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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a busy airport for its size, transporting over 59 million passengers annually before the pandemic. Traffic congestion around the airport is reasonable, with good public transport connections around New York City and beyond.
JFK’s automated people mover, the AirTrain, makes it quick and convenient to move between terminals, while also transporting passengers to the outskirts of the airport for car rental services, pick-up and drop-off stations, and long-term parking. This eases central airport congestion further.
John F. Kennedy International Airport has 5 terminals numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and these are located on the outside of a rectangular loop, with vehicle access and parking on the inside. The inside of the loop is landside, or pre-security, where all passengers and visitors can access, and the outside areas are airside, or post-security, where only passengers with a valid ticket are permitted.
The loop is defined by the AirTrain tracks, which is the way to get from one terminal to another, excluding access to Terminal 1, which is currently via free shuttle bus from Terminals 4 or 8. None of the terminals interconnect with airside walkways, so you do need to go through security again for a flight connection.
Facilities vary considerably between terminals, so if you’re looking to shop or grab a bite to eat before heading airside, then it’s best to check what options are available in your terminal. You can check this information on the airport’s website.
Inter-terminal transportation revolves around the AirTrain, and there are currently a couple of different lines you can ride depending on your destination. To move from one terminal to another, you can ride both lines for free, with a courtesy shuttle bus currently serving Terminal 1 while construction work sees an extended closure of the AirTrain station.
The shuttle service from Terminal 8 to Terminal 1 operates 24/7, while a bus route between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 operates from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The AirTrain lines usually loop round all terminals, before carrying on to either Jamaica Station (red line) or Howard Beach (green line). However, with the ongoing construction work at Terminal 1, these lines are running to Terminal 4 and back again. The 2 lines split at Federal Circle, with the green line also stopping at the long-term parking lot A/B and Kiss & Fly drop-off area.
If you’re riding the AirTrain between terminals, to Federal Circle, or to Lefferts Boulevard, then your ride will be free. If you start or end your journey at Jamaica or Howard Beach then a one-way trip will cost $8.25.
AirTrain stations are located outside each terminal, connected by walkways on the following levels:
JFK doesn’t encourage walking between terminals as the roads are busy on the inside of the airport loop. However, there are sidewalks available, and it is possible to walk between some of the terminals that are closer together, such as Terminals 4 and 5.
Terminal 1 is on the southeast side of the airport, operating flights from international airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. With the Terminal 1 parking lot currently closed, the nearest parking is located at Terminal 8 (red parking garage) with a quick journey on the free shuttle bus.
Level 1 – Baggage Claim
Baggage claim and Customs and Immigration is located on level 1. When connecting from Terminal 1, you’ll need to take the courtesy shuttle bus from outside the terminal to either Terminal 4 or Terminal 8, where you can pick up the AirTrain.
Level 2 – Departure Concourse
Terminal 1 has 14 gates numbered 1 to 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B, and 8 to 12. Passing through security, gates 4 to 12 are down the long corridor straight ahead of you, and gates 1 to 3 are to the right. Shops and restaurants are located on the concourse level, along with a Korean Airlines Lounge and Turkish Airlines Lounge near gate 3 and an Air France Lounge near gate 1.
Level 3 – Check-in
The ticketing desks and security checkpoint are located on level 2. There’s also a VIP One Lounge outside of security.
Level 4 – Food Court
The terminal food court is located on level 4, with options such as Mcdonald’s and Dunkin’. The pedestrian bridge across to the AirTrain station (currently closed due to ongoing construction) is also located on level 3, accessible from the check-in area.
Terminal 4 consists of 42 gates split across 2 concourses and operates international and domestic flights. It’s located at the southern end of the airport with available parking in the blue garage outside the terminal.
Level 1 – Arrivals
Baggage claim is located on level 1 of the terminal, where international arrivals will also pass through Customs and Immigration. The Global Entry enrollment office is located in the arrivals hall.
Level 4 – Check-in
Check-in desks are located on level 3. As you pass through security, you’ll need to take the escalator or elevator down to the departures level where Concourse A is to the left and Concourse B is to the right. Once inside the secure area, eligible passengers can also access the American Express Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Clubs on this level.
