We are looking at flying Delta next June to Lisbon from Atlanta and I would like to know if we should go through Boston or JFK? Both have several flights so transition time can be 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours at both airports so that is not an issue. I just learned Terminal 2 is now closed so Delta only going in and out at JFK at Terminal 4 so that is appealing. Would love to hear from people who have done this recently.
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
Boston because BOS’ terminal A is smaller and less cumbersome than JFK’s terminal 4.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
540 posts
I’d choose BOS over JFK any day because of the scale of the airport and the fact that I’ve had too many flights either delayed or cancelled out of JFK—including one particularly bad experience a month ago on an international arrival.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
I've done both in the past year... my vote is for Boston. JFK was a zoo! Boston was much less chaotic.
I am not sure about Lisbon but a lot of the Delta international flights now go out of E. There is a shuttle bus you can take between the terminals so you don't have to clear security again. Just ask if you don't see the signs.
Now.. if you have skyclub access the Skyclub in Terminal E for Boston is a small "express" Had a decent bar and some food. You may also be able to access the AF and Virgin Atlantic lounges. Virgin was closed so I have no thoughts on it.. AVOID AF like the plague. It's a hot, smelly, dump - probably the worst lounge I've ever been in and that's saying something!
Posted by
OP
241 posts
Thank you for the responses. Sounds like Boston is the better choice.
Posted by
Washington, DC
51 posts
I can speak to a recent Delta transfer via Boston.
My itinerary outbound was DCA-BOS-AMS-HEL, my return was HEL-CDG-BOS-DCA.
The DCA-BOS flight landed in the A terminal, with the shuttle bus (keeping you in the secure zone) departing from gate A11. There was a short wait and a Delta rep checked boarding passes to ensure folks were supposed to be heading to the E gates. The bus ride took about 8 minutes, gate to gate, once it departed. The bus drops you off at the intersection of Terminas C and E, and there is a long ramp to get into the terminal (of note if you have mobility issues).
Once in Terminal E you'll go up an escalator and you'll see the old part of the terminal. There is a new section (gates E11-16) that has the best seating and charging points, as well as the new Delta SkyClub lounge. If you want food the older portion of the terminal has most of the options as of this writing (there are new vendors opening up as quickly as they can get them done).
Returning via Terminal E you'll head through CBP as with any other U.S. airport, after which you'll collect your checked luggage (if any). The CBP station accepts Global Entry, MPC, and standard passport control. (FWIW, I was able to do my Global Entry interview at BOS on my inbound flight - quite handy and quick!) Note that you'll have to exit the secure zone for this part to continue to your domestic flight, even if it departs from Terminal E. The walkway to Terminal A isn't too bad: it has many moving walkways and takes about 5-7 minutes. The security line at Terminal A is hit-or-miss in terms of queue length (TSA PreCheck is a boon here most days). Once on the secure side there is a SkyClub, as well as a few shops and restaurants. It's not too bad, if slightly dated, and you will need to cross underground if flying from gates A13-22 - not a big deal, just something to keep in mind.
Overall it was a good experience and the new section of Terminal E has more modern conveniences and space to sit than the old part of the terminal.