US Airports

[flychrisfly]

Entry into the US last Christmas at JFK T7 in the evening was no big deal. Quicker and easier than the current (and improved TG!) LAX TBIT experience.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The reviews of US airports on Skytrak and others are generally most unfavourable, both as to facilities and to the treatment of passengers , including failure to honour fastback passes and express passes.
I really cannot believe conditions are as bad as are made out, but I suppose there id some truth in the reviews.
Which are the best airports for the first landing in the US, both east and west coast?

As others have said... totally depends on how many other flights arrive when you do. Land at a quiet time and even if you're in economy (but run to immigration), the experience can be 'not so bad'. Land at a busy time and even in first class you could find yourself waiting 2-3 hours to be processed (as happened to me at Chicago a year or so ago).

In general, I'd have to say that arriving or connecting in the US is an experience to be avoided if possible. Departures is somewhat easier... depending on the length of the lines for security.

 

[Boris spatsky]

My best ever was HNL and pre-clearance from Canada. Worst LAX/MIA/ORD. In the middle JFK/ATL/DFW. So many variables that there is no easy answer.

 

[eric2011]

I detest LAX

Isn't it lucky we are not all the same. I have never had any problem in and out of LAX either INT or DOM

 

[RooFlyer]

I detest LAX

+10000000000000!

Wonder if you have been there recently?

TBIT used to be a toilet, but now I think its up with the best of them, anywhere (as a functioning terminal, not the airlines service). The other terminals I use frequently (mainly T2 Air Canada (currently being re-modelled) and T4 American, but also T7) and while I'd much rather be on the beach, they function adequately. Security service much better than many places (predictability is a virtue). Other characteristics - parking OK; hotel, rental car shuttles not bad etc etc.

My best US airport without doubt is SFO, followed by DFW.

... but having status on both OW and *A helps.

 

[nickykim]

It took me about 35 minutes from leaving the plane to leaving the terminal at SFO about 4 hours ago. Told the guy collecting the immigration forms I loved his airport and he just laughed. Now trying to sleep is a whole different issue.

 

[clazman]

Recent for me was April this year, experienced inbound and outbound domestic flights with AC and AA and outbound CX international.

Cant remember what terminals was involved but it was a hike around all the renovations, traffic between terminals.

One positive was the Qne World lounge just after security (CX flight)

 

[Himeno]

I've entered the US at LAX (T4 and TBIT), SFO, DFW, BOS and JFK (T7) (have done preclearance at YYZ and land crossings at Blaine, WA).
Of those entries, I'd rate BOS as the worst and JFK as variable. SFO and DFW the best. LAX as average.

 

[civi_joe]

LaGuardia is a total hole, reminded me of a dingy old shopping centre that some genius decided to turn into an airport. Newark is a bizarre time warp but inoffensive enough. I found TBIT fine for an outgoing transfer, better than I expected.

 

[Isochronous]

LaGuardia is a total hole, reminded me of a dingy old shopping centre that some genius decided to turn into an airport. Newark is a bizarre time warp but inoffensive enough. I found TBIT fine for an outgoing transfer, better than I expected.

Agreed. LGA is a cesspit.

 

[Princess Fiona]

West coast DFW ( not really West Coast but an awesome Airport)
East coast is trickier but probably JFK

 

[Hvr]

LaGuardia is a total hole, reminded me of a dingy old shopping centre that some genius decided to turn into an airport. <snip> /QUOTE]

Now you're just praising it.

 

[bushycomm]

Thanks for all the info, It seems altho only people who are disappointed with US airports ever write a review.
You've set my mind at rest, I think

 

[Nouflyer]

The new Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is fabulous, far better than any Australian airport. SFO is world class too.

Honolulu is okay and then everywhere else is just dire. Except Indianapolis which is magnificent.

So LA is fine so long as you're not on United, Delta or American.

 

[pagingjoan]

Wonder if you have been there [LAX] recently?

TBIT used to be a toilet, but now I think its up with the best of them, anywhere (as a functioning terminal, not the airlines service). The other terminals I use frequently (mainly T2 Air Canada (currently being re-modelled) and T4 American, but also T7) and while I'd much rather be on the beach, they function adequately. Security service much better than many places (predictability is a virtue). Other characteristics - parking OK; hotel, rental car shuttles not bad etc etc.

My best US airport without doubt is SFO, followed by DFW.

... but having status on both OW and *A helps.

Last week, LAX at TBIT was a dream run. After hideous LAX experiences over many years, we were wondering if the end of the world had arrived without us knowing it. No queues at any point in the Departure process, which was astonishing. Polite Security staff, clean and functioning facilities - plus the new QFF Lounge. All good.

[MIA, SFO and DFW still seem pretty ordinary, especially if you have an extended transit time but they would be streets ahead of the TBIT of old.]