Concourse A
Concourse A has 16 gates numbered A2 to A7 on the upper level and gates A9 to A17, A19, and A21 on the lower level. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants in Concourse A with more located in the connector between Concourses A and B.
Level 4 of the concourse has a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Air India Maharaja Lounge, and an Emirates Lounge.
Concourse B
Concourse B has 29 gates numbered B20, B22 to B39, and B41 on the upper level and B42 to B49 and B51 on the lower level. There’s a Minute Suites, XpresSpa, and a large choice of shops and restaurants in the concourse.
Terminal 5 is situated on the east side of the airport and is connected to the TWA Hotel. JetBlue and several other airlines operate out of Terminal 5 for domestic and international flights, and passengers may park in the yellow parking garage for the easiest access.
Level 1 – Baggage Claim
Baggage claim and a USO Lounge are located on level 1 of Terminal 5. A welcome center is located in the arrivals hall and ground transportation is available at the arrivals curbside.
Level 2 – Arrival Gates
The international flight arrival gates are on level 2, and after processing, passengers will continue into the main arrivals hall. Hotel guests can also walk along the connector bridges between Terminal 5 and the TWA Hotel on this level.
Level 3 – Departure Concourse
When you clear security, you’ll have gates 22 to 30 to the left, gates 1 to 7 to the right, and gates 8 to 12 and 14 to 21 straight ahead along the long corridor. Terminal 5 has shops and restaurants located pre-security and a wide selection after security.
Hot Tip: If connecting from Terminal 5, then you would need to take the escalator or elevator from arrivals to the Skywalk, where there are moving walkways to take you to the AirTrain.
Terminal 7 is used for both domestic and international flights operated by United Airlines, Icelandair, Eurowings, and several other airlines.
Level 1 – Baggage Claim
Baggage claim and Customs and Immigration are located on level 1. There are very few places to eat or shop outside of the secure area on the arrivals or departure levels.
Level 2 – Check-in
Check-in and the security checkpoint are located on level 2. When you clear security, you will need to take the escalator to level 3 for departures.
Level 3 – Departure Concourse
Terminal 7 has 10 departure gates, an Alaska Airlines Lounge, and a good selection of shops and restaurants. Gates 1 to 6 are to the left, gates 7 and 8 are straight ahead, and gates 9 to 11, 11A, and 12 are to the right.
Terminal 8 is located in the northwest side of the airport and operates both domestic and international flights. Terminal 8 has 33 gates split across Concourses B and C.
Level 1 – Arrivals
Customs and Immigration and baggage claim are located on level 1. A Dunkin’ is available for refreshments and there’s a welcome center in the arrivals hall. The AirTrain walkway is accessible from level 2.
Level 3 – Check-in and Concourse A
Check-in is located on level 3 with the security checkpoint. Once clearing security, passengers will arrive into the central concourse area with a good choice of shops and restaurants.
Once you’ve passed through security, you’ll enter Concourse A first with gates 1 to 8, 10, and 12 to the left and gates 14, 16, 18, and 20 to the right. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants along the concourse and the joint lounges for British Airways and American Airlines are located on level 4.
Level 3 – Concourse B
To reach Concourse B, you’ll need to go straight from security and walk to the terminal via the underground tunnel. Gates 31A to D and gate 42 are to the left and gates 43 to 47 are to the right.
There’s a small selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the concourse and an Admirals Club.
For all domestic-to-domestic and domestic-to-international flight connections from a different terminal, you’ll need to exit the terminal and re-clear security. If you’ve booked 2 flights on 1 reservation, then double-check any checked luggage is tagged through to your final destination.
If you’re connecting between domestic flights or domestic-to-international, and your onward flight departs from the same terminal you arrive at, then you wouldn’t have to re-clear security (provided you have an onward boarding card and your luggage doesn’t need re-checking).
For international-to-international or international-to-domestic connections, passengers will have to clear Immigration, claim baggage, and then clear Customs. After passing through Customs, there are recheck counters available for bags tagged to an onward destination.
Hot Tip: Be sure to leave plenty of time to transfer to the next terminal as security checkpoint times can vary, and consider whether you will have to check in and bag-drop if you’ve booked 2 flights separately.
