Latest on LaGuardia, Newark and JFK: What drivers need to know
LaGuardia, Newark and JFK airports are back in business following the pandemic, with airlines offering new routes both in the US and internationally. This is positive news for TLC drivers keen to resume their usual airport trips. Here we provide a round-up of the latest travel advice, with updated information for drivers heading out to the city’s main airports.
Please note: This information is correct at the time of writing on July 20, 2021.
Who can fly to and from these airports?
With 70% of New York adults having had their first dose of the vaccine, things are looking a lot different compared to how hard hit the city was in March 2020.
However, US government rules continue to prevent travel from the following countries:
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- China
- Iran
- European Schengen area
- United Kingdom
- Republic of Ireland
- Brazil
- South Africa
- India
All air passengers arriving in the US need to have a negative Covid-19 test result within three days of travel or provide proof they’ve recovered from the virus in the past three months.
The advice for US-based passengers is not to travel internationally unless they are fully vaccinated, meaning two weeks after they have received the recommended number of doses for their specific vaccine. Travelers are also encouraged to check the requirements for their destination country.
What’s changed at the airports?
New York’s airports are getting busier following the pandemic, though aren’t yet back to 2019 levels.
For example, the Port Authority had an estimated 920,000 passengers at its commercial airports on Memorial Day weekend in May, compared with two million at the same time in 2019, but still a big increase on last year.
It’s worth being aware that since April 5, 2021, a $2.50 airport access fee applies for all for-hire drop-offs and pick-ups at La Guardia, Newark and JFK. The fee will be automatically added to fares.
Shared or pooled ride services are also still suspended at these airports.
At LaGuardia, the big news is the early completion of Terminal C’s new outer roadway system, which opened in June. The hope is this will ease traffic flow and make getting in and out of the airport that much easier.
If and when government advice changes, Newark and JFK may see a rise in passengers with the addition of new routes, including new services to Istanbul and Paris from Newark and to Milan and London from JFK.
For a reminder of the waiting areas and pick-up points at the city’s main airports, click here.
Although restrictions are largely lifted in New York, face masks are still required for drivers and riders. It’s also worth keeping the car well ventilated – an essential in the city heat as well as to continue to prevent the spread of the virus.
At INSHUR, we always want to help our drivers, whether by keeping you up to date with travel and airport changes, or by making sure you’ve got the right insurance cover. For more on how we can help and to get a TLC insurance quote in minutes, check out INSHUR now.
Sources:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/new-york-city-travel-covid-19/index.html
https://www.panynj.gov/airports/en/aviation-safety.html
https://thepointsguy.com/news/ny-expanded-airline-routes/
https://www.jfkairport.com/to-from-airport/taxi-car-and-van-service
https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/new-york/airports/laguardia-airport/
http://inshur.com/blog/laguardia-newark-and-jfk-during-covid-19-what-uber-drivers-need-to-know/
