For travelers who are regulars through LaGuardia, the recent changes to the airlines and their locations within the airport may make the coming months confusing. Specifically, six of the airlines that service the airport have moved their terminal locations. If you have a trip through LaGuardia Airport planned in the next couple of months, you are going to want to be aware of the changes that happened on December 9, 2017.
Where the Changes Occurred
The six airlines that have moved are American Airlines, including American Shuttle, as well as Delta Shuttle, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Here is a list of where the airlines were located, and where they have moved as of December 9, 2017.
- American Airlines and American Shuttle - From Terminal B/C to Terminal B
- Delta Shuttle - From Terminals A/C to Terminal C
- JetBlue - From Terminal B to Terminal A
- Alaska Airlines - From Terminal B to Terminal A
- Frontier Airlines - From Terminal B to Terminal C (departures) and Terminal D (arrivals)
- Spirit Airlines - From Terminal B to Terminal C (departures) and Terminal D (arrivals)
These changes were made as LaGuardia begins preparations for a multi-billion dollar renovation project. The changes have effectively consolidated American Airlines to one terminal, Terminal B, and Delta to two terminals, Terminals C and D.
Why the Change?
Changes can be hard for well-traveled airports like LaGuardia, but these changes were necessary to help consolidate some of the airport's busier airlines. With the change, American's customers will be dropped off and picked up at the same location, no matter where they are flying. Moving the Delta Shuttle gives its customers access to a greater number of amenities in Terminal C.
The move and consolidation will also limit on-the-ground delays, because it will make aircraft and airfield movement much more efficient. This will improve the overall experience for the airport's travelers.
Finally, the changes are setting the stage for a huge facility modernization that will be opening in the future for all airlines. In addition, the renovation will include the addition of an AirTrain which will link the airport to New York's subway system and the Long Island Rail Road. The overall goal is to turn LaGuardia into a 21st-century transit hub.
Expected Impact of the Changes
Overall, this change will bring benefits to travelers through the elimination of delays and confusion with popular airlines using multiple terminals. However, the LaGuardia staff and developers expect a few weeks of confusion as travelers who frequent the airport regularly adjust to the new locations. Travelers should plan extra time when they visit the airport through the holiday season and late winter. Also, they should plan to watch signs carefully to ensure they are at the correct terminal if they are flying on one of the airlines that have made a change.