All terminals at JFK are accessible to those with mobility issues and wheelchair users. There are elevators stationed at all level changes and for access to the AirTrain, where each train has 2 designated wheelchair areas. All airlines offer accessibility services if you request this before your flight.
Hopping on the AirTrain is a quick and convenient way to get between terminals at JFK, with the current exclusion of Terminal 1. The only downside is the lack of post-security transportation, unlike the post-security people-mover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. However, Atlanta receives criticism about not having enough pre-security transportation options, so there’s no right or wrong answer here.
As the terminals have received renovations at different times over the years, there is a clear difference between the facilities and the modernization of each building. If you’re arriving early or are planning a layover at JFK, then be sure to check out the restaurants and shops available to you pre-security to establish whether you would be better off waiting out your time at another terminal.
For more information about JFK, check out this in-depth review that has everything travelers need to know about JFK.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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156 comments
Elena
February 11, 2020
Hello, I am arriving at Terminal 8 from Helsinki at 14:40 and I need to catch my next flight to Calgary at 17:30 from Terminal 4. I have 2 separate tickets and need to drop off my luggage. Is 2:50 hours enough time to catch my connecting flight? Thank you for your time and help.
Andrew Kunesh
February 11, 2020
Hey Elena, thanks for commenting. In my opinion, 2:50 is cutting it close as you need to clear U.S. customs, take the AirTrain between T8 and T4, and re-clear security at JFK. This can be a risky connection if you’re not flying the same ticket all the way to Calgary. However, it may be possible to make your flight if customs and security lines are short when you arrive.
nexi
February 20, 2020
Hello,
I am picking someone up from terminal 1, where is the best parking for me to park my car near the terminal?
Jarrod West
February 20, 2020
Hi Nexi,
Your best bet would be to park your car in the cell phone parking lot and wait until they are about to exit the terminal, at which point you can drive up and pick them up. When you arrive at the airport just follow the posted signs to the cell phone parking lot.
Thanks for reading!
coralie
February 20, 2020
Hello,
My parents will arrive at terminal 2 by delta and they must go to terminal 1 for another flight with Norwegian three hours later.
So they need to pick up their bags, take the Airtrain, check-in their bags and re-clear security correct?
They don’t speak English. Is it easy to find Airtrain?
Thank you.
Jarrod West
February 21, 2020
Hi Coralie,
Yes – you are correct! The AirTrain is not difficult to find as there are plenty of signs posted that will lead them right to it. If they need any extra assistance, there will be plenty of airport staff who can point them in the right direction.
Kk
February 23, 2020
We have a 7:30 pm appointment with Global Entry on Sat evening in Terminal 4 then need to get to Terminal 1 for Norwegian flight at 10:30 pm. Which AirTrain color do we take from Term 4 to term 1?
Jarrod West
February 23, 2020
Hi Kk,
You should take the yellow line. Terminal 1 will be the very next stop after terminal 4.
Thanks for reading!
Griffin
February 25, 2020
Our flight arrives in JFK at terminal 4 at 6:52 pm and our international flight departs out of terminal 1 at 9 pm. I have never flown internationally and having some anxiety. Is 2ish hours enough time to make it to the other terminal, go through security and any international check? I know international flights board earlier so just worried we will be running from gate to gate.
Catherine Luther
February 26, 2020
Hi Griffin,
We can’t comment whether this is enough time I’m afraid as this is highly dependent on your inbound flight being on time, disembarking, and any queues or delays you may experience at bag drop or security. International flights tend to shut their gates around 30 minutes before the flight departure time. It should only take you a few minutes to travel on the AirTrain between the terminals but if you feel it’s not enough time then speak to your airline about changing the inbound flight to an earlier option.
Jeff
March 07, 2020
I have to meet a business partner for a few hours at JFK. The issue is that I’m arriving at Terminal 4 and he is arriving at Terminal 1. Is there a way for me to get to terminal 1 after getting in at terminal 4 that morning? If I have to clear security I won’t have a ticket for terminal 1 and I’m assuming they won’t let me pass? What a mess.
Anyone know the rules or a way to accomplish this at JFK?
