New York 42 Delta turns JFK and LaGuardia baggage claim into a marathon welcome, October 29–30
Some fifty thousand runners fly into New York this week, and the marathon's airline sponsor has decided the race starts at the carousel. Delta is setting up at the baggage claims of JFK and LaGuardia on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, from noon.
What is there
Treats for arriving passengers and sign-making stations for the families and friends who will be standing on First Avenue on Sunday with a piece of cardboard. Marathon weekend in New York is as much a spectator event as a race, and the signs are half the fun.
On the way home
On Sunday, November 1, and Monday, November 2, Delta boards runners first: finishers join a Marathoners' Zone 1 priority group, medal presumably optional but recommended.
The race
The TCS New York City Marathon runs from Staten Island to Central Park through all five boroughs on Sunday, November 1.
A sponsor activation at baggage claim is a small thing, but it tells you how the weekend works: the marathon is the one race where the city's airports, hotels and subway all plan around a Sunday morning in November. If you are flying in to watch, Friday noon at LaGuardia is also when the sign-making table is quietest.
Delta turns JFK and LaGuardia baggage claim into a marathon welcome, October 29–30: questions
When are Delta's marathon perks at JFK and LaGuardia?
Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2026, from noon, at the baggage claims of both airports.
Do runners board first after the marathon?
Yes, on November 1 and 2 Delta boards marathoners in a Marathoners' Zone 1 priority group.
Source: Time Out New York checked against the source
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