Roberta Aguirre
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, New York, 17 miles from New York City. The airport is currently undergoing a $19 billion construction project, which may cause delays for passengers. The average security wait time at JFK is 14 minutes, but this can be reduced by enrolling in TSA PreCheck or using the Mobile Passport Control app. To avoid waiting in long lines at the airport, passengers can use the RESERVE virtual queue line program, which allows them to book their spot up to 72 hours in advance. In addition, the AirTrain transit system is available for free to help passengers reach their desired terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average security wait time | 14 minutes, 30-35 minutes during peak hours |
| Customs wait time | 3 minutes |
| Average immigration wait time | 24 minutes |
| Security wait time at Terminal 1 | 8 minutes |
| Security wait time at Terminal 5 | 20 minutes |
| Security wait time at Terminal 8 | 14 minutes |
| TSA PreCheck opening times | 4 AM to 7 PM |
| TSA PreCheck availability | Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8 |
| Transportation options | Rental cars, taxis, rideshare, and AirTrain |
| Hotel | TWA Hotel at Terminal 5 |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck security lanes
To save time at security, passengers can sign up for TSA PreCheck, a program that expedites airport security with shorter wait times and a more streamlined screening process. This includes keeping your shoes on, leaving your laptop in your bag, and carrying beverages. The average security wait time at JFK is 14 minutes, but this can extend to 30–35 minutes during peak hours. The TSA PreCheck lanes at JFK are open from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you are a pre-approved passenger, you can use the TSA PreCheck lane at any terminal from 1 to 5. The security wait time at Terminal 1 is 8 minutes, while at Terminal 5, it is around 20 minutes. If a TSA PreCheck lane is unavailable, you can present your boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane.
To save even more time, you can sign up for Mobile Passport, which enables U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to speed up the entry process. Additionally, if you are travelling to JFK Terminal 4, you can use Reserve powered by CLEAR to book ahead and avoid waiting in line. To reach Terminal 4, it is recommended to use public transportation, such as the subway to Howard Beach or the LIRR at Jamaica, and then transfer to the AirTrain.
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Customs wait times
At JFK Terminal 4, passengers can expect to "fly through airport security" with Reserve powered by CLEAR. This service allows passengers to book ahead and save their spot, thus avoiding waiting times. Upon arrival at T4, passengers can look for signs pointing to RESERVE and present their unique QR code to an ambassador.
Additionally, passengers can sign up for Mobile Passport, which enables US citizens and Canadian visitors to expedite the entry process. This option may be particularly useful for those with a quick connection or a long layover.
For those connecting to another terminal within JFK, the AirTrain provides efficient transportation between terminals. By using public transportation to reach the airport, such as the subway system or LIRR at Jamaica, followed by the AirTrain, passengers can avoid potential congestion on the roadways leading to Terminal 4 due to construction.
Passengers using Mobile Passport Control (MPC) or Automated Passport Control (APC) may also experience shorter processing times in the customs area.
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Immigration wait times
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has one of the busiest wait times for immigration and customs. The average wait time is 23.58 minutes, which is 32% higher than the average. The wait time varies depending on the time of day, season, and whether it is a peak travel period.
To expedite the immigration process at JFK, there are several programs and apps that travellers can use. The Mobile Passport app (MPC app) allows US citizens and Canadian visitors to save time during the entry process by storing passport information and eliminating the need for paperwork. The Global Entry program also provides expedited processing through designated lanes. These options can significantly reduce wait times.
Upon arrival at JFK Terminal 4, there are signs directing passengers to different queues based on their status, such as US citizens, foreign passport holders, Global Entry members, diplomats, and MPC app users. Without the MPC app or Global Entry, passengers will need to use a machine that takes their photo and asks customs-related questions. After obtaining a receipt, they will queue again to meet with a border agent who will scan their passport and review the receipt.
To further streamline the process, travellers can book ahead using Reserve powered by CLEAR, which allows them to secure their spot in advance and avoid waiting in line. This can be especially useful during peak travel times when lines tend to be longer. Additionally, using public transportation, such as the subway system or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), can help travellers reach the airport efficiently and avoid potential congestion on roadways leading to the terminal.
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Reserve virtual queue
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York has launched a free virtual queuing program, Reserve, at Terminal 4. This program, powered by CLEAR, an identity platform company, allows passengers to reserve a dedicated security lane time slot up to 72 hours in advance of their flight. This reservation system allows bookings of up to 10 people and each reservation is for a 20-minute window of time with a grace period for early or late arrivals.
To use the Reserve program, passengers must first visit the dedicated JFK T4 Reserve website. Here, they will enter their flight details, the size of their party, and select a reservation time. Once they have entered their email and confirmed their details, they will receive a confirmation email and a unique QR code. When arriving at Terminal 4, passengers can look for signs pointing to Reserve, present their QR code to an ambassador, and proceed to the fast lane for TSA screening and security.
The dedicated security entry point for Reserve is open between 5:00 and 10:00, the busiest time at the security checkpoint. This program allows passengers to save their spot ahead of time and avoid waiting in long lines. It provides a more predictable and stress-free travel experience, ensuring an efficient process for all travellers passing through Terminal 4.
In addition to JFK Airport, CLEAR's Reserve program is also available at several other airports across the United States, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
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Transportation options
There are various transportation options to get to and from JFK Airport. GO Airlink NYC offers a shared ride shuttle service with mobile check-in, vehicle and driver tracking, and convenient online booking. The service provides curbside pick-up and drop-off directly at your terminal. The company also offers a private car service for direct, non-stop rides.
Another option is to use the AirTrain, which connects to the subway system and the LIRR at Jamaica. This may be a good option for those already in the city and looking for a budget-friendly way to get to the airport. However, due to construction at JFK, the roadways leading to Terminal 4 may be congested, so it is recommended to allow for extra travel time when using this option.
For those travelling in larger groups, the Grand Central Express shuttle is a budget-friendly option that runs on a regular schedule between JFK and Grand Central Terminal. This is a convenient way to reach one of New York's busiest transit hubs without the hassle of navigating the subway with multiple people and luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
You can wait at the TWA Hotel, which is located at Terminal 5 and has a retro airplane cocktail lounge and a rooftop pool overlooking the runway.
The average security wait time is 14 minutes and can be extended to 30-35 minutes during peak hours. The customs wait time is three minutes, and the average immigration wait time is 24 minutes.
You can save time by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, or by using the airport's RESERVE virtual queue line program, which allows you to book your spot up to 72 hours in advance.
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, rideshare, and the AirTrain, which is a free transit system that connects all terminals.