Jarrod West
March 07, 2020
Hi Jeff,
Just to clarify, will you have a boarding pass for continuing travel departing out of another terminal? If so, you may be able to access terminal 1 if you explain the situation to them (though they may not ask you at all).
If you will not have another boarding pass, then I’m afraid it will not be possible for either of you to enter another terminal once you arrive.
Jeff
March 07, 2020
Thanks Jarrod for replying:
I have a boarding pass for terminal 4 because I will be returning from an international flight and later that day connecting to a domestic flight from there.
Do you see an issue with that possibly making it impossible?
I wish I knew this airport better 🙁
Thanks
Jeff
Jarrod West
March 07, 2020
Hi Jeff,
In that case, you should be fine to swap terminals. People often do this when visiting certain airport lounges that they have access to. There have been a handful of cases where I have been told I was not able to, but about 95% of the time there are no issues.
Sumit
July 01, 2020
My international arrival is at Terminal 4 and my domestic departure is from terminal 7. Is it convenient to make this transit with 2 kids (aged 8 and 10) and 3 pieces (50 pounds each) of checked baggage for a 4-hour layover?
Jarrod West
July 01, 2020
Hi Sumit,
You will need to clear customs upon arrival, and then likely will need to re-clear security as well, but 4 hours should be more than enough time.
Safe travels!
Bilal
July 23, 2020
I ‘ll be landing at Terminal 4 through an international flight and then leaving for an international destination through Terminal 5 in 6 hours. So my question is, will I need to go through immigration when moving from Terminal 4 to 5?
Jarrod West
July 29, 2020
Hi Bilal,
No, you should only need to go through Customs when you arrive in Terminal 4. Once you clear customs and proceed to terminal 5 you will need to clear standard airport security, but not customs.
Marcela Kuchtova
August 03, 2020
I am arriving at terminal 5 flying JetBlue. I need to catch an international flight on Virgin Atlantic at Terminal 4, with a connection time around 1 and 1/2 hours. I’m confused what is the procedure between these terminals in this case. I will be traveling only with hand luggage. Will I have to re-clear security? Is 1 and 1/2 hours enough time?
Thank you.
Jarrod West
August 04, 2020
Hi Marcela,
Yes, you will have to re-clear security when you arrive at Terminal 4. 1 and half hours should be plenty of time to make your next flight, assuming your flight arrives on time.
Thanks for reading!
Marcela Kuchtova
August 04, 2020
Thanks Jared for the answer and for the article, very informative.
Rodney Smith
August 03, 2020
Very informative article. Thanks for the nice work.
My question: I’m booked on a Delta flight that”s scheduled to arrive at JFK terminal 4 at 4:25pm, and connect to a Royal Air Maroc flight that’s scheduled to depart terminal 1 at 7:50 pm the same evening.
I understand I have to retrieve the luggage from Delta and then head to terminal 1, recheck the luggage with Royal Air Maroc. I’m flying first/business class on each flight and have CLEAR/TSA-Pre. Do you think I have enough time to make the connection?
Thanks
Jarrod West
August 04, 2020
Hi Rodney,
Yes, since you have around 3 hours you should have more than enough time to make your connection. Thanks for reading!
Rick
August 23, 2020
I arrive on JetBlue domestic terminal 5 then I’m going to terminal 1 to catch my next flight. Where exactly is the re-clearance security point between these terminals because I have three checked bags that I have to recheck? And will they allow me to take a cart through the terminals that will carry three luggages?
Jarrod West
September 11, 2020
Hi Rick,
There should be a spot as you’re exiting terminal 5, after you pick up your luggage, with an expedited luggage recheck conveyor belt for those with continuing travel. From there you can proceed to terminal 1.
dee
September 09, 2020
We are looking into long term parking (coming from Long Island) for a trip in December leaving from Jet Blue terminal 5. We are a family of 5 including grandparents and a toddler who may not be able to walk quickly or long distance. Would the air train be a good option for us, how long a trip would it be from long term parking to terminal 5? How much time would we need to allocate to do this for a morning flight and what is the cost?
Jarrod West
October 05, 2020
Hi Dee,
Yes, there are long term parking options at Jamaica station and Lefferts Boulevard. From either of those spots, you can take the AirTrain into JFK. But keep in mind the cost will be $5 per passenger if you’re coming from Jamaica, but free from Lefferts Boulevard. As far as timing I’d say budgeting 20 minutes for the ride should be fine.
