John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) TSA Security Wait Times Information
JFK TSA Wait Times
Wondering what JFK airport wait times are at any given time? You’ve come to the right place! According to a recent Upgraded Points article, the average JFK security wait time is 16 minutes. The best JFK airport security wait times occur on Tuesday from 11am-Noon. The worst JFK security lines are at Friday 2-3pm, where you could wait up to 35 minutes. More information about security gates, delays, and more can be found below.
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JFK Airport features CLEAR expedited security screening. Joining CLEAR will save you time and stress in Kennedy security lines. As an added benefit you can use your CLEAR credentials to get fast access to local sports venues and nearby airports. See below for TSA/CLEAR hours for enrollment and screening.
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RESERVE powered by CLEAR
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
New York Kennedy Airport (JFK) Terminals
JFK Flight Delays
Before you head to the airport, keep yourself informed of JFK delays by checking JFK Arrival Delays, JFK Departure Delays, or use iFly's JFK Flight Tracker. Having knowledge of JFK airport delays will help with stress-free travel.
John F. Kennedy International Airport Airport Security Checkpoints - Location and Hours
This large and very busy airport is home to 6 terminals. You must use the security checkpoint for your designated airline gate terminal. CLEAR is now available in Terminal 2 & 4.
For up to the minute security checkpoint wait times, go to JFK Airport and select Security & Customs Wait Times. In addition, there is an option for Walk Times to Gates.
JFK TSA Terminal 1 Checkpoint
Gates: 1-11
Type: All passengers and TSA Pre
JFK TSA Checkpoint Terminal 2
Gates: C60-C70
Type: All passengers and TSA Pre
CLEAR Hours: Daily for PreCheck-eligible only: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
JFK TSA Terminal 4 Checkpoint
Gates: A3, A5, B20-B55
Type: All passengers and TSA Pre
CLEAR Hours: Daily for PreCheck-eligible only: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM
JFK TSA Terminal 5 Checkpoint
Gates: 1-30
Type: All passengers and TSA Pre
JFK TSA Terminal 7 Checkpoint
Gates: 1-12
Type: All passengers
JFK TSA Terminal 8 Checkpoint
Gates: 1-16, 31-47
Type: All passengers and TSA Pre
CLEAR Lanes
JFK features CLEAR expedited security screening which, if you participate, can help to reduce the time you spend in JFK security lines. CLEAR counters are located at Terminal 2 and 4 - see hours above. RESERVE powered by CLEAR is also available at this airport and spots can be reserved up to 72 hours before departure.
TSA PreCheck at John F. Kennedy International Airport Airport
JFK TSA Pre Lanes can be found in security checkpoints located in Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8. As the TSA operates these special checkpoints, the hours may be different from the Terminal operating hours. See the TSA Pre schedule the specific hours for the date and time you are traveling.
JFK TSA wait times can be cut down considerably if you participate in the TSA Pre program. You can even sign up for TSA PreCheck before your next JFK flight - there’s an enrollment center in the John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4, Level 4 (Departures). It is at the end of the Check-in Row next to Delta Sky Priority Check-in. According to the TSA, the enrollment center is open from 9:00 AM - 1:00PM and 1:30PM-5:30PM Monday-Friday.
TSA PreCheck passengers can enjoy expedited screening at JFK, and in most cases you don’t have to remove your: shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. For more information and to enroll/pre-enroll, visit the TSA website.
About JFK Security Wait Times
Security wait times at John F. Kennedy International Airport are approximate and can vary based on several factors including severe weather, TSA staffing, airport construction, etc.
JFK TSA wait time forecasts are made leveraging flight volume data and TSA staffing models. Using advanced data science, wait times for John F. Kennedy International Airport are projected, that barring extreme outliers, are within five minutes in accuracy, as validated by large US airlines. The TSA urges all travelers to arrive at the airport well in advance of scheduled flight departures and has provided security checkpoint wait time information as a guide to assist in travel planning. Please be sure to check with your airline for ticket counter wait times as well as possible changes to flight schedules, as these and other factors influence your decision regarding how early to arrive at JFK. Please be aware that each airline has a recommended arrival time and even stricter required arrival times.
All airlines require that you arrive at the check-in counter, the flight's departure gate and even onboard and in your assigned seat a prescribed amount of time before the flight's scheduled departure time. The amount of the advance arrival time required varies depending on the airline you are using. Most airlines' conditions of carriage state that with many of their tickets, failure to arrive at the check-in counter, the flight's departure gate and your assigned seat a prescribed amount of time before the flight's scheduled departure time may cause you to be denied boarding and cause you to forfeit any refund or other compensation due for the unused ticket even if you have advance seat assignments and advance boarding passes.