New York’s airports aren’t just plagued by delays — they flunk when it comes to the amenities that would make the long waits bearable, according to a new nationwide study.
La Guardia was dead last on the list of US airports, offering only shoeshines. Newark and JFK were not far behind, offering only five and six amenities, respectively, out of the 15 travelers seek.
The study by the Global Gateway Alliance, an advocacy organization for the metropolitan region’s airports, looked at perks such as spas, museums, nap rooms, showers and gyms.
JFK did the best locally, with live music, a spa, a prayer room, a pharmacy, shoeshine facilities and an outdoor area after recent upgrades to two of its terminals. It was still surpassed by nine other airports. Those stuck at Kennedy can’t work out, take a shower, do laundry or visit a museum.
Newark also recently upgraded a terminal, but had only five amenities — shoe shining, a pharmacy and access to a spa, prayer room and airport hotel.
Visitors can’t send out mail, enjoy live music, or use a conference room at the airport.
“Given how many passengers travel through our airports — and the fact that we suffer some of the worst delays in the country — we should lead the way in providing cutting-edge amenities,” said Global Gateway Alliance Chairman Joseph Sitt.
The alliance noted that the redevelopment of La Guardia’s Central Terminal building would give it a chance to beef up its amenities.
John Finch, 51, waited at JFK for six hours Wednesday after he missed a transfer to a Washington flight due to a gate change. He said that the lack of amenities was noticeable and that the airport didn’t cater to people who needed something to hold them over between flights.
“There’s nowhere for me to get comfortable,” he said. “I feel like I’m sitting on a city sidewalk. New York, come on! Bump it up a notch!”
He added that he was surprised to see a lack of amenities in the Big Apple, of all places: “People here are international travelers. They can afford to pamper themselves in between flights. I’m not impressed with JFK at all.”
Michael Blitz, a 55-year-old professor of philosophy and law at John Jay College, said amenities at JFK have improved, but it still has a long way to go.
“It’s still nothing like airports in other cities in America,” he said. “New York airports are not user-friendly.”
The best place to get stuck for hours? Airports in Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas scored the highest. Each has 11 amenities. All three airports have either a theater or live music, as well as museums and exhibits for their visitors.