New York’s airports have consistently ranked at the bottom of transport lists, with passengers citing inefficient layouts, archaic amenities and never-ending ‘construction’. Some high-profile passengers have even likened New York’s airports to a ‘Third-World country.’
New York airports introduce free Wi-Fi. Image by Katrin Sauerwein / EyeEm/Getty Images
One thing that has always irked passengers has been the lack of free high-speed Wi-Fi in New York’s airports, which are some of America’s busiest. Aside from a few special terminals or premium lounges that have free private networks, New York’s hoi polloi travelers have had to whip out a credit card to access Wi-Fi after a measly 30-minute free period – usually at speeds that would make dial-up seem light speed. As of last month, that’s all changed.
You’ll be able to stream your favourite shows. Image by martin-dm/Getty Images
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which manages LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR) and New York Stewart International (SWF), has announced the start of free high-speed Wi-Fi in all of its airports. We’ll pause while you thank the megabit gods. The new networks will offer speeds of 20 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) in unlimited four-hour sessions. That’s enough speed to check in with the office via video call, or to binge on whatever Netflix show is in your queue.
The Port Authority have also introduced other improvements to enhance passenger experience. Image by ©Ditty_about_summer/Shutterstock
“Simply put, free, reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi has become a bedrock expectation for today’s customers,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said in a press release announcing the improvement. “This step represents one of many that will seek to lift NY & NJ airports from the bottom rung of customer experience surveys up the curve toward greatly improved levels of customer service.”
In addition to the new Wi-Fi networks, the Port Authority has rolled out a host of other technological improvements designed to improve passengers’ experience. Mobile-friendly websites give easier access to things like taxi wait times, lost-and-found information and the ability to order food directly from the gate. Updated bathrooms can also be monitored in real time with the aid of Feedback Now customer push-buttons. The Port Authority expects 7.5 million passengers to pass through its airports during the holiday season this year.
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