watch the action taking place on the runways before them.  This viewing station ran for 500 feet along the mezzanine deck in the old North Terminal.  

The Observation Deck at Newark's old North Terminal located above the ticket booths. Photo: Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey

Unlike the decks at the other airports, this one was not outside in the open-air.  However, the gallery was unique in that it was located above the ticket booths and as such, provided visitors with an elevated, sprawling view of the airport and its runways.  

The Observation Deck at Newark Airport. Photo: The Pie Shops Collection

Over time, however, the air of mystery surrounding air travel began to wear off and these observation decks saw fewer visitors.  People were no longer interested in standing around and watching planes.  So as the terminal buildings began to develop, the once-popular observation deck did not and they were ultimately shutdown as the phenomenon faded into obscurity and security concerns grew.   So while that may have worked back then, this kind of airport access was not going to survive the test of time on a practical level.

However, that is not to say that our airports are giving up entirely on providing passengers with some of the excitement and glamour associated with visiting observation decks in the 40s, 50s and 60s.  New York City’s airports modernization efforts appear to have these themes in mind, trying to maintain some of the old spirit while providing services that will appeal to the modern traveler.  For example, Delta installed its first open-air terrace at JFK this year.  It is a far cry from the LaGuardia’s old SkyBar, but a lot of travelers may prefer it.  This intimate setting has a comfortable seating area and a place to order drinks so that Delta’s frequent fliers can kick back in style while waiting in the airport.  This observation deck-revival harks back to this golden age when flying was exotic, suggesting that perhaps airports are still a place where people can enjoy themselves.  We hope it’s a sign that outdoor areas are making a comeback at NYC airports!

Delta's recently opened an outdoor seating area in their SkyLounge at JFK's Terminal 4. Photo: Chris Sloan for Airchive

Keep an eye out for our next post!