Stranded: What to Do at JFK With Time to Kill
by aubreeWYATTsmith - April 15, 2008
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What do you do when you've missed a flight or connection and find yourself stranded at JFK? You could shake your fist at the heavens or throw a childish tantrum in front on perfect strangers for the next few hours, or you could read a book. But really, why not turn this lose-lose situation into a lose-kinda-win situation?
Running to Catch a Flight
These guys really capture that sense of urgency and panic that I felt running for my flight. Other than that, this vid is a bit of a ? for me.
2. NY Sports Grill: Go for The Omelet...
…Stay for the music. The New York Sports Grill is the closest thing to a real restaurant that the JetBlue terminal has to offer. I’ve been here exactly three times, and each time the food has been just decent enough to keep me coming back. After missing a flight and nearly losing my cool the last time, a frazzled me walked into the Sports Grill and ordered a western omelet and a coffee. Despite the innumerable flat screen TVs showing sports all day and waitresses that give off that vibe like “I’m here because I have to be, it’s a lousy job, just tell me what you want,” I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The omelet was pretty good, the place was clean, most people were getting their mid-morning “drink on” and minded their own business, and best of all: the background music is exceptional. In such a corporate-feeling environment, this eclectic mix of tunes is not something you expect walking in, and only strengthens the case for coming here rather than waiting in line at Cibo Express.
4. Oasis Day Spa: Get Ya Nails "Did"
Sometimes you can drop into the Oasis Day Spa and have the good fortune of getting an appointment within the next half hour. This is not always the case. It may be a wise plan of action to make an appointment at the spa and then grab yourself a bite to eat in the meantime. The manicurist I had recommended a nail polish color that she claimed would make me look less ghostly pale, for which I was grateful. We then had an in-depth discussion about men, China, Queens, eyes, skin tone, and economics. Needless to say I left a pretty thankful tip. The spa (by no means just for the female traveler) also offers facials, massages, waxings and haircuts.
6. Text a Friend Out of the Blue...
…And ask them if they’d like to meet you at JFK and hop the next flight to Australia. But don’t do this by Gate 7; you won’t get much cell reception here at all. I like the location otherwise, but without Go-Go Gadget arms, you can’t get more than half a bar anywhere. You will have to change airlines though, cause JetBlue doesn’t go Down Under just yet.
Other Terminal Six Points of Interest
Papaya King – Grab a Dog on the go.
Mex and the City – “Oh you!” What a clever name.
Cibo Express - I take it all back, you could do pretty well for yourself here. You just have to go elsewhere to sit and consume your Saran-wrapped purchases.
Deep Blue Sushi – Sushi in an Airport terminal? Really your call.
1. Lose Your Bag...Miss Your Flight
Terminal Six. JetBlue. 8:30 a.m. Extra security because your recently-expired license just screams PKK, IRA, Hamas. Ne’er do well. Wait in two long lines. Get a pat-down, struggle like hell to pull on your Frye boots, (why did you think those were the right pair of shoes for this occasion?) collect your laptop, hand bag, and jacket and bolt for Gate Three like a pent-up dog unleashed. Get to the gate (already closed), wipe your brow, and beg your way onto that airplane. Board the plane, all smiles, only to realize you left your carry-on behind. Deplane, get a standby ticket for an afternoon flight, and let the reality of your situation sink in: you have five hours to kill at JFK.
3. Hudson News: Variety's the "Spice"
Flip through trashy magazines and novels at Hudson News to pass the time. No pressure to buy unless of course you feel the mag or novel has reread – or even finishing – potential. Pick up a snack you would not typically buy, like Planter’s “Heat” spicy peanuts with MSG in them. According to a study published by the New York Academy of Sciences: “MSG can be used casually by the consumer in order to increase palatability, and it can also be used selectively by nutrition experts in order to orient food selection toward a healthy diet composition.” Or maybe just get yourself a Snickers bar.
Me, I spent more than a few minutes trying on Hudson News’s wide selection of sunglasses. There were quite a few attractive pairs, but alas, I had purchased a fairly distinctive pair from Duane Reade Pharmacy just the day before.
5. Aunt Butchie's: A Starchy Delight
“Corn bread,” once uttered Chris Rock in his infinite wisdom, “ain’t nothing wrong with that.” I couldn’t agree more. So when I mosied up to Aunt Butchie’s Dessert stand and asked the two girls who worked there to recommend their very best, I was pleasantly surprised when one said “I like the corn muffin.” In a sea of chocolate mousse cakes and glazed pastries, I was also drawn to the corn muffin, and decided to give it a try. Note to the stranded: eat the corn muffin in one sitting; if you put it in your bag for later it will be unrecognizable when next you glimpse its yellow goodness.
7: In the Shade of The Grove
Well actually, just past the Oasis Day Spa and before The Grove food stand (by Gates 1-6) is a row of seats secluded from the rest, where you can people watch and do your makeup in the flip-side reflection of your iPod Nano. Alternatively, you could probably carry on a semi-private cell phone conversation or read that trashy novel that you just couldn’t bring yourself to put back on the rack at Hudson News. This is a corner you can really set up camp if need be.
8. JetBlue Wireless Hotspot
Check you Facebook, er, work email here. After all, you’re stranded, not incapacitated.
9: "Time to Make the Donuts"
Well, I don’t actually care for Dunkin’ Donut’s donuts, but I do like their coffee. Conveniently located directly outside of security, you can double back and grab a styrofoam cup of warm, aromatic joe to go with that corn muffin.
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Hello, @ubree- Thanks for the Shout Out on my Guide. Also, a very well put together guide on what undoubtedly seems to have been learned from an actual JFK layover…
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very useful Ms. Smith … great Job… this looks kinda fun. =)
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Enjoyed your guide… I’ve only flown in through Laguardia, but I’ll be sure to keep this in my back pocket, I am gonna use it… wink to all the Chrissy Hynde fans out there.
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