It may not be getting an AirTrain, but LaGuardia Airport’s new $4 billion Terminal B was named the world’s best new terminal based on a global passenger survey, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Wednesday, March 15.
The survey was conducted by the airport rating firm Skytrax and is based on multiple factors including check-in, shopping, security, terminal comfort and ambiance and choice of bars and restaurants. Presentations for a range of honors, including the world’s best airport as well as best terminal, were announced at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam on March 15.
Terminal B is also the first airline terminal in North America to achieve the highest global 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating from Skytrax, referred to as the “Oscars of the airport industry,” as a quality benchmark in assessing customer service and facilities across more than 550 airports.
“Our goal at the Port Authority was to completely transform the customer experience at LaGuardia, from curb to gate, by building a brand-new, world-class airport,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. “Winning this prestigious award and becoming the first North American airport terminal to receive a 5-star rating from Skytrax proves that we have accomplished what many once said was impossible: elevate LaGuardia from worst to best.”
No entry fee or any type of payment by an airport is required to participate in the survey or awards, with the entire survey and awards process funded by Skytrax. In awarding the 5-star rating, Skytrax recognizes those airport terminals that are providing exceptional standards of facilities and staff service to customers across all front-line areas of the airport environment.
“This 5-star airport terminal rating is a fabulous achievement for Terminal B LaGuardia Airport, being just one of 22 airports and terminals worldwide to achieve our highest 5-star rating,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said. “This terminal provides an excellent range of passenger facilities, and particular standouts include very good standards of wayfinding and signage, high standards of staff service, and some very nice design and art features.”
He added that the terminal has an easy and intuitive layout that offers true convenience to customers.
“This award and 5-star rating are an affirmation of the work of the Port Authority and our partners to reimagine what LaGuardia could be,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “With a sleek and modern design, world-class amenities and engaging public art, LaGuardia is now setting a new global standard for air travel each and every day.”
LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private consortium of airline experts that developed and now manages Terminal B, is proud of the prestigious accolades.
“We’re thrilled that Terminal B was named the best new airport terminal in the world and received the first 5-star rating for an airport terminal in North America by Skytrax, the leading authority in airport experience,” LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Frank Scremin said. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the LaGuardia Gateway Partners team as well as the entire Terminal B community – the more than 5,000 individuals who come together to provide the best experience for our terminal guests.”
