A Day At Kennedy Airport: How Many Hours?

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York City's primary international airport, located in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. With five terminals housing over 70 airlines, it is the busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States.

When it comes to how many hours to spend at JFK Airport, it largely depends on the type of flight and personal preference. Many airport officials recommend arriving at the airport for domestic flights two hours prior to departure. For international flights or flights during peak travel times, travellers may want to set aside additional time. On average, it takes 14 minutes to get through security at JFK, with wait times extending to 30-35 minutes during peak hours.

Some travellers recommend arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight, while others suggest that two hours is sufficient. Ultimately, it is a trade-off between having extra time to spare and dealing with potential boredom or risking a stressful rush to catch your flight.

How early to arrive at JFK for a flight

When flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), it's important to plan your arrival time carefully to ensure a smooth experience. Here's a guide on how early you should arrive at JFK for your flight:

Domestic Flights:

For domestic flights, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This allows enough time for check-in, security checks, and locating your gate. Keep in mind that check-in for domestic flights usually opens three hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure.

International Flights:

For international travel, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled flight. International flights often require additional time for passport control, visa checks, enhanced security measures, and boarding at gates located farther from the main terminals. Check-in for international flights typically opens four hours before departure and closes one hour prior.

Peak Hours:

If you're flying during peak hours, such as morning and evening, plan for extra time due to increased airport activity.

Online Check-In:

If you've checked in online and don't have any baggage to drop off, you can save a significant amount of time.

Transportation to the Airport:

When travelling to JFK, it's important to consider the unpredictable traffic in New York. If you're driving, it's advisable to leave early to account for potential delays and book your parking in advance.

Security Screening:

Security wait times at JFK can vary, with an average wait time of about 15 minutes. However, during busy periods, it can exceed 30 minutes. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can help expedite the security screening process.

In summary, arriving early at JFK is crucial to avoid stress and maximise your travel experience. By planning ahead, allowing ample time for check-in and security, and using reliable parking services, you can ensure a smoother journey from one of the busiest airports in the United States.

Transport options to and from JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers a range of transport options to and from the airport. The best option for you will depend on your origin/destination and your budget. Here is an overview of the transport options:

AirTrain

The AirTrain connects all airport terminals and can be used to transfer to other transport services. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and children under 5 ride for free. You can transfer to the AirTrain from the subway or Long Island Rail Road.

Subway

You can take the subway to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport or Howard Beach-JFK Airport and then transfer to the AirTrain. The subway fare is $2.90, and the AirTrain fare is $8.50.

Long Island Rail Road

You can take the Long Island Rail Road from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Jamaica and then transfer to the AirTrain. The LIRR fare is $13.50 or $15.50, and the AirTrain fare is $8.50.

Taxi

A taxi is a quick and private way to get to and from JFK. You can get to Midtown Manhattan within 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Private Transfer

You can book a private transfer to and from JFK to your preferred destination.

Bus

You can take a bus from JFK to several locations, including Queens and Brooklyn.

Car

You can also drive to and from JFK. The airport is located in southern Queens on the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) and can be accessed from the Belt Parkway, the Grand Central Parkway, and Queens Boulevard.

Shuttle

There are private shuttles operating between JFK and Manhattan, Newark, LaGuardia, and other destinations.

Van

There are companies that provide private car and shared van services at JFK Airport.

History of JFK airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is a major international airport serving New York City. It is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. The airport opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, though it was commonly known as Idlewild Airport.

The Early Years

The airport was built to relieve LaGuardia Field, which had become overcrowded after its opening in 1939. In late 1941, mayor Fiorello La Guardia announced that the city had chosen a large area of marshland on Jamaica Bay, which included the Idlewild Golf Course, for the construction of a new airfield. The land was conveyed to the city at the end of December 1941, and construction began in 1943. The project was initially named Major General Alexander E. Anderson Airport after a Queens resident who had commanded a National Guard unit and died in 1942. However, this renaming was vetoed by Mayor La Guardia, and the airport remained commonly known as "Idlewild".

Idlewild Airport officially opened for commercial flying on July 1, 1948, with a Peruvian International Airlines DC-4 from Santiago, Chile, making the first scheduled arrival on July 9. Air France began transatlantic services from the airport on July 14, with a flight to Paris that took 14 hours and 15 minutes, including three stops for refuelling. The airport was officially dedicated on July 31, 1948, and the opening ceremony was attended by an estimated 215,000 spectators, including President Harry S. Truman and Governor Thomas Dewey, who were rivals in the upcoming presidential election. With the opening of the new airport, all transcontinental and transatlantic flights were shifted from LaGuardia to Idlewild.

In its first full year of operation, 1949, the airport handled 222,620 passengers and 18,115 aircraft movements. In the following years, several major US and foreign airlines started service from Idlewild, including British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), El Al, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Avianca, Trans Canada, Pan Am, TWA, American, and United. The temporary terminal was expanded to accommodate the growing traffic, and in 1949, a new instrument runway was put into use, allowing aircraft to take off with reduced visibility.

Expansion and Development

In 1951, the first major permanent structure was opened on the airport's periphery, housing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees overseeing operations at Idlewild and other New York area airports. Another significant milestone was the opening of an 11-floor permanent air traffic control tower in 1952, from which ground movements, departures, and landings were controlled. Other notable improvements during this period included the construction of hangars, an air traffic control centre, a large air freight building, and a weather bureau. By the late 1950s, $235 million had been spent on developing Idlewild.

Renaming and Recent History

The airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport on December 24, 1963, a month after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The airport has continued to expand and develop in recent decades, with new terminals, expanded facilities, and improved transportation links. Today, JFK Airport is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.

Lounges and amenities at JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers a wide range of lounges and amenities for travellers to relax and unwind before their flights. With five terminals currently in operation (Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8), JFK provides diverse options for lounge access and amenities. Here's an overview:

Terminal 1:

• Air France Lounge: Offering hot and cold buffet meals, drinks, and a Clarins Spa with complimentary treatments.
• Lufthansa Lounges: Featuring a hot and cold buffet, an open bar, and windows overlooking the gates.
• Korean Air KAL Lounge: Providing light snacks and a bar selection.
• Turkish Airlines Lounge: Includes a business centre with a computer, fax machine, and meeting table, along with a hot and cold buffet and drinks.

Terminal 4:

• Delta Sky Clubs: Lounges offer shower facilities, a Sky Deck with outdoor seating, and a full-service brasserie.
• Centurion Lounge: Features premium bars, a food and snack buffet, and an Equinox Body Lab for wellness treatments.
• Emirates Lounge: Showers, a self-serve buffet, and premium hot and cold dishes are available here.
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: Enjoy a la carte dining, a premium bar, a spa, and entertainment zones.
• Air India Maharaja Lounge: A small buffet, refreshments, and free Wi-Fi are on offer.

Terminal 5:

JetBlue Mint Lounge: Exclusive to JetBlue Mint (Business Class) passengers.

Terminal 7:

• Alaska Lounge: Light meals, refreshments, an open bar, and workspaces are available.
• Aer Lingus Lounge: Chaise lounge seating, snacks, soups, sandwiches, drinks, and views of the airfield.

Terminal 8:

Oneworld and Admirals Club Lounges: These lounges offer a range of amenities, including hot and cold buffets, self-serve bars, relaxation areas, showers, and excellent views of the apron.

In addition to these, JFK also has independent lounges like the Wingtips Lounge and Primeclass Lounge, which are accessible to a broader range of passengers.

When it comes to accessing these lounges, options vary. Many lounges accept memberships, day passes, or Priority Pass. Airline elite status, premium cabin tickets, and certain credit cards, such as those in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, can also grant access. It's always a good idea to check the specific access requirements for each lounge before your visit.

Immigration and customs wait times at JFK

To avoid long wait times, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight. This will allow for enough time to check-in, drop off bags, and go through security and immigration.

There are a few things to keep in mind to help expedite the process. Firstly, enrolling in TSA PreCheck can speed up security wait times. This program allows pre-approved passengers to go through a separate screening process with shorter wait times and fewer steps. Additionally, programs like Global Entry and Mobile Passport can significantly reduce immigration wait times by offering expedited processing through designated lanes.

Another factor to consider is the time of day and day of the week. Early morning flights typically have longer wait times, with 4 out of the 5 longest average wait times occurring before 8 am. If possible, choosing a flight that arrives after 9 pm could reduce the time spent in customs. In terms of days, Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday are the best for shorter wait times, while Wednesday through Saturday tend to be the busiest.

It is also worth noting that wait times can vary depending on the terminal. At JFK Airport, the average security wait time at Terminal 1 is 8 minutes, Terminal 5 is around 20 minutes, Terminal 8 is approximately 14 minutes, and Terminal 4 is 13 minutes.

By planning ahead, enrolling in expedited programs, and choosing optimal arrival times and terminals, passengers can help reduce the time spent in immigration and customs at JFK Airport.

Frequently asked questions