I admit the set up at JFK is far from ideal, with some third world approach facilities, but those guys need to spend a week or 2 in Europe to see how to deal with delays.
I'd rather take up the hold at 8000' anyday than be bunted around at 2000'(expedite from 5000!) at 180kts (min clean approx 230kts) over the water for 50 miles, waiting for my turn to shoot the Canarsie.
"Add another tonne for the Canarsie, number 2!"
On departure, they could do with holding people on the gate/remote holding a la the rest of the world. The other night after some fairly benign wx had passed through we pushed back to find ourselves no 40ish for departure.
Airborne after 2hrs taxi burning more than 2T.
No wonder Bush won't sign up to Kyoto!
