It's not often that we agree with Donald Trump, but he was right when he called LaGuardia a "third-world airport"—okay, maybe he's exaggerating a bit, but we back his sentiment. It's crowded and dirty, with the saddest Auntie Annie's pretzel stand we have ever seen—even the Port Authority boss says it's a dump! But could the much-maligned airport finally be getting a makeover?
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Port Authority is considering plans to build a replacement for the "cramped, outdated" Central Terminal Building. Sure, it wouldn't start until 2014 if it even starts at all, and the $3.6 billion project would have to be done in stages, and it wouldn't be complete until 2021 (which really means more like 2027), and no one has officially agreed to it, BUT STILL. It might happen! "I don't think anybody feels [LaGuardia is] a 21st-century facility. I think it's inadequate from the point of view of passengers, airlines and the Port Authority," said the Port Authority's executive director, Patrick Foye, in the understatement of the century.
The Port Authority is currently asking for proposals from private terminal operators, bankers and consultants to finance, design and build the replacement terminal. So, you know, until then, maybe just stick with JFK, Newark, or giant carrier pigeon, all of which are more pleasant ways to travel.
