JFK: John F. Kennedy International Airport survival guide
JFK is a sprawl of separate terminals linked by the AirTrain, and it's in the middle of a huge rebuild. Confirm your terminal before you leave, and give yourself extra time to get there, get through security, and get to the gate.
Last checked October 2026. Confirm details on JFK Airport (official).
JFK at a glance
| Terminals | Several separate terminals, each with its own security |
|---|---|
| Between terminals | AirTrain JFK (free inside the airport) |
| Public transit | AirTrain to Jamaica (subway, LIRR) or Howard Beach (subway) |
| Biggest airlines | JetBlue, Delta, American, plus many international airlines |
Tips for JFK
- Check your terminal on the day you fly. With construction, airlines and gates shift.
- Each terminal has its own security, so you can't walk between most of them after screening.
- The AirTrain plus subway or LIRR is often faster than a car at rush hour.
- Allow at least two hours for domestic flights and three for international.
Universal airport tips
- TSA PreCheck usually means shorter lines, and you keep your shoes on.
- Screenshot your boarding pass in case the app or Wi-Fi fails.
- Know your rights before something goes wrong: refunds, bumping, and lost bags.