Runway Closure at New York-JFK Could Lead to Delays Through November
While snow and ice are no longer a concern at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, delays are expected to last well into the year due to a paving project. Beginning this week and continuing through November 2019, one of the airport's four runways is "closing for reconstruction to ensure the long-term safety and viability of the runway, which is approaching the end of its useful life," per the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
If you were planning to redirect summer travel from LaGuardia, which is also in the midst of a massive construction project, it appears that JFK will suffer setbacks of its own.
Runway 13L-31R will be closed for repaving that will widen the runway by 33 percent. This particular runway is about 10,000 feet long and handles approximately one-third of arrivals at JFK, which has more than 61 million customers annually and more than 455,000 flights a year. The project will also allow the installation of new lights, signs, cables and navigational aids. Once completed, it will meet new safety standards and will incorporate the latest landing technology. In the interim, it will likely throw a wrench in on-time arrivals across the board.
To help soften the inevitable blow, the Port Authority will have the Airport Operations Center open around the clock for the next eight months as the focal point for communications between terminal operators, airlines, air traffic control, Customs & Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration.
To make unexpected waits at JFK more tolerable, consider holding a credit card that includes airline lounge access.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.