Aerial View of New York Kennedy Airport

New York Kennedy Airport JFK

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New York Kennedy Airport (JFK) Guide

Discover the vibrant New York JFK Airport, a gateway that blends the city's energy with the ease of flying. JFK is not just any airport; it's home to the iconic TWA Hotel, a nod to the golden age of aviation, offering travelers a unique stay right at the airport. Whether you're here for the first time or a frequent flyer, JFK provides a seamless travel experience with its array of dining, shopping, and essential services.

This guide is your key to navigating JFK effortlessly, featuring everything from flight updates to terminal maps, and dining options. Let us help you breeze through JFK, making your trip memorable from the moment you arrive.

Explore more about major airports by visiting our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly's website.

New York JFK Airport, also known as JFK, has six terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. Terminal 5 is exclusively used by JetBlue Airways, while Terminal 8 is used by American Airlines. Terminal 4 is the largest terminal and serves as the major gateway for international arrivals and departures. Terminal 1 is used by several international airlines, including Air France and Lufthansa. Terminal 2 is currently closed for renovations, but is expected to reopen in the near future. Terminal 7 is used by several international airlines, including British Airways and United Airlines.

Each terminal at JFK has a variety of food and beverage options, as well as shops and services such as duty-free stores, currency exchange, and ATMs. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

JFK has six terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the AirTrain JFK, which is a free monorail system that operates 24/7. The AirTrain JFK connects all terminals, parking lots, car rental facilities, and the Jamaica and Howard Beach subway stations. The journey between terminals takes approximately 8-12 minutes depending on the terminal, and trains arrive every 4-12 minutes.

Passengers can also walk between some of the terminals if they have enough time and don't have heavy luggage. The walking times between terminals are as follows: Terminal 1 to Terminal 2(5-10 minutes), Terminal 2 to Terminal 4(10-15 minutes), Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 (5-10 minutes), Terminal 5 to Terminal 7(15-20 minutes), and Terminal 7 to Terminal 8(5-10 minutes). However, walking between some terminals may not be possible due to security restrictions, so passengers should check with airport staff before attempting to walk between terminals.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport, it's important to know the rules and regulations for curbside parking. The airport has designated areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off, and drivers are not allowed to park or wait curbside for more than a few minutes.

For those picking up passengers, JFK offers cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can park and wait for their passengers to call and let them know they are ready to be picked up. These areas are located near each terminal and are free to use for up to an hour. Drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended in these areas.

It's important to note that each terminal at JFK has its own designated pick-up and drop-off areas, so be sure to check which terminal your passenger is arriving or departing from before heading to the airport. Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8 all have their own designated areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at Kennedy Airport, travelers have several options to choose from. The airport offers a variety of parking facilities, including on-airport parking lots and garages, as well as off-airport parking options.

On-airport parking options at JFK include several parking lots and garages located near each terminal. Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8 all have their own parking facilities. There are also cell phone waiting areas available for those who need to wait for arriving passengers.

For travelers with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces available in all on-airport parking facilities. These spaces are located close to elevators and shuttle stops for easy access to the terminals.

Off-airport parking is also available near JFK, which can be a more economical option for travelers. These parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal. Some off-airport parking options even offer additional services such as car detailing and oil changes while you are away.

Get details about JFK parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When it comes to ground transportation options at NY Kennedy Airport (JFK), travelers have several choices to get to their destination.

For those who prefer to rent a car, JFK offers several car rental facilities located at the Federal Circle Station. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Taxi services are also available at JFK with designated taxi stands located outside of each terminal. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination. Passengers should expect to pay around $52 plus tolls and tips to get to Manhattan.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at JFK. Passengers can be picked up at designated pickup areas outside of each terminal. However, there are restrictions on where these services can drop off passengers, so it's important to check with the provider before booking.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These services offer door-to-door transportation to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of each terminal. Fares vary depending on the provider and destination.

Finally, public transportation options are available at JFK. The AirTrain JFK is a 24/7 service that connects the airport to the New York City subway and Long Island Rail Road. The fare is $7.75 for a one-way trip. Passengers can also take the NYC Airporter bus service, which offers transportation to and from JFK and Manhattan for $18 one-way.

Airport Hotels

Enhance your travel experience by staying at one of the many convenient and comfortable hotels near the airport. From the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, situated at the heart of Jamaica, Queens, to the Hilton New York, located just 1.6 miles from the airport, these hotels offer easy access to both the airport and the bustling city of Manhattan. Additional amenities such as complimentary shuttle services, free WiFi, and daily breakfast are provided by many of these establishments. For a more residential experience, consider the Modern Cozy 3BR Home, located just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Discover more about these options and others at John F. Kennedy Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Looking for a satisfying meal or some retail therapy while traveling through JFK Airport (JFK)? Look no further than the diverse range of restaurants and shops available throughout the airport's terminals. From traditional Irish fare at Tigin Irish Pub & Restaurant to luxury fashion at Michael Kors, JFK has something for everyone. Please note that the following is just a sample of the many options available.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at JFK can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

New York Kennedy Airport, also known as JFK, offers a variety of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you happen to lose an item during your travels, JFK has a lost and found department located in Terminal 4.

