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American Opens Posh New Terminal at JFK

More room, automated check-in should ease the pain

By Dan Schlossberg
ConsumerAffairs.com

September 4, 2007
For American Airlines passengers in New York, bigger is definitely better.

The opening of the airline’s $1.3 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport gives them more room to breathe, less reason to stand in line, and faster access to planes.

The terminal, which has 44 self-service kiosks and 36 gates, features security checkpoints visible to passengers from check-in desks. The 84 desks, arranged in rows, replace the traditional ticket counter and make it easy for passengers to check luggage; each has its own conveyor belt.

Agents will help customers confused by the automated check-in process.

A separate check-in area is reserved for first-class, business-class, and frequent-flyer VIPs.

Although the first-class lounge, members-only Admirals Club lounge, and customs area have been operational since May, the opening of the entire Terminal 9 complex gives American the newest facility at JFK – and a leg up on competitors.

The lobby measures 89,000 square foot, giving passengers ample room to maneuver without feeling like they’re in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Large windows and tall ceilings help.

From the outside, the structure is striking even from a distance. It is designed to look like an airplane wing.

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