Does Kennedy not use a combination of landing runways to help limit problems with strong crosswinds? Could you guys have demanded another runway (functional ILS and approach lights) advising Approach Control about a possible divert, or would Newark's long runways (04R/L or 22R/L) reduce crosswinds much? I've only flown narrowbodies into JFK now and then, and am so accustomed to non-standard ATC (or pilot
) terminology in the entire US that maybe I don't realize how lousy and unpedictable it is at some US airports.