Raymond Ip
September 22, 2020
I arrive on JetBlue domestic terminal 5 from Atlanta and then to terminal 4 to take an Emirates flight.
Can I transit internally at the airport? As I know temporary need quarantine for 14 days if I need to go outside for transit?
Jarrod West
September 22, 2020
Hi Raymond,
Yes, you can transfer from Terminal 5 to Terminal 4 within the airport by taking the AirTrain.
Safe travels!
Ahsan
November 24, 2020
Is there a paid service available between T8 and T4 for luggage transfer and a wheelchair?
My Uncle will land at T8 through Qatar Airways and will take Delta from T4.
Aldona
December 09, 2020
I’m arriving T7 at 20.30 and have another flight on the same ticket from T5 the next day at 8 am. How to get to terminal 5? Do I have to take my bags or they will be transferred to my next flight? Can I stay that long in the airport waiting for the next flight or I have to book a hotel?
Jarrod West
December 09, 2020
Hi Aldona,
You can take the AirTrain to switch terminals. You will need to pick up your bags since you’ll be waiting for your next flight overnight. Usually you are allowed to stay overnight in the airport if you wish, but since the spread of Covid-19 that may no longer be allowed. I recommend you contact the customer service team at JFK and ask if that is something you’re interested in doing.
Aldona
December 17, 2020
If I’m Polish, can I still travel to NY, or is this only available for US citizens? My flight is to Columbia, but I have one stop in NY (arriving from Warsaw) and have another flight at 8.00 am the next day.
Carla Petzold
March 19, 2021
I am looking at a flight to land at JFK from Madrid with Iberia and then I have to connect to JetBlue within 2.25 hrs. I know I have to clear customs and get my bag, and I know it’s cutting a tad short, but now with the pandemic, can I assume that lines are not as long as before?
Jarrod West
March 24, 2021
Hi Carla,
Yes, lines are definitely not as long as before. 2+ hours should be plenty of time. Safe travels!
Reginald
April 15, 2021
I’m not sure if the this has been mentioned before, but it is possible to walk between Terminals 1 and 2. A sidewalk connects the two terminals and if you don’t have luggage to carry it is a quick walk between.
Tricia Shaw
May 02, 2021
I am flying MCO to Manchester UK with a connection in JKF on Delta
Which terminal will I land and will I have to recheck my baggage at JKF?
Which airport will I be able to buy duty frees?
Catherine Luther
May 03, 2021
Hi Tricia,
Delta should check your luggage through to your final destination, but we advise you to give them a call to check or confirm when you’re checking in at Orlando Airport. It’s likely you’ll arrive at Terminal 4 at JFK where you can shop duty free.
Farhiya
June 27, 2021
I am coming from Denver with JetBlue and landing in terminal 5 and will catch a flight on terminal 8. Do I need to recheck my luggage and how do I get terminal 8? Thanks
Jarrod West
June 28, 2021
Hi Farhiya,
If you are transferring to another airline, then yes you likely will need to recheck your luggage. You can easily get from Terminal 5 to Terminal 8 by taking the AirTrain between Terminals.
Jordan Smith
July 15, 2021
I am flying from Richmond, VA to Las Vegas and JFK is my connecting flight. I’ve never flown alone before. I’m flying AA and I arrive at JFK in terminal 8 and my connecting is in terminal 8 as well. My connection is only an hour. Is that enough time? Do I have to go through TSA again or can I just get off my Richmond flight and wait at my connecting gate since I’m only taking a carry-on?
Thanks in advance!
Jarrod West
July 15, 2021
Hi Jordan,
Yes, a 1-hour layover should be more than enough time. Since you’re flying from another US airport, you will not have to re-clear security and can head straight to your next gate when you get off the plane at JFK. Safe travels!
Diane
July 26, 2021
I am flying LAX to JFK on Delta and landing at Terminal 4. I have a connection to Alitalia out of terminal 1 to Italy. The connection time is 1.42 hours. Is this enough time considering changing terminals and re-clearing security?
