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03/08/2004 Archived Entry: "JFK Airport Pickup"

I picked up a group at JFK Airport in Jamaica, NY Saturday returning from a trip to Greece. Airport pickups aren't generally one of a driver's favorite trips, but this one went well, despite the heavy (but normal) traffic trying to get to JFK. Because of new security measures, buses must now be registered in advance with the airline and terminal to pick up groups at JFK. I pulled into Terminal 1, knowing I was at least 30 minutes early, and found a spot along the sidewalk marked for buses/tour group pickup (photo at right) -- a very good sign. Immediately a security officer approached my coach. I opened the door, expecting to be told to move on, but his first words were, "We've been expecting you; you may stay parked right here." Music to a driver's ears! Less than ten minutes later an airlines employee (Olympic Airlines) came to my door to let me know the flight I was waiting for had been delayed 45 minutes, but I could remain parked by the curb as long as I stayed with the bus. Well, I already knew the flight had been delayed, but it was really nice to be "officially" notified! And I wasn't planning on going anywhere anyway. I'm thinking some other airlines could learn something here.

An hour and a half later, a new security officer came on duty and came over to tell me I'd have to move immediately. At that point I knew my group was on the ground and should be out at any minute, and explained I had permission from the previous on-duty officer to remain there until they came out. Fortunately the previously on-duty officer was still there, and explained to the new guy that I was properly registered and everything was cool. The new officer apologized for trying to chase me and became very friendly (this was continuing to be a very good day!), striking up a conversation about where I was headed out of JFK (Philadelphia via the Verrazano Bridge), and suggested I go through Brooklyn via Linden Avenue rather than the expressways (N. Conduit, Linden, Caton, Ft. Hamilton Parkway to 278 just above the bridge). So I tried that on the way home and saved probably 15 or 20 minutes at least, plus it was a much more pleasant drive with a lot less traffic and bus-friendly streets, so I'm sure I'll do that again on my next trip to JFK.

Altogether I spent two hours parked at the terminal -- pretty unusual, I suspect, but it helps to be nice to the security officers (but being nice doesn't always work, I know!). The only negative for the day was not getting a tip from the group after fighting all the NY traffic and handling some very heavy luggage; I got a handshake from the group leader and a "Great job" compliment but that was it. Oh well, some days you'll have this; the day went so well otherwise I couldn't get too upset.