A guide to LaGuardia Airport (LGA)


LaGuardia Airport is one of three major airports serving New York and is largely considered New York’s domestic airport.

The airport tower at LaGuardia Airport. Image credit: JasonDoiy/iStock
The airport tower at LaGuardia Airport. Image credit: JasonDoiy/iStock

LaGuardia Airport serves New York City alongside John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

LaGuardia Airport is the smallest of the three New York airports, and it’s only international flights are to and from Canada, but it can be a real time saver on certain routes.

During the 1930s and ’40s, what is now LaGuardia’s Terminal A was a Marine Air Terminal designed to serve Pan American Airlines’ flying boats, which landed in the water. That terminal has since been augmented by three others, so having a LaGuardia Airport map to help you find your way around can be helpful.

Airlines flying out of LaGuardia Airport

Terminal A

  • JetBlue

Terminal B

  • Air Canada
  • American Airlines
  • American Shuttle
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

Terminal C

  • Delta Airlines
  • Delta Shuttle
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Spirit

Terminal D

  • Delta Airlines
  • WestJet

LaGuardia Airport lounges – A place to work

While LaGuardia’s Terminal A doesn’t have any airport lounges, you’ll find a place to relax in pre-flight comfort in each of the remaining terminals.

Terminal B

American Airlines Admirals Club

This is the only lounge past security in Terminal B, putting you close to your flight. You can put your feet up on recliners with ottomans in the lounge’s quiet area, or enjoy a snack from the cold buffet. Admirals Club members, oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members, and military personnel traveling in uniform have access to this lounge, and other travelers holding same-day American Airlines boarding passes can buy one-day passes.

American Express Centurion Lounge

You’ll find this lounge before security at Terminal B, so if you’re an American Express Platinum cardholder, you can bring in two guests to see you off.

The business center in the lounge features a conference table for you to convene with your colleagues, and there’s a dedicated TV area as well. The hot and cold food buffet is excellent, and the bartender at the full-service bar is happy to make whatever cocktail you want. A handy screen lets you see what the TSA lines look like out in the terminal — helpful since when you visit this lounge, you still have to go through security.

United Club

The United Club has recently been renovated to expand its space, which enjoys plenty of natural light and good views of the tarmac. The hot and cold buffet features elevated snacks, including bagels and lox brought in from New York’s famous Ess-a-Bagel.

Private phone rooms let you have confidential conversations and wellness rooms are also available. United business-class passengers and Star Alliance first-class and business-class passengers have access to the lounge (though domestic United first-class passengers do not), and Star Alliance Gold members and United Club members also have access. Other United passengers can also buy a one-day pass to the lounge.

Terminal C and Terminal D

Delta Sky Club

Delta has two Sky Clubs at LaGuardia: one in Terminal C and one in Terminal D. In Terminal C, you’ll find a continental breakfast in the morning, with the addition of some limited hot food at lunchtime. A full-service bar is available, though you’ll have to pay for premium drinks. Delta premium passengers on international flights and Sky Club frequent flyer members have access to this lounge with Delta same-day boarding passes, as do American Express Platinum cardholders.

Since Delta flies out of both terminals, it makes its passengers’ lives a little easier by hosting a Sky Club in both locations. Entry requirements are the same both terminals.

Aerial view over New York City. Image credit: Lingbeek/iStock
Aerial view over New York City. Image credit: Lingbeek/iStock

LaGuardia Airport hotels – amenities within easy reach

If you’re flying into NYC, there’s a good chance you’re headed to Manhattan to check in to your hotel. If you need to stay close to the airport, however, you can still find a place to stay with all the amenities you’re looking for.

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

You can relax in comfort at the Sheraton LaGuardia, where pets are welcome and free Wi-Fi makes it easy to stream TV within your suite.

Each room comes equipped with a mini-fridge and a coffee maker, and if you opt for Club Lounge service, you’ll be supplied with complimentary snacks and beverages every day. The on-site restaurant and customizable meeting venues help you host your team or clients in comfort, so you can get some work done before your flight.

LaGuardia Airport shops – Travel essentials for an easy trip

You won’t find many shopping options in LaGuardia Airport’s Terminals A and D, so head to Terminals B and C if you need to pick up a few items before you fly.

Terminal A

Pick up your travel necessities and some reading material at Cibo Express Gourmet Market, where you can also find grab-and-go meals. Terminal A also offers two currency exchange spots (one at baggage claim), plus charging stations.

Terminal B

If you promised to take home a gift from your trip, you’re in luck in Terminal B. Stop in at Ruby Blue or America! to find souvenirs of your trip and shoutouts to New York City, or make those children waiting for your return happy with a visit to FAO Schwarz.

Benefit Cosmetics and MAC can take care of you when you realize you left some important toiletries behind, and Best Buy and InMotion Entertainment are available to supply that missing cable or help you upgrade your travel electronics. Ten Hudson outlets make sure you have the travel necessities and reading material you need for your flight, or stop at McNally Jackson Books to pick up something to read.

