In a remarkable turnaround, LaGuardia Airport has gone from being famously compared to a "third world country" by President Biden to being one of the best airports in North America, according to the Airport Service Quality survey. After the completion of $8 billion in renovations last year, LaGuardia Airport was chosen as one of the best midsize airports along with Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

The new and improved LaGuardia Airport has not only undergone major renovations but has also witnessed a significant boost in passenger satisfaction. With an overall satisfaction score of 4.25 out of 5, the airport experienced a 20% increase from 2018 when it was labeled as the worst airport on the continent.

Just a few years back, LaGuardia Airport was plagued by delays, complaints about lost baggage, and poor customer service. However, the recent renovations have addressed these issues, significantly improving the airport's infrastructure and services.

Despite the positive feedback, some travelers believe that there are still areas where LaGuardia Airport falls short. For instance, the lack of subway or commuter rail lines, with only bus transit available, has proven to be a source of anxiety and chaos for both locals and out-of-town visitors. Passengers have also expressed concerns about the long distances to Terminal C gates, with only one moving sidewalk to assist them.

A few dissatisfied fliers have also voiced their negative experiences, citing instances of lost bags even in the revamped airport. However, the majority of passengers appreciate the efforts made to elevate LaGuardia Airport to a higher standard.

LaGuardia Airport gained notoriety in 2014 when then-Vice President Biden used it as a punchline to highlight the need for improved infrastructure in the United States. However, with the completion of the multi-year renovation project, the airport has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The renovations, which will be fully completed by 2023, have completely rebuilt the facility, including the Central Terminal Building and concourses inspired by New York City's parks. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who initially announced the renovations in 2014, expressed his joy at seeing LaGuardia's newfound status among the best airports.

"The rebuilding and reimagining of LaGuardia was done in record time under very difficult circumstances and was a demonstration that daring performance and ambition can be actualized by the government," Cuomo wrote.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton also emphasized the significance of LaGuardia's improvement, stating, "LaGuardia's days as a punchline for late-night jokes is finally over."

The transformation of LaGuardia Airport from a struggling hub to a top North American airport is a testament to the power of determined efforts in revitalizing critical infrastructure.