JFK Airport Pros and Cons: An Analysis Based on Real Experiences

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located in the Queens borough of New York City, is one of the world's busiest and most iconic airports. It serves as a gateway to the United States for millions of international passengers and is a hub for airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue.

This analysis of pros and cons of JFK Airport is based on the processing of hundreds of real reviews posted by users on platforms such as Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Skytrax, among others.

Knowing these aspects will allow you to better prepare for your trip and optimize your experience at JFK, whether you are departing, arriving, or in transit.

✅ Pros of JFK Airport

🌍 Outstanding International Connectivity

JFK is one of the airports with the highest number of international routes in the world. From here you can fly directly to cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, and JetBlue operate daily from its terminals.

In addition, many travelers choose it as a connecting airport due to the availability of flights and competitive schedules.

🏢 Modern Infrastructure (Expanding)

While some terminals still show their age, JFK is undergoing a major renovation with an investment of more than $19 billion that will modernize access, terminals, and services.

Currently, terminals such as 4 and 5 already offer spacious facilities, natural lighting, clear signage, rest areas, charging stations, and greater overall comfort.

🍽️ Varied Gastronomy and Shopping

At JFK you will find everything from popular chains to high-end restaurants. Among the most outstanding are:

🍣 Deep Blue Sushi (Terminal 5)
🍔 Shake Shack (Terminal 4)
🍕 Artichoke Pizza, Dunkin’, Starbucks

There are also duty-free shops, technology stores, perfumeries, souvenir shops, and fashion outlets in almost all terminals.

🛋️ VIP Lounges for Greater Comfort

JFK offers more than 20 VIP lounges available to members of Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Amex or Visa Signature cards, as well as paid access.

Some of the best rated include:

Air France Lounge (Terminal 1)
Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4)
KAL Lounge (Terminal 1)
Soho and Chelsea Lounge (Terminal 8)

They offer Wi-Fi, food, drinks, showers, and quiet spaces to rest or work.

🚇 Access from Anywhere in New York

JFK Airport is connected to the public transportation system 24/7 via the AirTrain JFK, which connects to:

🚆 Subway: Line E (Jamaica Station) or A (Howard Beach)
🚄 LIRR (Suburban Train): From Penn Station (Moynihan Hall)

In addition, you can arrive by taxi, Uber, Lyft, shuttle, or rental cars located in Federal Circle.

❌ Cons of JFK Airport

🔁 Terminals Disconnected from Each Other

One of the main difficulties at JFK is that each terminal functions as an independent unit. There is no common secure transit area between terminals, so:

If your connection is between airlines in different terminals, you will have to exit, take the AirTrain, and go through security again.
You will not be able to use a VIP lounge in another terminal, even if you have access, if you are not flying from that same terminal.

🔎 This limitation has been the subject of much criticism on platforms such as Google Reviews and Skytrax.

🚗 Congested Access and Unpredictable Traffic

Access to the airport can be complicated, especially during peak hours or weekends:

A trip from Manhattan can exceed 60 minutes.
Uber or Lyft pickup areas are not always well signposted and are sometimes far from the exit.
Parking lots fill up quickly. Sometimes you will have to leave your car at another terminal and take the AirTrain.

🛠️ Ongoing modernization works exacerbate these problems, with detours and changes in traffic patterns.

👮 Variable Customer Service

Although there are friendly and professional staff, many reviews mention negative experiences with security agents, airline counters, and cleaning staff.

Users highlight impatience, unwillingness to help, and mistreatment in stressful situations or language barriers.

💸 High Prices

Eating or shopping at JFK can be expensive. Some real examples reported by travelers:

A coffee: between $4.50 and $6.00 USD
A salad with a drink: up to $35 USD
Snacks or basic items: much more expensive than in the rest of the city

Price differences have also been reported between what is shown on the menu and what is charged at the checkout.

🚧 Ongoing Construction and Congestion

JFK is in the process of being renovated until 2026. Although it is an improvement for the future, today it implies:

Closed areas, constant noise, and visible construction
Temporary or confusing signage
Delays when walking between areas and sudden changes in access

💡 How to Prepare and Get the Most Out of JFK

📲 Download the JFK airport app to see maps, gate information, and real-time alerts.
🚶 Check your boarding gate as soon as you clear security: some walks take up to 18 minutes. 👉 See estimated times per terminal.
⏰ Arrive with time: 3 hours for international flights and 2 for domestic flights. Add a margin if you are traveling during peak hours.
🛄 Travel with carry-on luggage if you can: checking in online and avoiding checked baggage saves you time.
🛋️ Use the VIP lounges if you have access: they offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable bathrooms, and tranquility.
🍴 Plan where to eat: the best price-quality options are in well-known chains such as Shake Shack or Dunkin'.

📌 Conclusion: A Demanding but Functional Airport

JFK Airport has many advantages: great connectivity, variety of services, good gastronomy, and access from anywhere in New York. But it also presents challenges such as traffic, high costs, and lack of connection between terminals.

If you inform yourself well, arrive with time, and use the appropriate resources, you will be able to move with confidence and enjoy the best of the airport.