Airport news: Tasty upgrades at SFO, LAX + LaGuardia SkyClub + Newark rebuild + more

In airport news, San Francisco travelers can look forward to some enticing new food and beverage options in the international terminal; American opens its latest Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International; there’s a new Delta Sky Club at New York LaGuardia; funds are approved for a rebuild of Newark’s Terminal A; and Dallas/Ft. Worth gets a big new duty-free area.

A summer 2018 debut is expected for a new Manufactory Food Hall in San Francisco International’s International Terminal, with airport versions of three renowned local eateries. Located before security and close to Boarding Area A, the new outlets in the 3,200 square foot food hall will include Cala, Kin Khao, and Tartine. The Mexican cuisine at chef Gabriela Camara’s Cala will feature breakfast tortas, tacos, tostadas and salads using local produce.  The new airport outpost of downtown San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Kin Khao, from chef Pim Techamuanvivit, will include Thai specialties like rice bowls, noodle dishes, and both meat and vegan options. Tartine (one of my favorites!) will be a sibling of the Tartine Bakery & Cafe in the Mission District, specializing in baked goods – but also offering a cocktail bar and a coffee bar. (If they have lemon tarts, get one! Best pastry ever!)

American Airlines has opened its newest Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International, following similar openings in recent months at New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The LAX facility is in Terminal 4, with the same entrance as the Admirals Club; and like the other Flagship Lounges, it is intended for use by international first and business class travelers on American and its Oneworld partner carriers. It has a big buffet dining area, a self-serve bar and lots of champagne – all at no charge. Comfortable chairs have USB and AC power plugs, and the facility has free Wi-Fi throughout. There’s also a business zone with computers and printers, a TV viewing area, and a quiet zone. The LAX Flagship Lounge also features a Flagship First Dining area with table service, for first class international and transcontinental passengers.

Following the recent consolidation of its operations at New York LaGuardia’s Terminals C and D, Delta has cut the ribbon on a new Sky Club in Terminal C. It’s located next to Gate C28, just past security. Delta also has another Sky Club in Terminal C and one in Terminal D. The new Sky Club has a bar with free drinks (and premium brands for a fee) and a selection of food offerings, along with plenty of seating and good runway views. “Further enhancements to the new Club are planned,” Delta said.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport’s Terminal D has a brand new duty-free shopping venue. The new TRG Duty Free is a 19,000 square foot, two-level store developed by CBI Retail Ventures, which modestly calls it “the single largest and most technologically advanced duty-free store in the Western Hemisphere.” The facility has a pair of executive mezzanine lounges, lots of digital displays, dozens of iPads, several tasting bars, and all kinds of luxury branded products like Estee Lauder, Dior, Armani, Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Omega, Burberry and more. VIP concierge services are also available.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey this month approved almost $500 million in funding for the start of work on a major (and much needed!) reconstruction of Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport, plus another $250 million for aircraft parking areas and AirTrain station construction at the new terminal. The total rebuilding project is expected to cost $2.3 billion. By the time it partially opens in 2021, the terminal will be called Terminal One instead of Terminal A. The 1-million-square foot terminal will have 33 aircraft gates, and will include “a more efficient roadway network and parking for about 3,000 vehicles,” the Port Authority said. The agency also approved spending $8 million on a feasibility study for a consolidated rental car facility at EWR. The first phase of the terminal project will include “extensive paving work and the milling of existing pavement; the demolition of buildings, concourses and satellites; installation of a new drainage system; construction of four new bridge structures, and taxi lane lighting and new curbing,” the Port Authority said.

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