Frequently Asked Questions at John F. Kennedy Airport

Answers to passenger questions

 

JFK New York airport faqs
Photo by Littleny - Istockphoto

Covid: What to take into account when entering the United States?

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.

As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC not longer requires air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

Some categories of noncitizen, nonimmigrants are excepted from this requirement. If you meet the criteria for one of these categories, you will need to fulfill additional requirements to travel by air to the United States.

The vaccine must either be approved by the US Federal Drug Administration or must have an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization (such as Astrazeneca). Mixed dose vaccinations will also be accepted. Find the complete list of accepted vaccines here, along with acceptable ways to prove vaccination.

The vaccination requirement does not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents or US nationals. 

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is currently not required in indoor areas of public transportation, including on airplanes, buses, trains and other forms of public transit.

For further details, CLICK HERE.

Travelers Entering New York or New Jersey need to follow state specific testing and quarantine travel guidance. For details on the latest travel guidance, and information for essential workers, please visit the New York or New Jersey COVID-19 pages.

What is the fastest way to access to midtown Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn?

The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is a commuter train connecting Jamaica Station with Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan) as well as Atlantic Terminal (downtown Brooklyn) in 20 minutes (in both cases). Fares during Peak hours costs $10.75 and Off Peak $7.75. To get to Jamaica station from JFK airport terminals, you have to take the Airtrain (fare 8.00 USD - 10 minutes trip). The subway is a cheaper option (2.75USD plus the $8 Airtrain fare), but it takes between 50 and 55 minutes.

What is the taxi fare from JFK airport to Manhattan?

Flat Fare is $52 to the first destination (plus tolls and tip). The taximeter and receipt should reflect that this trip is a flat fare. Taxis impose a $4.50 surcharge during peak hours (4-8 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays), for a fare of $56.50. Learn more

Where are the Uber and Lyft Airport pickup location?

Lyft is available at the Cell Phone Lot and Limousine Lot and Uber pick up area is in arrivals or baggage claim area Terminals 1-4, and in departures level T5.

Is there free internet access?

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi internet access in all terminals. To connect, turn on Wi-Fi on your device, set wireless network to _Free JFK WiFi and select Free Unlimited WiFi and enjoy.

How to transfer between the terminals?

The 24-hour JFK AirTrain is the fastest and easiest way to move around JFK Airport. The system connects all passenger terminals to airport parking lots, the hotel shuttle pick-up area, the rental car center, and NYC’s public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, where you can connect with the subway, the Long Island Rail Road, and public buses. AirTrain is free unless you start or end your journey at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. There, the fee is $8.00 USD. Learn More

How to connect JFK with Newark and Laguardia airports?

From JFK to LaGuardia run ETS Air Shuttle (718) 221-5341 and All County Express (800) 914-4223 Rates: (22 USD) - Journey Time: 45 to 60 minutes.

From JFK to Newark Liberty run the ETS Air Shuttle (share van 52 usd - 60 to 90 min).

What to do in case of a long layover?

There are many duty free shops (in terminals 1,4,5 and 7) and dining options in all terminals. JFK airport also offer a number of other amenities including Nursing suites, Beauty & Spa, Charging Stations, Service Animal & Pet Relief, Worship Spaces. In turn, there are several VIP lounges in all terminals with beverages, food, relax areas, etc and the TWA HOTEL in case you have several hours.

What to do in case of loss of valuables or luggage?

If you left your property on the plane or your checked baggage didn't show up you need to contact to your airline. If you left any items within the airport grounds (public and after security areas) fill this form or call 561-408-0101.

Is there a luggage storage service?

Terminals 1, 4 and 8 have this service. In Terminal 1 call (718) 751-2947 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. for prices and other details about luggage storage there. In T4, the luggage storage service is available 24 hours a day in the Arrivals Hall - Accommodations Plus International Tel - (718) 751-4020. In T8, the service is located in the arrivals area - Meehgan Services - tel (718) 995-9292. Depending on the size of the luggage, the rates start from $ 10 per day.

What to do in case of feeling lost, or with no money, passport or missing the flight?

In case of an extreme situation, the Traveler's Aid (a not-for-profit organization), furnishes both professional and volunteer staff who provide emergency assistance to customers who are lost, confused, uncertain, or who have lost airline tickets or traveling papers (passport, visa, certificate of birth, etc.), or with insufficient funds, separated from traveling companions. Also in case of the disabled or elderly traveling alone, or who incur other circumstances which would preclude them from continuing on to their final destination.

You can find Traveler's Aid Volunteers at the Welcome Center in each terminal at JFK. Their office number is (718) 656-4870.

Is there any free parking area in JFK airport?

For those picking up a passenger, there are free Cell Phone Lots located less than five minutes from all terminals and provides a convenient place to wait for arriving flights. As an alternative, the Kiss & Fly free zone located at the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Boulevard Station, is also a pick-up drop-off area. Kiss & Fly enables travelers to simply hop on AirTrain for a fast and free ride to their terminal. See parking details

Are there currency exchange desks?

There are several international currency exchange desks located in Terminals 1, 5 and 8. In addition, you can find ATM cash machines in Terminals 4, 5 and 7.

Are there designated areas for smoking at the airport?

Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside each terminal.