TravelSkills

News and Tips For Your Trips

Airport updates: Atlanta, JFK, Newark, Boston, Dulles, BWI

The CLEAR trusted traveler program is expanding to four more airports. (Image: CLEAR)

The CLEAR trusted traveler program is expanding to Atlanta (Image: CLEAR)

In recent airport news, Atlanta gets ready for Clear, and adds electric charging stations; Cathay Pacific relocates its operations at New York JFK; Boston Logan gets another passenger lounge; a vegetarian restaurant debuts at Newark; there’s a new place to gas up your returning rental car at Washington Dulles; and Baltimore/Washington opens a fitness center.

At Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, biometric ID firm Clear is expected to begin operations sometime in the next few weeks, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Delta, which holds an equity stake in Clear, has pledged to expand the service to more of its hub airports, and Atlanta is the biggest. The new Clear lane at ATL will be in the airport’s domestic terminal South, near the entrance to the TSA PreCheck line and close to the Delta check-in area. Clear members pay $179 a year (Delta offers discounted rates to SkyMiles members based on elite status) and can use Clear kiosks to gain expedited access to security checkpoints. Clear has not responded to our requests for more information about Clear lanes coming to LAX and JFK.

Meanwhile, ATL has also unveiled 102 new charging stations for electric vehicles. Scattered around the airport’s parking facilities, the chargers come in two versions: “Level 1 chargers are ideal for longer-term charges, while Level 2 chargers provide a full charge in less time,” the airport said. You can find a full list of charger locations here.

At New York JFK, Cathay Pacific has relocated operations from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8. The airline said the new location will mean “a more seamless travel experience” for customers making connections to or from its Oneworld partner American Airlines. Cathay noted that its first and business class passengers, as well as eligible Marco Polo Club members, will be able to take advantage of American’s premium lounges in T8, including an Admirals Club and a Flagship Lounge.

Newark's new Thyme vegetarian restaurant in Terminal C. (Image: OTG Management)

Newark’s new Thyme vegetarian restaurant in Terminal C. (Image: OTG Management)

Newark Liberty International Airport’s newest dining option is something you rarely if ever see at a major airport: a vegetarian restaurant. Called Thyme, the new facility in United’s Terminal C is overseen by chef Amanda Cohen, who operates a restaurant called Dirt Candy in New York City. Thyme offers a variety of all-vegetarian entrees, with ordering via iPad, as well as beverages that focus on fresh fruits, herbs and spices.

Airport Lounge Development has opened its second passenger lounge at Boston’s airport, The Club at Boston Logan in Terminal E. The company also operates a lounge in Terminal C at BOS. The new Terminal E lounge is open to anyone for a day pass price of $40, and at no charge to members of the Priority Pass, LoungeKey and Lounge Club programs, as well as premium passengers of participating airlines. Amenities include a bar, snacks, Wi-Fi, power plugs, TVs and various reading materials. This summer, the new Boston Logan Club is expected to add another 3,500 square feet with new restrooms, showers, seating for 67 more guests, enhanced food service, a productivity zone for business travelers and a relaxation zone with comfortable seating.

You can gas up and grab a bite at Dulles Airport's huge new Sunoco station. (Image: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

You can gas up and grab a bite at Dulles Airport’s huge new Sunoco station. (Image: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

Returning a rental car at Washington Dulles and you need to fill up the tank? Airport officials just cut the ribbon on a new Sunoco mega-gas station combined with a food and convenience store not far from the car rental lots. Located at 44950 Rudder Road on the way into the airport, the new facility has 28 fueling positions as well as an 8,600 square foot APlus convenience store that includes a Laredo Taco Company dining outlet and a Subway sandwich shop.

Got time for a quick workout at Baltimore/Washington International? A new ROAM Fitness facility has opened post-security in BWI’s new connector linking Concourses D and E. It has free weights, stretching areas, cardio equipment, yoga mats, a pull-up bar and other fitness amenities, including showers. Persons who aren’t carrying their own workout gear can rent it at the facility, including shoes. Admission cost $40 for a day pass, or $175 for a month.

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