If you’re looking for duty-free luxuries, including fragrances, liquor, tobacco, and more, the Duty Free Shops can help you save if you’re returning to Canada. Update your outfit by stopping in at Eddie Bauer or Uniqlo, and upgrade your luggage with a visit to Tumi.

Terminal C

Perk up your travel wardrobe when you browse the clothing and accessories at Altitude, or pick up some fabulous jewelry at Swarovski, either as a gift or to reward yourself for a successful business trip. You can fill out the gaps in your skin care at Kiehl’s, or grab a new pair of shades at the Sunglass Hut.

Terminal D

Travel essentials and that book or magazine to help you pass the time in the air are all available at Bisoux Market and Cibo Express Gourmet Market. Pick up an extra special gift or souvenir at Landau.

Dining at LaGuardia Airport – Everything you need

Time spent at any airport is more enjoyable when you have great food available, whether you prefer a leisurely table-service meal, high-quality fast food, or a chance to grab a drink and watch the game before your board. Fortunately, LaGuardia Airport has you covered.

Terminal A

The dining options are limited in Terminal A, but you have more choices than just Dunkin’ Donuts.

  • Salotto: Have a seat and order your pizza, antipasti, or Italian sandwiches off an iPad, or pick up your grab-and-go order at the counter. A full bar makes this spot a Terminal A destination.
  • Yankee Clipper: The sandwiches at this quick-serve spot are elevated by the use of Boar’s Head meats. You can also enjoy a burger here.

Terminal B

You’ll find a wide range of options in Terminal B, with quite a few offerings from celebrity chefs.

  • La Chula: Maybe you’ve been to this Julian Medina taqueria in Grand Central Station or Harlem. If not, prepare to be delighted by the mix-and-match tacos — and of course, you want a margarita to go with them, right?
  • Figs: This bistro from Boston chef Todd English delivers on delicious pizza and pasta. An ideal sit-down spot when you also have your kids with you and/or want a glass of wine.
  • Osteria Fusco: You’ve seen Scott Conant as a judge on the TV show “Chopped.” Now you can be the judge of his pastas and other Italian dishes.
  • Five Guys: This reliable, high-end burger joint that’s located before security is the perfect place to grab a bite while you wait for the line to go down.
  • Kingside: Craft cocktails and a relaxing atmosphere await you at this table-service restaurant that serves new American cuisine.
  • Shake Shack: Hurrah! There’s a Shake Shack at LaGuardia now. Enjoy your burger and concrete (milkshake/frozen custard).
Mix and match your own tacos. Image credit: rez-art/iStock
Mix and match your own tacos. Image credit: rez-art/iStock

Terminal C

If you’re in the mood for pizza, you’re definitely in the right terminal (hey, it’s New York!) — but Italian isn’t your only option.

  • Cotto: The breakfast pizza here is everything you hope it’ll be, and the pastas and panini satisfy all day long.
  • Biergarten: In need of a cold beer? This is the place, with craft beers out of Brooklyn Brewery and food with a German flair.
  • Crust: Yes, it’s another pizza place, but once you build your own here with top-quality ingredients, it may become your favorite.
  • Empire Tavern: The chefs behind Tribeca’s popular Frenchette also launched this modern bistro with a full bar.

Terminal D

You’ll find a few select offerings in this terminal.

  • Tagliare: Brooklyn’s beloved pizzeria Di Fara brings its unique toppings to the airport with this cozy spot. Yes, you can buy by the slice.
  • Bisoux: In the mood for a French cafe? Swing by here to order an authentic croque monsieur or duck confit off an iPad (or to opt for some elevated grab-and-go).

Airport services at LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia goes out of its way to help keep your travel flowing smoothly with helpful services and amenities in every terminal. Check out this handy list to find what you need when you need it.

ATMs

You can pick up cash in every terminal except Terminal D. Look for ATMs in the following locations:

  • Terminal A: Baggage claim, departure gates
  • Terminal B: Baggage claim, center food court, departure levels, Pier B, Pier C, Pier D
  • Terminal C: Multiple locations

Charging stations

What’s more anxiety-producing than watching your smartphone or tablet running out of juice when you need it? At the Jabbrrbox locations in Terminal B, you also get a private, soundproof workspace to let you make phone calls without having to shout — or plug in and get some work done before you fly. LaGuardia has you covered in these locations:

  • Terminal A: Departure gates
  • Terminal B: All departure gates, center food court, west food court, Jabbrrbox workstation between Gates B3 and B5, Jabbrrbox workstation between Gates C1 and C3, Jabbrrbox workstation between Gates D4 and D6

Health and beauty services

If you have a little time before you fly, getting a massage can be a great way to relax pre-boarding — or touch up your nails and have your hair blown out to look great when you land.

  • Terminal B: Have your nails done or get a massage at Spa Here, between Gates B40 and B59. XpresSpa at Gate C6 can treat you to a chair massage.
  • Terminal C: The combination of XpresSpa and Warren Tricomi Blowout at Gate C28 can handle your need for a massage, manicure, or blowout.

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