JFK Terminal 3 worst gateway in world: Survey

By Philip Newman

Terminal 3 at John F. Kennedy International Airport has been accorded the inglorious distinction of being the worst air travel gateway in the world.

“Terminal 3 is known for endless immigration lines in a dank basement, an utter lack of food and shopping options through crowded and confusing entry points,” according to Frommer’s Travel Guides.

“There’s also a sense that the cleaning crew gave up in despair a while ago, ”the survey said.

There is also a good chance you could wait for your flight to be called while standing because of a lack of seats, Frommer’s said.

The former Pan American Airways Worldport at JFK was built more than 50 years ago, but is now used by Delta Air Lines, which says it is in the process of a $1.2 billion makeover of Terminal 3, which is expected to open in 2013.

LaGuardia Airport was rated No. 7 on the worst airports list with criticism of its lack of rail links — “not even between its own terminals.”

“It also suffers from congestion, overcrowding and delays” the survey said.

“On the other hand, Delta just got some new food options at its La Guardia terminal,” Frommer’s said.

JFK’s Terminal 5, home of JetBlue, was listed at No. 5 on the Frommer’s list of the world’s best air terminals.

Frommer’s praised JetBlue for having the best airport food court in New York.

But turning to the negative side, Frommer’s said the world’s 10 worst airport terminals were:

1. New York, JFK Terminal 3

2. Manila, Philippines, Terminal 1

3. Moscow, Shermetyevo Terminal B/C

4. Nairobi Kenyatta Airport

5. Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, Terminal 3

6. Amman, Jordan, Queen Alia Airport