Transportation: To & From Airport

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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers a variety of transportation options to cater to travelers’ diverse needs, ensuring smooth connectivity to and from the airport.

LaGuardia is easily accessible via major highways:

  • Grand Central Parkway: The main roadway serving LaGuardia, connecting to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) and the Long Island Expressway (I-495).
  • Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278): Provides routes to Brooklyn and Queens.
  • Long Island Expressway (I-495): Extends from Queens into Long Island, facilitating direct travel for those coming from or heading to Long Island.

Several public transit options are available, primarily managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA):

  • LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS: A free bus service that connects the airport to the 7, E, F, M, and R subway lines at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue and to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Woodside. This bus runs every 8-10 minutes.
  • M60 SBS: Connects LaGuardia to Manhattan’s Upper West Side, with stops along 125th Street, providing links to several subway lines including the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D lines.

Taxis are readily available outside each terminal, with fares to Manhattan typically around $40. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also operate at LaGuardia, with designated pick-up and drop-off areas to streamline the process.

Private shuttle services like GO Airlink NYC and SuperShuttle provide door-to-door transport. These services are ideal for groups or those with substantial luggage, offering both shared and private ride options.

Major car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, have facilities at LaGuardia. Shuttle buses transport passengers between the terminals and the rental car lots.

Freight & Logistics

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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has significantly enhanced its air freight services, becoming an essential hub for cargo operations. Here are the key freight services available at the airport:

Major Freight Services

  1. DHL Express
  • Provides comprehensive international and domestic shipping solutions.
  • Contact: +1 800-225-5345
  1. FedEx Express
  • Offers a range of air freight services including priority and economy options.
  • Contact: +1 800-463-3339
  1. UPS Air Cargo
  • Known for reliable and efficient cargo handling and delivery services.
  • Contact: +1 800-742-5877

These services ensure efficient handling of various goods, supported by advanced technology in LaGuardia’s cargo facilities. These facilities are managed by leading logistics companies that offer warehousing, packaging, and customs clearance.

Post Office at LaGuardia

LaGuardia Airport also features a United States Postal Service (USPS) terminal, which provides convenient postal services for travelers and businesses:

  • Location: 1 Main Terminal Ste B, Flushing, NY 11371
  • Contact: +1 718-779-0463
  • Services: Standard postal services including mailing, shipping, and receiving packages.

Airlines at NY LaGuardia Airport – 2024

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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City serves a wide array of airlines, providing extensive domestic and international connections. Here is the comprehensive list of airlines operating at LGA, along with their respective terminals:

Terminal A

  1. JetBlue Airways: Provides domestic and Caribbean destinations.
  2. Spirit Airlines: Budget-friendly national destinations.

Terminal B

  1. Air Canada: Flights to major Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal.
  2. American Airlines: Domestic hubs including Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Philadelphia.
  3. American Eagle: Regional carrier for American Airlines.
  4. JetBlue Airways: Additional flights from this terminal.
  5. Southwest Airlines: Destinations including Chicago, Denver, Nashville, and Orlando.
  6. United Airlines: Extensive domestic and international flights.

Terminal C

  1. Delta Air Lines: Extensive domestic and international connections.
  2. Delta Connection: Regional flights for Delta.
  3. Frontier Airlines: Budget airline with national connections.
  4. WestJet: Canadian destinations.

Terminal D

  1. Delta Air Lines: Additional Delta flights.

Additional Notable Airlines

  • Flexjet: Private jet services.
  • NetJets: Private jet services.
  • Tradewind Aviation: Small airline providing niche services.
  • Alaska Airlines: Domestic flights to and from Alaska.
  • All Nippon Airways: International flights.
  • Avianca: Flights to and from Latin America.
  • British Airways: Transatlantic flights.
  • Emirates: Middle Eastern and international destinations.
  • Etihad Airways: Middle Eastern destinations.
  • KLM: European destinations.
  • LATAM Airlines: South American destinations.

Categories: FAQ

Food at LaGuardia Airport

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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has significantly upgraded its food service offerings, reflecting its extensive redevelopment aimed at enhancing traveler experiences. Each terminal now features a diverse array of dining options catering to various tastes and dietary needs.

Terminal B, the largest at LaGuardia, offers a multitude of dining choices:

  • Bowery Bay Tavern: Classic American fare in a relaxed setting.
  • La Chula: Authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos and tequila-based cocktails.
  • Fresh & Co.: Health-conscious options like salads, wraps, and organic juices.
  • Cibo Express Gourmet Market: Quick grab-and-go meals for passengers with tight schedules.

Additional notable options include Mulberry Street for Italian dishes, Brooklyn Diner for iconic pastrami sandwiches and burgers, and Irving Farm Coffee Roasters for quality coffee and pastries.

Delta Air Lines’ Terminal C provides a mix of fast food and gourmet dining:

  • Shake Shack: Renowned for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
  • Cotto: Offers Italian dishes, including artisanal pizzas and pasta.
  • Bar Veloce: Extensive wine list and Italian small plates.
  • Poppy’s Bagels: Bagel sandwiches and breakfast options.

For Asian cuisine, Chuko Ramen serves a variety of ramen dishes, while Essex Burger delivers classic American burgers.

Terminal D, also operated by Delta, includes several quick dining options:

  • Five Guys: Famous for its burgers and fries.
  • Birch Coffee: Known for its coffee and light snacks.
  • Wok & Roll: Offers stir-fry dishes and sushi.
  • Hudson News Cafe: Provides ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages.

