NEW YORK- Delta Air Lines (DL) and JetBlue Airways (B6) passengers arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) now face extra steps to book an Uber or Lyft. The airport authority has moved most rideshare pickups away from terminals 4, 5, and 7, forcing travelers to use shuttles or the AirTrain instead.
This change complicates arrivals for families, international passengers, and anyone carrying heavy luggage. While departures may still benefit from strong lounge options, getting home from JFK has become a tougher experience for many.
Photo: JFK SpottingDelta and JetBlue Passengers Hurdles
JFK began relocating rideshare pickups over a year ago, starting with Terminal 4, the main hub for Delta (DL), Emirates (EK), KLM (KL), Virgin Atlantic (VS), and others. Until noon, rideshare pickups are still allowed outside the terminal, but after that, passengers must board a shuttle to a designated lot.
At Terminal 5, home to JetBlue (B6), Sun Country (SY), and Cape Air (9K), passengers are told to take the AirTrain to Howard Beach for Uber and Lyft. Terminal 7, which serves Aer Lingus (EI), Air Canada (AC), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Icelandair (FI), and others, has adopted the same policy.
This setup requires passengers to walk to the AirTrain station, board the green line, and ride to Howard Beach before exiting toward Long Term Parking for pickup. The process adds time and effort, making the convenience of ridesharing far less practical.
Photo: JFK SpottingImpact on Delta and JetBlue Passengers
Delta’s Terminal 4 has long been criticized for long walks, though its extensive lounge network—Delta One, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Capital One, Chase Sapphire Lounge, and American Express Centurion—offers relief on departures.
The problem comes on arrival, where the shuttle requirement delays getting into the city. On top of that, Uber often adds a $20 surcharge for pickups at Delta’s terminal, worsening the experience.
For JetBlue at Terminal 5, passengers face an even greater hassle. To follow the official route, they must drag luggage across the terminal, board the AirTrain, and exit at Howard Beach before requesting a ride.
Some frequent flyers instead cut across to the TWA Hotel from baggage claim, where calling a car service is faster and avoids the trek, View from the Wing reported.
Photo: JFK SpottingConstruction and Congestion at JFK
JFK is in the middle of a massive redevelopment project, but congestion and roadway bottlenecks remain constant. Despite years of construction, ground transportation has not become smoother.
For travelers arriving at terminals 4, 5, and 7, the rideshare restrictions add another layer of difficulty.
By contrast, passengers landing at Terminal 8—used by American Airlines (AA) and its Oneworld partners—still have access to curbside rideshare pickup, making it a competitive advantage for the carrier.
Photo: File:New York – John F. Kennedy International (Idlewild) (JFK – KJFK) AN0619542.jpg – Wikimedia CommonsWhat Travelers Should Expect
- Terminal 4 (Delta and partners): Rideshare pickups allowed at curbside only before noon; otherwise, shuttle to a remote lot.
- Terminal 5 (JetBlue and partners): Must use the AirTrain to the Howard Beach station for pickups.
- Terminal 7 (multiple international carriers): Same AirTrain-to-Howard Beach rule as Terminal 5.
- Terminal 8 (American Airlines): Curbside pickups still permitted.
For those arriving with multiple bags or children, the extra transfers may add 20–30 minutes before reaching a car. Many passengers now wait to request a ride until after they reach the Howard Beach lot, further delaying the trip.
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Southwest and Delta Battle for its Share at This Airport
The post Delta and JetBlue Passengers Face Hurdles at New York JFK appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
