Visitors intending to reach the official site should visit jfkairport.com
Amenities and Miscellaneous Services at JFK Airport
Beyond the boarding gates and shops, JFK Airport offers a range of services designed to make your journey easier. From internet connectivity to luggage storage, knowing where they are and how reliable they are can make a big difference in your experience. Below, we analyze the key services based on feedback from thousands of passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Services at JFK
Is the free Wi-Fi good?
Yes, in general, it is stable and has acceptable speed in most terminals. However, it can become slow in very crowded areas. The network you should connect to is "_Free JFK WiFi".
Can I store my luggage at the airport?
Yes, but only in Terminals 1 and 4. The service is provided by Smarte Carte and has a daily fee. It is useful for long layovers but is not available in all terminals.
Is it easy to find a place to charge my phone?
Yes, the availability of charging stations is one of the airport's strengths. You will find outlets and USB ports at most boarding gates and waiting areas, especially in Terminals 4 and 7.
Is it advisable to exchange money at the airport?
Only if it's strictly necessary. The exchange rates at the airport's currency exchange offices are consistently less favorable than what you will find at banks or exchange bureaus in the city.
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Critical Points / Traveler's Manual
The Hidden Cost of Banking Convenience
ATMs and currency exchange bureaus are accessible, but they come at a price. ATM withdrawal fees can be high, and currency exchange rates are notably unfavorable.
Strategy: Try to arrive in New York with some dollars already exchanged. If you need cash, withdraw a larger amount at once to minimize the impact of fixed fees. For currency exchange, change only the bare minimum for your immediate needs.
The Limited Availability of Luggage Storage
The luggage storage service is a lifesaver for long layovers, but the fact that it is only available in Terminals 1 and 4 is a major inconvenience if you are flying from another terminal.
Strategy: If your flight does not operate from T1 or T4 and you need to store your bags, your only option will be to look for external luggage storage services in the city, which requires significant travel and careful time planning.
The Scarcity of Luggage Carts
Although Smarte Carte carts are available, travelers report that during peak hours they can be difficult to find, especially in international arrivals areas. Also, unlike many European airports, their use is not free.
Strategy: If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or have reduced mobility, do not count on the immediate availability of a cart. Be prepared to handle your luggage on your own for short distances until you find one available.
Information Desks
You will find a Welcome Center in the arrivals area of each terminal, ideal for questions about transportation and accommodation. In addition, customer service staff, identifiable by their red uniforms, are distributed throughout the airport. Terminal 4 has an additional information desk in its retail area.
- Traveler's Aid: Available in Terminals 4, 7, and 8 (Tel: +1 718 656 4870).
User Experience: In general, the staff is perceived as friendly and helpful, although during peak hours the wait to be assisted can be considerable. The helpfulness of the agents in red uniforms is a consistently mentioned positive point.
Banking Services
ATMs
Terminal 1: Arrivals and departures levels, food court, gates 3 and 4.
Terminal 4: Arrivals level, gates A3, B24, B30, and in the retail areas.
Terminal 5: Arrivals level and near the boarding gates.
Terminal 7: Arrivals level and boarding gates.
Terminal 8: Arrivals level and boarding gates.
Currency Exchange
Terminal 1: Arrivals area and central hall.
Terminal 4: Arrivals level, Concourse B, and retail areas.
Terminal 7: Near the boarding gates and in the arrivals area.
User Experience: The ATMs are well-distributed, but complaints about high fees are frequent. It is recommended to use cards that reimburse these fees. Currency exchange is criticized for its poor conversion rates; it is better to exchange money in the city.
Luggage Storage and Carts
The luggage storage service is operated by Smarte Carte and is only available in the following terminals:
Terminal 1: Tel +1 718 751 1770. Arrivals lower level.
Terminal 4: Tel +1 718 916 8963. Arrivals level.
The rates are daily (maximum 48 hours) and are around USD 15.00 for small items, USD 25.00 for standard suitcases, and USD 35.00 for special luggage. It is recommended to book online. Luggage carts are also available for a fee.
User Experience: The service is considered useful but expensive. The main criticism is its limited availability, leaving passengers in Terminals 5, 7, and 8 without options.
Luggage Wrapping Service
You can find this service to wrap your suitcases in protective plastic in the check-in areas of the following terminals:
Terminal 5: Check-in hall.
Terminal 7: Check-in hall.
User Experience: Travelers who use this service consider it a good extra security measure against theft or damage. However, during busy times, the process can add waiting time to your check-in process.
Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
To connect, look for the "_Free JFK WiFi" network. The service is unlimited and free. There are charging stations at most boarding gates and common areas of all terminals.
User Experience: The Wi-Fi is generally reliable. The charging stations are abundant and highly valued, although during peak hours it can be difficult to find a free outlet. Some USB ports may not work, so it's useful to bring your own power adapter.
Massage and Wellness
XpresSpa (Terminal 4)
Location: Near gate B22 and in the main retail area.
Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
They offer massages, manicures, pedicures, and other spa treatments.
Be Relax Spa (Terminal 1)
Status: According to the latest traveler reports, this location is permanently closed.
User Experience: The services at XpresSpa are highly praised as an excellent way to relax during a layover, highlighting the professionalism of the therapists. The main drawback is the high price, although many consider the quality to justify it.
Services for Families and Pets
Nursing Rooms
There are private and clean cabins for nursing mothers in all terminals, usually located after security near the boarding gates.
Pet Relief Areas
All terminals have "pet relief areas" both inside (after security) and outside the terminal.
User Experience: These services are highly appreciated by those traveling with babies or pets. The main criticism is that sometimes the signage to find them is not clear enough and the cleanliness could be improved in some areas.
Medical Services
There is a medical services office in Building 22A (Tel: +1 718 244 1644), accessible via a free shuttle bus. For emergencies, technicians are available 24/7 by calling the airport police number: +1 718 244 4333.
User Experience: The 24/7 availability of care is a point of reassurance, although the location of the main clinic outside the terminals is seen as an inconvenience in situations that are not emergencies but require a visit.
General Recommendations
- 🔹 Plan ahead for the use of services like luggage storage and currency exchange, as they are not available in all terminals.
- 🔹 Use contactless payment whenever possible to speed up transactions.
- 🔹 If you need assistance at the information desks, approach them as soon as you see them instead of waiting until you have a problem.
- 🔹 Always carry a portable charger. It's not only a backup if the charging stations are occupied, but also a safety measure if your flight is delayed and you need battery.