Jarrod West
July 26, 2021
Hi Diane,
As long as your first flight is not significantly delayed, then this should be more than enough time. Safe travels!
Vickie Hull
August 19, 2021
I’m going from Dulles to JFK to Rome, all on Delta. Delta is only offering 1 hour 5 min between flights. I’m concerned it’s not enough time but the other option is literally 10 hours at JKF, thoughts? I’m assuming we need a minimum of TSA Pre but maybe even Clear?
I’m using miles so they don’t offer a ton of options. I can change to DCA for 1 hr 25 min but as we all know not much difference just depends on the plane arriving on time.
Most of Deltas mileage options are all using Alitalia which is showing as available but we know are going defunct and who knows about a new relationship with loyalty programs. So I avoided those options.
Just stay put for now and monitor?
I’m seeing more options going through Atlanta, 2 1/5 hours between flights, perhaps I should change.
Jarrod West
August 19, 2021
Hi Vickie,
I’d say if you’re worried that 1 hour and 5 minutes won’t be enough time, then switching to having a 2 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta should work perfectly. Safe travels!
SM
September 30, 2021
Can I greet a passenger who is transferring flights in the same terminal?
Jarrod West
October 01, 2021
Hi SM,
You will not be able to enter the Terminal without a boarding pass.
Duncan Wyse
October 26, 2021
I am arriving at JFK on a Terminal 2 on a Delta flight at 7:00am in the morning before flying out of Terminal 1 on a Lufthansa flight @ 5:30pm. Where can I leave my luggage as I need to go into town?
Jarrod West
October 27, 2021
Hi Duncan,
JFK has luggage storage in Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 -https://www.jfk-airport.net/luggage-storage.html.
Jill Iannarelli
November 10, 2021
I am arriving at T5 Jetblue and need to meet my sister at T2 Delta. There will be almost 3 hours that I will need to wait for her flight to arrive. Is there an area that I can sit and wait? How long will it take for me to get to T2?
Jarrod West
November 11, 2021
Hi Jill,
Yes, there are many areas outside of Terminal 2 where you will be able to sit and wait. If you take the AirTrain then it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes or so to get there.
Rajiv
November 17, 2021
I am planning to transit from JFK. Arriving from Dubai with Emirates to terminal 4 then going to Guyana from terminal 5 with JetBlue the same day. What will be the process? Will I need a US visa for this transit?
Indranil
December 20, 2021
I am flying from Washington DC to San Juan PR. It is a Delta flight with a layover of 35 minutes at JFK. The first flight lands at gate B53 and my second flight departs from gate C69. Both are Delta flights. Do you think this is doable? 35 mins from B53 to C69??
Thanks!!
Jarrod West
December 20, 2021
Hi Indranil,
It might be a bit tight, but if you take the yellow line on the AirTrain running clockwise you should be able to make it!
Karen Ebner
December 21, 2021
Heading to Milan on AA from BWI with a transfer at JFK. We have 1 hour and 45 minutes. Is this doable? When we check in at BWI do we present the Covid test results and passports so we can go directly to the gate when we land at JFK?
Thanks
Jarrod West
December 21, 2021
Hi Karen,
Yes, 1 hour and 45 minutes should be plenty of time. It is likely that you’ll be asked to see your Covid test results in BWI, but they might verify them again at JFK as well. Safe travels!
Sidra Hayat
December 31, 2021
I arrive on a JetBlue domestic flight to terminal 5 and then to need to go to terminal 4 to take an Etihad flight. The connection time is 1 hours 20 minutes. Is this enough time considering I’ll need to change terminals and re-clearing security?
Jarrod West
December 31, 2021
Hi Sidra,
Yes, 1 hour and 20 minutes should be plenty of time.
Martin
January 01, 2022
I would like to access one of the lounges in T4, but will be leaving from T7. Anyone know if there’s an issue with visiting a different terminal for lounge access and then heading to the departing terminal after? Centurion lounge is in T4 but I’m leaving from T7.
Thanks!
Jarrod West
January 03, 2022
Hi Martin,
Yes, you should be able to do that without issue, I do so all the time!
Linda Campbell
March 02, 2022
I am arriving in Terminal 8 on American and need to connect with another American flight (I believe in Terminal 2); however, I don’t see on the ticket which terminal it is for sure. Will I need to re-clear security?
