The New Addition to LaGuardia Airport

The New Addition to LaGuardia Airport

1. How LaGuardia Airport Came About

a. Once known as the “air gateway to America,” LaGuardia Airport is the 3^rd busiest airport in the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. Originally serving as a private flying field, the push to turn the field into a commercial airline was due to an incident with New York’s Mayor, Fiorello La Guardia (in office from 1934 – 1945.)

b. Mayor La Guardia was flying from Chicago to New York, and upon his arrival to the Newark Airport located in New Jersey, he was outraged, as his ticket said “New York.” (At this time, the Newark Airport was the only airport supporting commercial flights to New York.) Mayor La Guardia then ordered his plane to go to Brooklyn’s, Floyd Bennett Field. Following this, the Mayor had a press release urging New Yorkers to support a new airport within their city. His efforts of campaigning worked, and plans of the new commercial airport went into production.

c. Dedicated in 1939, the airport cost New Yorkers $23 million. The public, fascinated by air travel, traveled by the thousands to the airport to pay and watch airliners take off and land – providing $285,000 in the first two years of the airport’s opening.

2. Today and Beyond

a. Today, LGA’s reputation is less than good. It is known for its frequent delays due to only two operable runways and its completely out-of-date facilities. Even Joe Biden in 2014 commented on the airport saying, “If I blindfolded you and took you to LaGuardia Airport in New York, you’d think, ‘I must be in some third world country’.”

b. New York’s Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has been working hard on the plans for the massive update. Breaking ground in June 2016, the complete rebuild of the LaGuardia Airport terminals, facilities and runways is set to be finished by 2022. The nearly $8 billion project will provide two more miles of aircraft taxiways, six new concourses, 72 gates, and a 3,000-car garage to support the increase in LaGuardia Airport parking.

3. The LGA Airport Parking Garage – The Star of the Show

a. The star of the LaGuardia Airport construction is the 3,000-car parking garage that was unveiled in late 2018 to help with the hopeful increase in passenger traffic. This parking garage offers daily parking, premium parking, and long term parking at LGA, as well as providing special parking for those with disabilities plus a Wait Area, mainly for those picking up passengers from the Airport, where the first 3-hours is free to park,

b. If you want to drive yourself to the airport, it is suggested to use parking near LaGuardia Airport by using off-site airport parking. With companies like Way.com, you can find parking near the airport at a lower price than the LGA parking rates. With so many options, you are bound to find a lot that fits your every need. From valet to covered to self-park lots, you can choose any amenities that you want!

4. Other Transportation

a. Many rideshare apps service the New York Metropolitan area. Users can easily download the apps on their mobile device and hail a car to take you where you want to go. Be aware that during high travel time, these rideshare apps will have surcharges that can double and even triple your fare!

b. Those integrated and familiar with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) system, may opt to use one of the trains, buses, shuttles or taxis that bring you to and from LaGuardia. Just keep in mind, with all of the current LGA airport construction, the traffic can be unpredictable, easily increasing the fare for your travel time.