With all the pomp and circumstance, Delta Air Lines opened and welcomed guests and passengers to the new Delta Terminal 4 Extension at New York’s JFK International Airport. Richard Anderson CEO of Delta, Sir Richard Branson President of Virgin Atlantic (who’m Delta just acquired a rather large stake in), Mayor Bloomberg and other dignitaries officially opened Delta’s new home at JFK.
Delta economy customers can look forward to a modern and open check-in area, while Delta priority customers will be treated to a designated check-in area as well a designated security checkpoint.
Previously TSA security checkpoints were at individual wings of Terminal 4, which caused long lines and inefficient processing, as well as fragmented ammenities. Today, there is a central TSA security checkpoint from the departure check-in area. No longer is the lower level accessible to the general public, which had gift shops, and restaurants. Once the passenger clears security all gates will be accessible, as well as the variety of gift shops, and fine restaurants (Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc.).
The existing area of T4 has been remodeled with new carpeting and new seating which contains outlets and UBS ports for charging phones, plugging in laptops, etc. Passengers are shuttled between T4 and T2, or visa versa via a shuttle bus from gate 23, which provides a secure connection and zone as they transit (i.e., no need to go through security check-in again). The original plans for a connecting bridge were scrapped due to concerns over the length of the walk.
To help you get to your gates throughout T4 there are people mover walkways. Trust me……you’ll want to use these especially if your gate is at the end of the terminal.
One of the most unique features of the T4 Extension is an open rooftop area, which is surrounded by glass, provides a view of aircraft movement on the ramp, and view of runway 4L/22R. Unfortunately this area is only available to Delta Sky Club members, but don’t fear if plane spotting is your thing. At the end of the new extension at gate B41 you have a great view of runway 31L and 4L/22R. Additionally, the Delta Sky Club has 25,000 square feet of space, for your travel pleasure, which includes showers too!
For the minors traveling alone there is the Delta Sky Zone. This is a secure area, which has XBOX stations, and various board games to keep the minor entertained while they wait for their flight to depart or family member to pick them up.
The first official Delta flight to depart from the new T4 extension was Delta flight 173 to Narita from gate B41, which received a water canon salute!
For those traveling on Delta international flights, you will be pleased with the all that the new T4 extension has to offer, from security, shopping, dinning, and the new gates as well as friendly Delta employees and staff to greet you and help you with your travel experience.
For the aviation buffs:
Last Delta flight from Terminal 3: DL268 to Tel Aviv from gate 6 (A/C reg. N671US)
First Delta flight from T4 Extension: DL173 to Narita from gate B41 (A/C reg. N666US)