Jarrod West
March 07, 2022
Hi Linda,
Yes, you will need to re-clear security to get from Terminal 8 to Terminal 2. Safe travels!
kishan
March 08, 2022
I have connecting American Airlines flight from ORD – JFK T8 (Gate 8) – JFK T8 (Gate 37). From JFK I am flying internationally to India with a layover of 65 minutes. Will 65 minutes be good enough for JFK T8 (Gate 8) – JFK T8 (Gate 37)? Also, do I have to go through security again if I check in all my luggage in Chicago?
Jarrod West
March 09, 2022
Hi Kishan,
Yes, 65 minutes should be enough time, and no you should not have to re-clear security since you are flying in and out of the same Terminal at JFK. Safe travels!
kishan
March 11, 2022
Thanks Jarrod, this is very helpful.
Jackie
April 10, 2022
I have flights booked through my cruise line, for SEA to JFK on Alitalia (operated by Delta) and then JFK to FCO on Alitalia. Connection time is only 1 hour 18 minutes, and we have never been to JFK before so don’t know the layout. It will be on one ticket, but isn’t ticketed yet because they wait until 60 days before the cruise – should ticket it in August. How tight is this connection time – will we have to clear security again? I am afraid we may miss the flight considering it is international, and we are getting in less than 2 hours before. Also, I am afraid my very stubborn son will insist on finding a place to smoke -which will definitely result in needing to clear security again, and me wanting to wring his neck. Should we just try to change flights now? Travel is scheduled for mid october of this year.
Jarrod West
May 04, 2022
Hi Jackie,
I would imagine that you will be fine. An hour and 20 minutes should be enough time. I cannot say whether or not you will need to re-clear security though as it will depend on whether or not you need to switch terminals.
Cliff
April 24, 2022
I haven’t been to JFK in years and I’m taking a weekend flight plus leaving my car. Parking is $XX more for terminal 5 (what I need) vs 8, and I enjoy walking, I’m the person parking near the back of parking lots anyway. Can I walk to 5 from 8?
Jarrod West
April 25, 2022
Hi Cliff,
You would need to take the AirTrain from Terminal 8 to Terminal 5.
Cliff
April 25, 2022
I was afraid of that, thanks for the quick response!
Anima
May 01, 2022
I am flying from Aruba with JetBlue arriving at T5, in Aruba apparently US customs was already done. Do I still need to go through immigration and customs? I have a Etihad flight from JFK T4 to Dubai. I have 2 hours gap in between. Is this time enough? Second my luggage I was told has been checked through Dubai, but I have been reading here that you still need to claim your luggage in JFK, please advise.
Jarrod West
May 02, 2022
Hi Anima,
Yes, you should still have to go through customs and re-check your luggage when you land in the U.S.
Inah
May 22, 2022
Hello, I will be traveling as a first time immigrant to the USA this coming May 25 at JFK Terminal 8 via Qatar Airways followed by a domestic flight to Buffalo, NY via JetBlue Airways – both under a single ticket (I believe Qatar and JetBlue are interline partners). My question is, what should I do with my luggages after getting clearance from customs in Terminal 8? Should I carry them all the way to T5 or is there a drop-off counter for JetBlue in T8 after customs? Also, if I would be dropping off my luggages in T8, do I need to check-in again at T5 JetBlue counter? Thank you very much.
Chris Hassan
May 23, 2022
Hi Inah,
Since they are booked on the same ticket, it will be easy. After you pass immigration and collect your luggage, you will exit the baggage claim area and there will be a dedicated area to re-check your bags. Your bag should already have the proper tags, so you will just hand it off and then you will need to go and pass through security again for your JetBlue flight.
You shouldn’t need to check in for your flight (you may already get your boarding passes in Doha), just pass through TSA security.
Safe travels!
Chris
philip Le
June 12, 2022
Hello, we booked our flights separately from Atlanta (Jetblue air) to JFK terminal 5. and from JFK terminal 8 (American Airlines) to Barcelona (BCN). We have about 6 hours in between flights. I understand we need to go thru TSA security in T8 and re-check our luggages. Will we have enough time to leave JFK to visit the city? should we take free Airtrain to T4 to have our lugguages storage and eixit airport from T4? Please advise. Thanks in advance.