Though smaller, Terminal A features popular choices:

  • Au Bon Pain: Sandwiches, soups, and pastries.
  • Dunkin’: Coffee and donuts for a quick fix.
  • Airways Pizza & Deli: Offers pizzas and sandwiches, ensuring a satisfying meal before a flight.

LaGuardia Airport emphasizes using local ingredients and sustainable practices. Many restaurants partner with local farms and suppliers to ensure fresh and high-quality produce, contributing to the airport’s broader environmental goals.

Design & Architecture

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On July 6, 2024, LaGuardia Airport celebrated the completion of its significant redevelopment, transforming the airport with state-of-the-art facilities and innovative design elements. This project, which includes the reconstruction of Terminals B and C, marks one of the largest public-private partnership aviation projects in U.S. history.

Terminal B, completed in January 2022, stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation. Designed by HOK and WSP, the terminal features expansive glass walls, high ceilings, and open spaces, creating a bright and welcoming environment for travelers. One of its most notable architectural elements is the dual pedestrian bridges, which allow aircraft to taxi beneath, enhancing operational efficiency and providing passengers with stunning views of the airfield.

This terminal has achieved significant recognition, including LEED Gold certification for its sustainability features. These include energy-efficient systems, extensive use of natural light, and water-efficient fixtures. Terminal B’s design also prioritizes passenger comfort with ample seating, integrated power outlets, and a variety of dining and retail options.

Delta Air Lines’ Terminal C, completed in June 2022, complements Terminal B’s architectural advancements. Designed by Corgan and Gensler, the terminal incorporates large digital displays, streamlined security checkpoints, and numerous amenities aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Its sustainable design elements include the use of locally sourced materials and energy-efficient technologies.

The Terminal B project was executed by LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group, Skanska, and Meridiam. Skanska played a significant role in the construction, ensuring the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the project. Terminal C’s development was led by Delta Air Lines, with design contributions from Corgan and Gensler.

The overall $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport was financed through a combination of public and private funds. The $4 billion redevelopment of Terminal B was part of a public-private partnership, with two-thirds of the financing coming from private sources and existing passenger fees. Delta Air Lines invested $4 billion into the construction and development of Terminal C, showcasing its commitment to enhancing its hub operations at LaGuardia.

Both terminals emphasize sustainability and passenger comfort. The use of advanced HVAC systems, LED lighting, and water-efficient fixtures underscores the commitment to environmental stewardship. The terminals are designed to accommodate future growth with flexible spaces that can adapt to evolving needs.

Terminal B has received several prestigious awards, including a LEED Gold certification and the Skytrax five-star rating, making it the first terminal in North America to receive this honor. These recognitions highlight the terminal’s excellence in design and passenger services.

AirTrain

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As of 2023, the proposed AirTrain project for LaGuardia Airport has been officially canceled, following significant controversy and opposition. Initially championed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, the project aimed to connect the airport with the Mets-Willets Point subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations. However, it faced criticism for its indirect route, high cost, and environmental impact.

Reasons for Controversy:

  1. Indirect Route: The AirTrain’s proposed route required travelers to head east away from Manhattan to Willets Point before doubling back towards the airport, which many deemed inefficient.
  2. High Costs: The project’s cost estimates ballooned from $450 million to $2.4 billion, raising concerns about financial feasibility.
  3. Environmental and Community Impact: Local community groups and environmental advocates opposed the project due to its potential to take away parkland and impact local property values. Legal challenges were filed against the FAA and Port Authority, citing these concerns.

In March 2023, the Port Authority announced the cancellation of the AirTrain project. Instead, an expert panel recommended expanding bus services, including a new all-electric shuttle bus running from the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard N/W subway station to the airport. The improvements are expected to cost about $500 million, significantly less than the AirTrain, and are projected to be implemented within the next five years.

Modernization – New Terminals

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On January 27, 2023, LaGuardia Airport celebrated the completion of its revamped Terminal B, a key milestone in the airport’s extensive $8 billion modernization project. This new terminal, praised for its innovative design and passenger-friendly amenities, represents a significant upgrade from the old, cramped facilities it replaced. Terminal B has already received accolades, including the prestigious Skytrax five-star rating, the first for a terminal in North America.

Meanwhile, Terminal C, primarily funded by Delta Air Lines, opened on June 4, 2022. This terminal, which replaced the older Terminals C and D, is nearly double their combined size and features state-of-the-art amenities such as hands-free bag drop and Digital ID screening capabilities. Delta’s $4 billion investment in Terminal C was part of the broader effort to modernize LaGuardia, contributing significantly to the airport’s overall redevelopment.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey managed this extensive project, with significant collaboration from private entities like LaGuardia Gateway Partners and Delta Air Lines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also played a crucial role, ensuring that the new facilities met all necessary regulatory standards. This redevelopment not only improved passenger experience but also incorporated sustainable technologies, enhancing energy efficiency across the airport.

LaGuardia’s Future

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LaGuardia Airport, located on banks of the Flushing Bay near the heart of New York City, would seem to be the ideal airport for fast trips in & out of the area.   Unfortunately, the aging facility is unable to properly handle the 14 million passengers that travel through it each year, and has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s slowest & least-liked airports.

Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, LaGuardia’s current main terminal building opened in 1964 with a designed capacity of no more than 8 million passengers per year, far less than the current annual passenger load in excess of 14 million.

After years of controversy and political maneuvering,  it appears that the airport will finally get a desperately needed facelift.  Continue reading →