Tips, Recommendations, and Precautions for Traveling Through JFK Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the world and, as such, can be both fascinating and overwhelming. Whether you're departing, arriving, or in transit, this guide will provide key recommendations to enjoy and optimize your experience at JFK.

🧳 Before Arriving at the Airport

⏰ Arrive with time: 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic flights.
📍 Check your terminal: Check with your airline, there are 6 active terminals.
🚫 Avoid peak hours: 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM are the most congested times.
📱 Download the JFK app: Maps, flights, and security in real-time.

🚗 Transportation to JFK

🚆 AirTrain: Economical and connects to the subway and LIRR. Ideal without much luggage.
🚖 Taxi/Uber: From Manhattan, approx. $90. Traffic can double the estimated time.
🛻 Rental cars: Useful for getting around remote areas. Choose well-rated agencies like Alamo.

⚠️ General Precautions

🛂 TSA Security: Some agents can be tough. Be clear, polite, and patient.
🔁 Connections between terminals: The AirTrain is free, but you must exit the secure area and go through security again.
🚶‍♀️ Long distances to the gates: In terminals like 4 and 8, walking from security to your gate can take more than 15 minutes. Check your gate number as soon as you clear security. 👉 See estimated times per terminal.
🗣️ Language: If you don't speak English, bring instructions or use apps like Google Translate.

🚘 Arrival by car and pickup

If you arrive by private car or someone is picking you up:

🅿️ Parking: Fills up quickly. Book online or use the Cell Phone Lot.
🚧 Road construction: Use apps with live traffic. There are constant detours.
📦 Quick pickup: Some areas allow only 10 minutes of stopping time.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveling with children, seniors, or reduced mobility

🚼 Changing tables: Present in almost all restrooms. Play area in T5.
♿ Wheelchairs: Request them from the airline. They can be delayed if there is high demand.
🧓 Seniors: The TWA Hotel is excellent for rest stops with full accessibility.

🛫 During your stay at JFK

🧾 Check-in and security

📲 Check-in online: Save time and avoid lines.
🛄 Documents: Have your passport, visa, boarding pass, and medical certificates (if applicable) handy.
🔍 Security checks: Security can be stressful. Stay calm.

🔄 Connections and long layovers

🚫 Avoid terminal changes: They involve exiting and re-entering security.
🛌 Rest: VIP lounges or TWA Hotel (ideal if you have more than 6 hours of waiting).
📶 WiFi: Free. Bring an external battery, outlets are scarce.

🍽️ Food, shopping, and VIP lounges

🍔 Featured Food

Terminal 4: Buffalo Wild Wings, Shake Shack, Bento Sushi.
Terminal 5: Blue Smoke, Deep Blue Sushi, Artichoke Pizza.
💡 Tip: Eat before security if you have time. It's cheaper.

🛍️ Shopping

Duty Free (T1 and T8): good brands but criticized for customer service.
Victoria’s Secret, Hudson News, tech stores, and souvenirs in all terminals.

🛋️ VIP Lounges

⚠️ Important: You can only enter the VIP lounge of the terminal you are actually flying from. JFK does not allow changing terminals after security, and each operates independently.

🥐 Air France Lounge (T1): Excellent food. Problems reported with Diners/PP cards.
🍸 Centurion Lounge (T4): Very good, but crowded during peak hours. Has a hidden speakeasy-style bar.
🌿 KAL Lounge (T1): Quiet, good service, and Korean options.

🕓 Long layovers: is it worth leaving?

🏨 TWA Hotel: Option inside the complex. Pool and museum included.
🚖 Excursion: Only if your layover is more than 7-8 hours. Consider traffic and re-entry.
🌊 Nearby: Rockaway Beach or Jamaica Bay are options 25-30 min away.

🎁 Free services that not many know about

💧 Drinking water stations (bring an empty bottle).
🛐 Chapels open 24/7 (Terminals 1 and 4).
🧘 Meditation and yoga room (Terminal 4).

🛬 Tips for arriving passengers

👮 Immigration: Can take between 20 and 120 minutes. Bring patience.
🎒 Luggage: Check screens, sometimes they change without notice.
🔁 Connections: Allow at least 3 hours if you are changing terminals or airlines.
🚍 Exits: Use the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach to connect with the subway or train.

🎯 Conclusion

Traveling through JFK can be a very positive experience if you arrive informed. With time, planning, and the right resources, you can minimize stress and make the most of your time at one of the most important airports in the world. Safe travels!