Airlines Starting to Get that Ground Experience Matters

American Airlines formally inaugurated its $1.3 billion terminal at New York’s JFK, including the opening of a new Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club. Among the terminal’s features:

• New customs facility with 36 immigration and 10 customs positions, capable of processing more than 1,600 passengers per hour (400 more than before).

• 84 ticketing positions, each with automated baggage belt that feeds directly into a state-of-the-art security baggage system that can process 3,200 bags per hour.

• 80 percent more concessions and duty free shops than the old terminal.

• Four-level parking garage (1,960 parking spaces), nearly four times the spaces of the former lot, with connection to the JFK Air Train station.

United Mileage Purchase

Through Oct. 31 the carrier is giving a 10% bonus on purchased miles (buying 1,000 miles yields 1,100). Purchase limit is 60,000 miles per calendar year and miles are sold in 1,000-mile increments.

Bonus miles do not count toward elite qualification. There is a $35 transaction fee.