Jarrod West
June 13, 2022
Hi Philip,
It will take you about an hour each way to visit the city. So unless there is 1 specific thing you’d like to visit quickly, you probably wouldn’t have very much time.
philip Le
June 14, 2022
We will definitely reconsider leaving the airport. Thanks Jarrod.
Jarrod West
June 14, 2022
Happy to help, Philip!
philip Le
June 20, 2022
Hi Jarrod, instead of 8 hours layover in JFK for BCN flight, I just found a flight with 2.5 hours layover, will it be enough time for collecting lugguages in T5 and proceed to T8 for BCN flight? I booked these flights separately. Thanks in advance.
Jarrod West
June 20, 2022
Hi Philip,
Yes, I would think 2.5 hours should be more than enough time. Safe travels!
Vero
June 20, 2022
Hello! we have a flight on jetBlue Boston -JFK arriving at 12 am at terminal 8, and then we have to take a flight to Argentina at terminal 7 at 4:30 pm. We booked two separate tickets. Is it enough time? It is the first time we will visit New York. Thank you!!
Jarrod West
June 21, 2022
Hi Vero,
Yes, you should have more than enough time. Safe travels!
Lan
October 10, 2022
I’m arriving T4 on Hawaiian Air with checked-in luggage. My partner is arriving T7 on United about 5.5 hours later. Is it best for him to meet me at T4 as I wait for him? Will my luggage be fine during those 5.5 hours at the baggage claim area?
Jarrod West
October 11, 2022
Hi Lan,
You can take the AirTrain to T7 to wait for your partner outside of the secure area. I would not recommend leaving your checked luggage in baggage claim for 5.5 hours.
Claire
October 12, 2022
My son-in-law arriving on Brussels airlines at 1pm with a connection at 2:45pm to American. According to Brussels air and AA this is a legal connection. How smart is this to take? 1:45 for the AirTrain/luggage AND security? Seems insane.
Jarrod West
October 14, 2022
Hi Claire,
It might be a bit tight of a connection if the lines are especially long, but otherwise, an hour and 45 minutes should be enough time.
Kriti
December 02, 2022
Hi, I found your article very insightful and helped me plan my trip better. Today I took sfo – jfk (JetBlue, terminal 5) and then american airlines to Delhi (terminal 8). There is shuttle from gate 26 of terminal 5 to terminal 8 and that goes from inside the airport. So no security check required. Please add this information to your article.
Sheryl
May 15, 2023
Hi Jarrod, do you think it’s possible to do with only 50 minutes? Arrive on domestic AA flight at JFK Terminal 8-concourse C and departing 50 minutes later on international AA flight Term 8-concourse B; no checked luggage. 5 people all pretty fit. AA changed departure time on International flight by 30 minutes, so now a bit nervous. Thx
Chris Hassan
May 16, 2023
Hey Sheryl,
It is definitely possible, I have made that connection before, but it will be tight. If both flights are on time, your international flight will likely begin boarding as you are deplaning. The long underground tunnel may seem harrowing, but 50 minutes and if both tickets are on the same itinerary, there is a very good chance you will make it. Just no time for the lounge!
Safe travels,
Chris
Hoang
May 18, 2023
Hello, I am going to fly in JFK on Iceland air at T8, then transfer to American at T7. I have global entry and TSA clearance. Is 3 hours enough? Thank you.
Chris Hassan
May 18, 2023
Yes, that should be plenty of time.
Lisa
July 06, 2023
Thanks for helpful information about getting around JFK! By the way, the AirTrain stop at Terminal 1 is experiencing an “extended closure”. So, there is no yellow train doing a loop. There is a free shuttle bus between Terminals 1 and 8. Terminals 8, 7, 5 and 4 can be reached on the other two trains (red and green) to Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. This means you could be on the AirTrain a bit longer than expected depending on which direction the train is going in when you get on.
Keri Stooksbury
July 08, 2023
Thanks, Lisa – we’ve updated the article with some details about AirTrain and gate info for Terminal 4. Thanks for reading!
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