Roberta Aguirre
LaGuardia Airport in New York has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US. However, some travellers have praised the airport for its efficiency and convenience. In this paragraph, we will explore the reasons behind LaGuardia's poor reputation and examine whether the airport is indeed located in a bad area.
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What You'll Learn
LaGuardia Airport has a bad reputation
The airport's terminals, parking system, and drop-off and pick-up areas are said to be inadequate, contributing to its poor reputation. LaGuardia also ranked among the worst airports in the world for sleeping, with businesses shutting down early and uncomfortable seating. The airport has a low on-time performance rate, with a higher percentage of flight disruptions than any other US airport.
The airport's security has been criticised as tight, cramped, poorly organised, and slow, with separate TSA security areas for each building, leading to long lines. The design and maintenance of the airport have been questioned, with reports of stained carpets, ripped seats, odd smells, and poor food choices.
However, some travellers have praised LaGuardia for its efficient navigation and quick access to gates, despite the negative sentiments. The new Terminal B has also received positive reviews for its spaciousness, abundant dining and shopping options, and efficient check-in areas. Renovations and improvements are underway, but the airport continues to struggle with the increasing demand for air travel and the challenges of ongoing construction.
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Poor facilities and amenities
LaGuardia Airport has been described as having poor facilities and amenities. In a 2013 report by the GGA, the airport ranked last out of 20 of the busiest US airports. The report stated that LaGuardia failed to provide any of the four passenger-friendly amenities, including play areas, free Wi-Fi, good mass transit, and waiting areas for cars dropping off and picking up.
The airport has also been criticised for its dirty, cramped, and poorly lit terminals. One passenger review from 2017 mentions the airport's old and bare-bones appearance, with ripped carpets, odd smells, and poor food choices. Another review from the same year describes the airport as a "hodgepodge of construction and filth", with stained carpets, scuffed floors, and broken bathroom locks.
LaGuardia's lounges, restaurants, and shopping options have received mixed reviews. While some passengers appreciate the quality of the restaurants and the abundance of charging stations, others have complained about the dining options, with one review describing the food choices as "insulting".
The airport's security and efficiency have also been criticised. Passengers have reported long walks from check-in to the gates, with one passenger having to walk through a shopping mall to get to their gate. The security lanes have been described as slow, cramped, and poorly organised, with long lines.
Despite the negative reviews, some passengers have praised the airport's efficiency in getting them to their gates quickly. The founder of the Points Guy website, Brian Kelly, mentions that LaGuardia's terminal layout, with its spread-out design, allows him to get through the airport quickly, even when arriving just 41 minutes before his flight.
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Inefficient layout and signage
LaGuardia Airport has been criticised for its inefficient layout and signage. The airport has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US, with travellers reporting dissatisfaction with their experiences there.
The airport's layout has been described as cramped and congested, with long walks from check-in to the gates and inefficient security lanes. One passenger review from 2023 mentions the inconvenience of having to walk through a shopping mall to get to the gate. Another review from 2017 mentions the issue of separate TSA security areas for each building, which can lead to cramped and poorly organised security lines.
The signage at LaGuardia has also been criticised as inadequate. Large, updated signage displaying flight timings has been introduced as part of the airport's redevelopment efforts, but some passengers still report issues with wayfinding.
To address these issues, LaGuardia Airport has undergone significant renovations in recent years. A multibillion-dollar reconstruction of the airport's passenger infrastructure was completed in January 2025, aiming to improve the airport's facilities, operations, and customer service. The new Terminal B, in particular, has been praised for its spacious and efficient check-in areas and improved layout.
Despite these improvements, some travellers continue to report challenges with the airport's layout and signage. It is important to note that the airport is located in one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the US, serving a high volume of passengers, which can contribute to the perceived inefficiencies.
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Long distances between check-in and gates
LaGuardia Airport in New York has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US. Travellers have complained about the airport being dirty, cramped, poorly lit, and poorly organised, with terrible signage and long walks between check-in and gates.
One passenger review from 2023 complains about the long walks from check-in to the gates, noting that passengers have to walk through the shopping mall to get to their gate. Another 2023 review complains about the shuttle service, which drops passengers off half a mile from Terminal C, and then they have to walk another mile to get to Gate 67.
However, some reviews from 2023 commend the new Terminal B, describing it as spacious, beautifully designed, and easy to navigate, with abundant dining and shopping opportunities. Check-in areas are described as spacious and efficient, and the restrooms are praised as great.
LaGuardia Airport has been undergoing significant renovations since at least 2017, and these are still ongoing. The airport's terminals, parking system, and drop-off and pick-up areas are being upgraded. The new Terminal C is described as elegant, convenient, and modern, with immaculate restaurants, gate areas, and restrooms.
Despite the improvements, LaGuardia remains one of the busiest airports in the US, and passengers should be prepared for potential congestion and long walks between check-in and gates.
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Poor transport connections
LaGuardia Airport in New York has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US. Travellers have complained about the airport being dirty, cramped, poorly lit, and poorly organised, with terrible signage and long security lines.
While the airport is undergoing significant renovations, its current transport connections are poor. For example, the shuttle service drops passengers off half a mile from Terminal C, and they then have to walk another mile to get to Gate 67 as the closer security checkpoint is not open. This is especially inconvenient for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.
In addition, each terminal is a 20-minute drive from the others, and there is no direct public transport to the airport. To get to LaGuardia via public transport, travellers must take a combination of subway or train and bus. From Midtown Manhattan, travellers can take the subway or the Long Island Rail Road to Queens and then the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. From Uptown Manhattan, travellers can take the M60 bus. These trips can take up to an hour or more, depending on traffic.
Travellers can also opt for taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, or private car services, but these options are more expensive and can still be subject to traffic congestion.
The poor transport connections at LaGuardia Airport can cause delays and inconvenience for travellers, adding to the airport's negative reputation.
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Frequently asked questions
LaGuardia Airport is located in Queens, New York, and has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US.
LaGuardia Airport has been described as dirty, cramped, poorly lit, and lacking in amenities. It has also been criticised for its inefficient layout, long distances between check-in and gates, and poor security and dining options.
LaGuardia Airport has undergone significant renovations in recent years, with some travellers noting improvements in specific terminals. However, issues with congestion, delays, and access challenges persist.
LaGuardia Airport is New York's second-busiest airport, after John F. Kennedy International Airport, which has also received low rankings. Newark International Airport in New Jersey is another nearby alternative.
