Why do people prefer JFK over LaGaurdia? (Cortland: safest, authority)

[crescent22]

The folks at flyertalk would read this thread in horror. This is the deal:

LaGuardia is restricted to flights less than 1500 miles, does not matter what country, which is why there are flights from Toronto, Montreal, Aruba, Nassau, and Bermuda. The only exception to this is Denver, which United lobbied to get, and Saturdays, when the rule is lifted. Delta used to fly to Los Angeles on Saturdays but recently dropped it and still flies to Salt Lake City.

LGA has more delays than JFK but all three are bad. Look at this link: BTS | Table 3 - Ranking of Major Airport On-Time Arrival Performance in May 2008
Of the top 32 airports, the bottom 3 are the 3 New York airports.

A big reason some prefer JFK is because it is the hub for Jetblue, whose low fares benefit them and force down fares of the competitors.

[AlexisT]

Neither of them are great airports. JFK is a rat's maze and LGA is overcrowded. I fly from JFK more, but that's because I fly international. I would rather dig my eyes out with a spork than shlep to Newark.

For 4 years my "local" airport was London Heathrow. Compared to that, JFK is a breeze. At least there isn't an hour's walk from security to the gate while you're herded through a shopping mall, and I never did have an un-delayed flight coming out of LHR. Also, BA lost my bags in the T5 opening debacle!

[luv]

I've had tons of easy flights from LaGuardia with no delays. I believe there is no long term parking at LaGuardia though, which can be problematic.

As far as location, it depends on where your final destination is. If you're going to Manhattan and have a ride, its much much closer to the city (practically right past the Triborough Bridge).

[roccos]

Ahh so this is why I have to take the little bus from the gate to the plane. there's only two runways!
I am green, so forgive me, but what is the Q33? A bus?

[K 22]

If I'm able to - I don't go to either. I'm closer to White Plains airport and I find that one much more enjoyable than LGA and JFK.

[analyticalkeys]

Originally Posted by roccos

Ahh so this is why I have to take the little bus from the gate to the plane. there's only two runways!
I am green, so forgive me, but what is the Q33? A bus?

Yup, it's a bus.

[danielscommute]

I personally like Newark the best because it's the least packed, very clean, and you can catch the Amtrak or NJtransit right there from Penn station.

But in NYC, JFK is better because you can take the A train straight there any time of the day, even in rush hour, no traffic. You don't HAVE to take a cab like LGA, and usually LGA is slammed with people and has the most lines and flight delays, or you sit on the runway waiting in your plane to take off for up to an hour!!!!

Stick to JFK.

[Viralmd]

From the East Side, getting to Newark is just as bad as getting to one's ultimate destination. LaGuardia is always my first choice, followed by JFK.

[Andysocks]

I've always lived on Long Island and in Eastern Queens, so JFK is the natural first choice. Never even been to the Newark airport.

[Andysocks]

Originally Posted by danielscommute

You don't HAVE to take a cab like LGA

Well... you don't HAVE to take a cab to LGA either... but the reality of dragging luggage onto the 7 train and then on the Q33 or Q72 is not ideal.