New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK) Flights & Flight Status

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and busiest airport in the New York metro area and its 5 terminals can be overwhelming to navigate. But armed with these expert tips, you should be able to handle this bear of an airport like a pro.

How to get to and from JFK and New York City

New York City tops the list of the US cities with the worst traffic and road conditions approaching JFK and between terminals were awful even before construction began on the redevelopment of Terminal 6, scheduled to open in 2028, and on New Terminal One (NTO), a lavish international terminal which should be open by 2030.

If you’re traveling to or from JFK by private car, taxi or ride-hailing service, build in plenty of extra time just for accessing and negotiating the airport roadways, especially during rush hours. On a recent afternoon trip to JFK from Manhattan my cab spent 40 minutes waiting to exit the expressway at JFK and I vowed to avoid that stress-inducing option in the future if possible.

If you’re taking a cab or having someone drop you at JFK, be kind, save time and circumvent the traffic congestion by having your driver drop you off or pick you up at the AirTrain station at Lefferts Boulevard in Queens. The AirTrain ride to and from the terminals is free from there.

You can avoid all the traffic hassles and save some serious cash by traveling between JFK and Manhattan via subway or train. Access the JFK AirTrain, which is free to ride between terminals at JFK and connects to subway, rail, and bus lines at the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. The off-airport fare is very reasonable compared to what you’d pay for a cab or ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft.

When possible, I take the Long Island Railroad to and from JFK instead of the subway. This commuter rail line has nicer seats, room for luggage and connects Jamaica Station with Penn Station on Manhattan’s west side, with Grand Central Station, on Manhattan’s east side and with other destinations.

Fares and travel times vary, of course. And even locals and experienced travelers can get tripped up by the various ground transportation routes and options. So don’t be shy about asking station personnel for advice and assistance. I have always found them to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Navigating security lines at JFK

JFK handles more than 60 million passengers a year and during peak travel periods or, just about any time, which can mean very long lines at the TSA security checkpoints and at customs on arrival.

That makes this one of the airports where I’m always thankful and a bit smug about having invested in paid trusted traveler programs such as TSA Precheck, Clear and Global Entry, which give me access to special lanes with expedited screening. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, I urge you to sign up for TSA Precheck before you travel out of JFK. Once you go through the application process, pay the fee and get your Known Traveler Number, your membership will be good for 5 years and can also be used to expedite security at dozens of other domestic U.S. airports.

No TSA Precheck? No problem if you’re traveling through JFK Terminal 4 (T4). You can get a reservation for expedited screening at a dedicated lane for free by using the virtual cueing program called RESERVE, which is operated by Clear. You can make your reservations up to 72 hours before your flight or while you’re in the terminal for slots between 5:00 am to 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Reserve, operated by CLEAR, is also offered at a growing list of other airports, sometimes under different names (i.e. SEA Spot Saver in Seattle and MCO Reserve in Orlando).

Here’s another free and particularly useful workaround if you aren’t enrolled in Global Entry and are arriving at JFK on an international flight. You can access an expedited lane if you have the free Mobile Passport Control app. The app will ask you to take a photo, add your passport information, and answer some customs declaration questions. Then, once you’re in the customs hall you can skip the long ‘regular’ lines and join the faster Mobile Passport Control lane.

Airline lounges and alternatives at JFK Airport

There are more than 20 airline-affiliated, credit card-branded, and other premium lounges scattered throughout the JFK terminals.

Any passenger in Terminal 1 may buy a pass to Primeclass Lounge or VIP One. But elsewhere in JFK you’ll find that most lounges are only accessible to travelers with elite status, first-class tickets or certain credit or club cards. A few will sell day passes (on a space-available basis) to travelers flying in their network. There’s no need to tease you by describing the offerings of swank lounges you can’t get into but be sure to ask your airline or credit card company about lounge access. While some airlines now restrict lounge access due to crowding, some credit cards offer credit towards your bill in some airport restaurants while others provide access to partner lounges.

If you gain access to the posh American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4, be sure to find your way to the secret ‘speakeasy’ bar.

A nice lounge alternative is Minute Suites, which offers short-stay nap/work/relax rooms, with a shower option, in Terminal 4. You’ll also find spa services, including massages, nail care and a variety of hair styling, beauty and rejuvenation treatments at the Be Relax Spa locations in Terminals 1 and 5 and at 3 XpresSpa branches in Terminal 4. I often plan to get a manicure during a JFK layover and try to call ahead to make a reservation.

The post-security outdoor rooftop terrace in JetBlue’s Terminal 5 (accessible near Gate 28) offers comfortable seating, fresh air, a grassy knoll and nice views of airport activity. The space doubles as a “Wooftop” pet relief station so you may also get to play with cute pooches while you’re out there.

Luggage storage and supplies at JFK

Smart Carte offers luggage storage service in Terminals 1 and 4. The branch in Terminal 4 is open 24/7 and is located at the arrivals level, by baggage claim. The Terminal 1 branch is also on the arrivals level. It opens at 7:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm, daily. Both branches accept online reservations and can help you out in a pinch. Beyond bag storage, these shops can wrap your bags and sell you last-minute baggage accessories such as locks, tape, boxes, extra bags and bubble wrap.

TWA Hotel: a gem at JFK

There are a wide variety of hotel accommodations in the JFK vicinity, many of which offer free shuttle service to and from the airport. However, the only on-airport lodging is the TWA Hotel, which sits opposite JetBlue’s Terminal 5 in the landmark Eero Saarinen-designed building that served as the TWA Flight Center from 1962 to 2001.

The gem of a hotel is an excellent choice if you’ve got an early morning or late night-arriving flight, and there are day rates available which includes access to the hotel’s 10,000-square-foot fitness center and its yoga studio, cycling studio and showers. Day passes to the fitness center are also available, making this a great option for fitting in a refreshing workout and shower between flights.

While there’s a cover charge and often a reservation required for both hotel guests and visitors to access the TWA Hotel’s rooftop bar and infinity pool, there’s no charge to hang out in the lobby and I often plan my layovers so that I can take the AirTrain over to Terminal 5 and have a mini-vacation during an international journey.

The TWA Hotel’s public spaces have several restaurants and bars, a food hall with several 24-hour options, museum exhibits, a Twister room, a photo booth, a gift shop and other fun activities, some of which are seasonal. Note that overnight and day rate guests get discounts on the rooftop cover charge and while extra fees are charged for early check-in or late checkout, the hotel offers complimentary luggage storage for up to 5 hours before your check-in or checkout time.

Parking at JFK Airport

Like everything else in New York, parking at JFK Airport is expensive and at the JFK parking garages that allow it, the daily drive-up rate for short-term and overnight parking is quite high. JFK’s parking lots are connected to the airport via the AirTrain, but even when I’m willing to pay for at-the-airport parking convenience, it's not uncommon to find the lots already full.

You can save time, money, and anguish, by booking your airport parking spot ahead of time on the JFK website. Prepaid reservations must be made at least 24 hours before you plan to arrive at the airport. But you can also make a reservation up to a year ahead. If your plans change, cancellations are allowed up to an hour before your prebooked parking time.

Connecting between JFK and Newark Liberty or LaGuardia Airport

It is possible to travel between JFK and either Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport. Be prepared for a long (60-to-90-minute) journey and a hefty bill, depending on whether you take a shared shuttle van, taxi, or ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft.