Roberta Aguirre
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located in New York City, the airport caters to over 90 airlines and serves all six inhabited continents. With such a high volume of traffic, one might wonder: what does JFK Airport smell like? Some travellers have described the airport's unique scent as enticing, evoking a desire to explore the world. However, others have reported less pleasant odours, such as smoky smells and, in one case, the scent of cigarettes in a nearby hotel.
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What You'll Learn
Cigarette and marijuana smoke in JFK airport hotels
Smoking is not permitted inside any of the airport terminals at JFK. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products. The airport is owned by the City of New York, which has a statewide ban on smoking in all indoor public places. As a result, there are no indoor smoking areas at the airport, and smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. These designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal buildings, approximately 20 to 25 feet away from the entrances and exits.
If you are staying in a hotel near JFK and wish to avoid cigarette or marijuana smoke, it is recommended that you request a non-smoking room and floor. Many hotels have implemented smoke-free policies and have designated smoking areas, usually outdoors and away from the main building. Be sure to review the hotel's smoking policy before booking and inquire about any potential fines or fees for violating their smoking rules.
When booking a hotel near JFK, consider selecting one that is further away from the airport, as the smoke from the designated smoking areas may be carried by the wind towards the nearby hotels. Additionally, some hotels may offer air purification systems or rooms with improved ventilation to mitigate the impact of cigarette or marijuana smoke.
To ensure a pleasant stay, communicate your concerns about smoke odours to the hotel staff. They may be able to accommodate your request by offering alternative rooms or implementing additional measures to improve the air quality. Remember to review the hotel's policies and guidelines regarding smoking to understand your rights and options as a guest.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively minimise your exposure to cigarette and marijuana smoke during your stay in the hotels near JFK Airport.
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Smoky cockpit forces Delta flight to return to JFK
While JFK Airport in New York is one of the busiest airports in the world, it is a smoke-free space indoors. There are designated smoking areas located outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from the terminal entrances and exits. However, on one occasion in 2013, a Delta flight headed to Minneapolis from JFK had to return to the airport due to a smoky smell in the cockpit. All passengers deboarded and took another plane to their destination. A similar incident occurred in 2019, when a Delta flight from San Francisco to JFK turned back due to a "smoky odor" in the cockpit. The plane, a Boeing 757-200, landed without incident, and passengers were accommodated on an alternative aircraft.
In both cases, the flight crew's quick thinking and adherence to safety protocols ensured the well-being of everyone on board. Such incidents highlight the importance of addressing even minor issues like unusual smells, as they can indicate potential hazards. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to aviation safety.
While the specific source of the smoky smell in these incidents is unclear, it is worth noting that JFK Airport has strict rules against smoking inside the terminals and public areas. These rules are in place to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for travellers and staff. With the airport serving thousands of passengers daily, ensuring good air quality and a pleasant travel experience is a top priority.
The airport's smoking regulations allow smokers to indulge in designated outdoor areas, usually located near the terminal exits. While smokers can purchase cigarettes from duty-free shops, they must use the designated smoking areas and adhere to the airport's no-smoking rules in all other indoor areas. These rules are enforced through signage and the guidance of airport employees. By providing designated smoking areas and clear regulations, JFK Airport strives to balance the needs of smokers and non-smokers alike, fostering a safe and pleasant travel environment for all.
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The unique smell of airports
Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with travellers from all over the world coming and going. Among the many sensations associated with airports, one that often stands out is their unique smell. The scent of an airport can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to stress and anxiety. It's interesting to note that some airports have intentionally curated their own bespoke fragrances to enhance the traveller experience.
JFK Airport in New York is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving a large number of passengers daily. While there aren't any specific descriptions of the scent of JFK Airport, one traveller fondly recalled the "unique smell" of the airport upon exiting their cab and entering the main terminal. They associated this scent with the joy of travel and the excitement of exploring new places.
The idea of creating a signature scent for an airport is not new. Many airports and airlines have recognised the power of scent in influencing people's emotions and experiences. By diffusing carefully selected fragrances in common areas, airports aim to provide a relaxing and enjoyable environment for travellers. This concept is borrowed from the hotel industry, where lobbies are often infused with branded scents to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Singapore's Changi Airport, for example, has crafted a custom scent that blends orchid, Damask rose, Asian spices, and calming essential oils. This scent is not only sprayed throughout the airport but is also available for purchase in the gift shop, allowing travellers to relive their airport experience at home. Similarly, California's San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport has developed a special scent evoking memories of relaxation and spa-like experiences.
While the smell of airports may be unique, it is important to note that smoking is not permitted indoors at JFK Airport or in most US airports. Designated smoking areas are located outside each terminal, at least 25 feet away from the entrances and exits. These areas are clearly marked with signage, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travellers, whether they are smokers or non-smokers.
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JFK's history as Idlewild Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport, more commonly known as JFK Airport, is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City. Covering 5,200 acres, it is the largest airport in the New York metropolitan area and one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic.
Before it was renamed in honour of slain President John F. Kennedy, the airport was known as Idlewild Airport. The name Idlewild was derived from the name of a resort and later golf club on Jamaica Bay. The airport was planned in the 1940s, and in 1944, the New York City Board of Estimate authorised the condemnation of 1,350 acres for the site. Three years later, in 1947, the Port of New York Authority (now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey) leased the Idlewild property from the City of New York, a lease that is maintained to this day.
In March 1948, the New York City Council changed the official name to New York International Airport, Anderson Field, but the common name remained "Idlewild". The first flight from Idlewild took place on July 1, 1948, with the opening ceremony attended by U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the Governor of New York, Thomas E. The airport was intended to be the world's largest and most efficient, with "no confusion and no congestion".
Idlewild opened with six runways and a seventh under construction. The first jet airliner to land at Idlewild was an Avro Jetliner, which arrived from Malton Airport in Toronto carrying the world's first cargo of jet airmail on April 18, 1950. However, a 1951 policy by the Port Authority prohibited jets from landing at the city's airports. It wasn't until 1958–59 that airlines began scheduling jets to Idlewild, and by 1962, it had more airline takeoffs and landings than LaGuardia and Newark combined.
On December 24, 1963, a month and two days after the assassination of President Kennedy, the airport was rededicated as John F. Kennedy International Airport. The proposal for the renaming came from Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr.
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The airport's location in Queens, New York City
Located in Queens, New York City, JFK Airport is the biggest in the New York metropolitan area and one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic. The airport is situated in the southeastern section of Queens, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and is surrounded by several neighbourhoods, including Jamaica, South Ozone Park, and Howard Beach. The area is known for its diverse cultural communities, with a mix of residential and industrial areas.
JFK Airport is a major transportation hub, serving both domestic and international flights. It is a key gateway to the United States, connecting New York City to destinations worldwide. The airport is a focal point for the region's economy, employing thousands of people and generating significant revenue. Its location in Queens provides easy access to the city's extensive public transportation network, including the subway, bus, and taxi services.
The airport's proximity to the ocean and the surrounding industrial and residential areas may contribute to the unique scent of the airport. While there are no specific reports on the smell of JFK Airport, the combination of ocean breezes, aircraft emissions, and the scents of the nearby communities likely creates a distinctive aroma associated with the airport's location in Queens.
Additionally, the airport's location in Queens places it in close proximity to some of New York City's iconic attractions. Visitors can easily access famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square, as well as explore the diverse culinary and cultural offerings of the borough. The vibrant neighbourhoods surrounding the airport showcase the cultural diversity of Queens, with a variety of ethnic restaurants, shops, and community events.
JFK Airport's location in Queens, New York City, plays a significant role in shaping its character and influence. The airport's size, passenger traffic, and connection to the city's transportation network make it a vital hub for the region. The unique blend of scents from the ocean, surrounding communities, and airport operations create an atmospheric experience for travellers passing through JFK Airport in Queens, New York City.
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Frequently asked questions
I could not find definitive information on what JFK airport smells like. However, one passenger noted a "smoky smell" in the cockpit of a Delta flight headed to Minneapolis from JFK, which forced the plane to make an emergency landing.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. It is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay.
JFK Airport is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth-busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK Airport.
JFK is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue. It is also the primary operating base for JetBlue.
The airport opened in 1948 as New York International Airport and was commonly known as Idlewild Airport. It was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport on December 24, 1963, a month and two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