Traveling with children? JFK has designated children's play areas located in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

For those with special needs, JFK offers a variety of services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.

Banking services are available in Terminals 4 and 5, with ATMs located throughout the airport.

If you require medical assistance, JFK has medical services located in Terminal 4, as well as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the airport.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight, especially when flying from a busy airport like New York JFK Airport. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at the airport.

One of the easiest ways to get flight status updates is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate changes. Passengers can easily locate the FIDS displays by looking for the flight information screens located in the airport's main terminal.

Another way to stay informed about flight status updates is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most major airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check the status of their flight, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check-in for their flight. Passengers can download these apps from the app store on their smartphone or tablet.

In addition to using airline mobile phone apps, passengers can also receive flight status updates via text, email, and push notifications. To receive these updates, passengers need to provide their contact information to the airline when booking their flight or during online check-in.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at JFK by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at NY Kennedy Airport at least 3 hours prior to their scheduled departure time for international flights and 2 hours prior for domestic flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning and evening rush hours, as well as holidays and weekends.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to JFK airport, including taking a taxi, ride-sharing service, public transportation, or driving and parking at the airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or via mobile apps. Public transportation options include the AirTrain, which connects to the subway and Long Island Rail Road, and several bus lines. If driving, it is recommended to reserve a parking spot in advance to ensure availability.

Getting Oriented

Upon arrival at JFK airport, passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented and navigate the airport. The maps provide detailed information on terminal layouts, gate locations, and amenities such as restaurants, shops, and lounges. Additionally, there are information booths located throughout the airport where passengers can ask for assistance and directions.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at JFK airport, passengers should arrive early, check in online prior to arrival, and pack their bags according to TSA guidelines. It is also recommended to sign up for flight alerts and monitor the flight status regularly for any updates or changes. In case of delays or cancellations, passengers can contact their airline for rebooking options or assistance.

Security Wait Times

If you're flying out of New York Kennedy Airport, you'll want to know about the TSA Security wait times. During peak travel periods, lines can be long and delays frustrating. However, JFK has taken steps to improve the security screening process, including adding more screening lanes and implementing new technologies. The best way to avoid long wait times is to check the TSA Security wait times before you leave for the airport. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

JFK Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. It is located in Queens, New York City, and is the primary international airport serving the New York metropolitan area.

JFK has six terminals, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. These terminals serve a variety of airlines, including both domestic and international carriers.

On average, JFK handles around 60 million passengers per year, with an average of 165,000 passengers passing through the airport each day. There are also an average of 1,200 daily flights departing from JFK, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

Some of the top airlines with the most daily flights from JFK include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and British Airways. These airlines offer a variety of domestic and international flights to destinations around the world.

JFK serves more than 90 airlines, with non-stop flights to over 160 destinations around the world. Some of the top destinations served by JFK include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, and Tokyo.

Several airlines use JFK as a hub, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines. These airlines offer a variety of connecting flights to destinations around the world, making JFK a popular choice for travelers.

Airport History

The airport, also known as JFK, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It was named after John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1942 - Construction of the airport begins as a military airfield called "Idlewild Airport"
  • 1948 - The airport is rebranded as "New York International Airport"
  • 1963 - The airport is renamed "John F. Kennedy International Airport" in honor of the late President
  • 1970 - The first Boeing 747 jumbo jet lands at JFK
  • 1994 - The airport opens a new international terminal, Terminal 1
  • 2001 - JFK is one of the airports affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks
  • 2008 - The airport opens a new terminal, Terminal 5, for JetBlue Airways
  • 2020 - The airport experiences a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Today, JFK serves as a major gateway to the United States, with over 62 million passengers passing through the airport each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Kennedy Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: JFK
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 718-244-4444
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: JFK International Airport, Building 14, Jamaica, NY 11430, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

New York Kennedy Airport Q&A

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at JFK by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
JFK offers several ground transportation options including car rentals, taxis, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation options including the AirTrain JFK.
Detailed information about JFK parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking, can be found here.
JFK Airport offers a diverse range of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands. For a complete list of options, click here to navigate the options.
Passengers can use the AirTrain JFK, a free monorail system that operates 24/7, connecting all terminals, parking lots, car rental facilities, and subway stations. Walking between some terminals is also possible; however, it's advised to check with airport staff due to security restrictions.
JFK offers a variety of services for passengers with special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.
If you lost an item at the airport, check out the lost and found page.
Yes, there are several hotels near JFK that offer convenient amenities such as complimentary shuttle services. For more information, visit John F. Kennedy Airport Hotels.