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JFK Security Wait Times New York Kennedy Airport

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New York Kennedy Airport Security Wait Times Guide

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JFK Security Wait Times Topics:

At JFK Airport, navigating security can be a breeze if you know where to look for information. This guide focuses on checking TSA security wait times to help you plan your arrival. By understanding the layout of checkpoints and using available tools, you can minimize time spent in line and maximize your travel experience.

For more detailed insights on JFK Airport, including maps, arrivals & departures, and other helpful info, visit the iFly page for JFK Airport.

Travel Easy with CLEAR+ – 2 Months Free at JFK Airport

At Kennedy (JFK) Airport, CLEAR+ speeds up your security process so you spend less time waiting and more time traveling. With CLEAR+ lanes available at 6 security checkpoints, you’ll move through security smoothly and efficiently.

Enjoy CLEAR+ at Local Venues!

  • Yankee Stadium: Access through Babe Ruth Plaza and the Suite Entrance, Gate 4 at all Yankees and New York City FC events.
  • Madison Square Garden: Use Chase B and C Entrances on 8th Avenue for Rangers and Knicks games, concerts, and events.
  • Barclay's Center: Enter via Flatbush Avenue Entrance for Nets and Liberty games and all concerts and events.

Sign up now for a 2 Months Free trial of CLEAR+ and make your travels and event visits hassle-free. Get started today.

REAL ID at New York Kennedy Airport (Effective May 7, 2025)

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18+ must present a REAL ID‑compliant license or another TSA‑accepted ID to clear security at JFK Airport.

More info on REAL ID requirements »

iFly Tip: Get through airport security with your kids with tips from our flying with children guide.

JFK Flight Delays

Prior to heading to JFK Airport, it's recommended to check if there are any departure delays. Alternatively, you can make use of our handy flight tracker to keep an eye on the status of a specific flight.

Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours

Here are the locations and operating hours for security checkpoints at JFK Airport.

JFK TSA Terminal 1 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates 1-11
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck

JFK TSA Terminal 4 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates A3, A5, B20-B55
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
  • CLEAR+ Hours for PreCheck-eligible travelers and Enrollment: 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM
  • CLEAR+ Hours for Standard travelers and Enrollment: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM

JFK TSA Terminal 5 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates 1-30
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck

JFK TSA Terminal 7 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates 1-12
  • Type: All passengers
  • CLEAR+ Lane and Enrollment: Temporarily Closed

JFK TSA Terminal 8 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates 1-16, 31-47
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck

See information below for CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck (via CLEAR) enrollment hours and locations.

All data is subject to change by the Airport, TSA, CLEAR, or other authorities.

TSA PreCheck at JFK

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating airports, including New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Members of the program can enjoy benefits such as leaving their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.

Where to Use TSA PreCheck at JFK:

  • TSA PreCheck is available at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 8 within JFK.
  • The service is intended for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.

Learn More About TSA PreCheck:

Participating Airlines at JFK:

  • AeroMexico
  • Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
  • Air Canada
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • Air India
  • Air Serbia
  • Alaska Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avianca
  • British Airways
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • Cayman Airways
  • China Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • EL AL Israel
  • EVA Air
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Finnair
  • Flair Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • ITA Airways
  • Icelandair
  • Interjet
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • LAN Peru S.A.
  • LATAM Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian Air
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan.)
  • <

    iFly Tip: Save time at the airport by reading our airport wait times tips.

CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment

CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck at JFK Airport make security faster and easier. This section provides enrollment information for these services via CLEAR. CLEAR+uses biometric authentication and advanced technology to speed up the security process. You can enroll in CLEAR+ and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR+ enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online, then visit the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another accepted ID to complete the process in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.

CLEAR+ Lane Locations:
  • Terminal 4
    • Standard: 4:30am - 10:00pm
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 4:30am - 8:00pm
Enrollment Locations:
  • Terminal 4
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:30am - 10:00pm
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 6:00am - 8:00pm
    • Located on departures level to the right of security checkpoint near Row 1 at Delta Priority check-in

For more details about the CLEAR+program, including locations and airports where the service is available, visit the CLEAR+Airport Security Guide.

How to Check JFK Airport Security Wait Times

Follow these three simple steps to check security wait times on this page:

Step 1: Find the Checkpoint Times section. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click the “Check Wait Times” button in the JFK Average Checkpoint Times widget.

Step 2: Choose your arrival time. Use the dropdown menu to select when you plan to reach security.

Step 3: View estimated wait times. The site will display the average wait time for your selected period.

Tips for Using Wait Times

  • Wait times are estimates: Actual conditions may vary due to crowd levels and security delays.
  • Arrive early during peak hours: Security lines are often longer in the mornings and around holidays.
  • Check the official airport site: Some airports provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Visit JFK Airport’s official website and search for "security wait times" to see if this feature is available.

Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints

If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at TSA Lost and Found. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.

About JFK Security Wait Times

The security wait times shown for New York Kennedy Airport are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Utilizing sophisticated data evaluation techniques, various 3rd party services, and publicly available data sets to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times at JFK. However, it's important to realize that these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents. The TSA advises passengers to get to the airport well before their planned flight departure time.

We strive to assist you in your travel preparations by delivering reliable estimates of security checkpoint wait times. We also recommend contacting your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and any potential changes to your flight schedule. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at JFK. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.

iFly Tip: Streamline your airport experience by following our carry-on tips for quick security clearance.

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.

TSA Pre Check at JFK

AVAILABLE

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 Checkpoint
CLOSED

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 Checkpoint
CLOSED

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 Main Checkpoint
CLOSED

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 Main Checkpoint
CLOSED

Terminal 7

Terminal 7 Checkpoint
CLOSED

Terminal 8

Terminal 8 Checkpoint
CLOSED

Tips, Help & Resources

iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to JFK:

New York Kennedy Airport wait times Q&A

Use the widget on this page. Pick your arrival time from the dropdown and see estimated wait times.
TSA PreCheck is available in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8.
For TSA PreCheck enrollment, the hours run from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Standard CLEAR+ operates until 10:00 PM.
Enrollment takes place on the departures level near Row 1 at Delta Priority check-in in Terminal 4.
They use historical flight records and staffing schedules. Actual times may vary at peak moments.
Arrive earlier during the mornings and around holiday periods when lines are longer.
Checkpoints run in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 with specific gate ranges for each.
TSA PreCheck usually results in shorter lines, thanks to dedicated lanes.
Visit the official airport website for any available real-time security wait time information.
Report the lost item immediately to TSA’s Lost and Found with as many details as possible.