News Memo

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Feb. 6th in Philadelphia describes LaGuardia Airport as "a third world airport." His speech may be considered insulting. However, according to Marc Santora, the writer of Some See Biden’s ‘Third World’ Description of La Guardia as Too Kind in the New York Times on Feb. 7, 2014, some people think that this comment is the truth.

Most of the basic public facilities in LaGuardia Airport are outdated and travelers can't find any hotels nearby or any spas to relax in. That's why Vice President Mr. Biden uses the expression to illustrate the unpleasant situation in LaGuardia Airport. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo agrees with Mr. Biden since LaGuardia Airport is ranked as the worst airport in America. Although sometimes it is annoying to wait in a long check-in line, some airports are more enjoyable for visitors to be there. For example, Hong Kong International Airport provides a golf playing field for passengers in transit; it takes less than 28 minutes to travel from downtown to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport by Express Rail. In contrast, it is inconvenient to travel to LaGuardia Airport by public transportation and it takes about 90 minutes.

Cindy Josseran, a legal assistant at the International Criminal Court, adds that even though some airports in Africa may have fewer comforts, other amenities could make travelers feel delighted. In addition, Nina Sudarsan, a Columbia law student, complained that modern facilities in Third World Airports are much better than those in LaGuardia airport. Fortunately, there is a plan aiming to improve the quality of public facilities in LaGuardia Airports.