John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
New York, New York · ICAO KJFK
The premier international gateway to New York City, JFK handles more international passengers than any other U.S. airport. The airport has six active terminals arranged around a central AirTrain loop, with Terminal 1 recently rebuilt as the New Terminal One, a world-class 23-gate facility.
JFK Airport Overview
John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK / ICAO: KJFK) is located in New York, New York. The premier international gateway to New York City, JFK handles more international passengers than any other U.S. airport. The airport has six active terminals arranged around a central AirTrain loop, with Terminal 1 recently rebuilt as the New Terminal One, a world-class 23-gate facility.
Hub for: Delta Air Lines, JetBlue
jfkairport.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 JFK Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from JFK.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: JFK is a hub for Delta Air Lines and JetBlue, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
JFK TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at JFK average about 10 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Sunday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at JFK
- Terminal 1 (New Terminal One): Terminal 1 Security — enhanced international screening, TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 2: Terminal 2 Checkpoint — connected airside to Terminal 4
- Terminal 4: Terminal 4 Checkpoint — CLEAR and TSA PreCheck available, connects airside to Terminal 2
- Terminal 5: Terminal 5 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available
- Terminal 7: Terminal 7 Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 8: Terminal 8 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
JFK Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
John F. Kennedy International Airport has 6 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal 1 (New Terminal One)
Terminal 2
Terminal 4
Terminal 5
Terminal 7
Terminal 8
Airlines at JFK — Terminal & Gate Directory
John F. Kennedy International Airport is served by 13+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Korean Air | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Norwegian | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Turkish Airlines | Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) | Gates 1–23 |
| Delta Air Lines (domestic shuttle and select routes) | Terminal 2 | Gates 21–29 |
| Delta Air Lines (international hub) | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| Emirates | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| Etihad | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| Singapore Airlines | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| Virgin Atlantic | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| KLM | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| China Southern | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| El Al | Terminal 4 | Gates A1–A12, B20–B47 |
| JetBlue Airways | Terminal 5 | Gates 1–31 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 7 | Gates 1–12 |
| British Airways | Terminal 7 | Gates 1–12 |
| Icelandair | Terminal 7 | Gates 1–12 |
| LOT Polish | Terminal 7 | Gates 1–12 |
| American Airlines | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
| British Airways (select) | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
| Cathay Pacific | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
| Finnair | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
| LATAM | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
| Qatar Airways | Terminal 8 | Gates 1–50 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve JFK:
Where to Eat at JFK — Dining & Food Guide
John F. Kennedy International Airport has 22+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From JFK — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching New York from John F. Kennedy International Airport:
- AirTrain JFK — automated train connecting all terminals, parking, and Jamaica Station/Howard Beach subway
- NYC Subway — via AirTrain to Jamaica Station (E/J/Z) or Howard Beach (A train)
- LIRR — via AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station (~35 min total)
- Ride-share & taxi — flat taxi fare of $52 + tolls/tip to Manhattan
- NYC bus — Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10 routes to nearby neighborhoods
JFK Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Garages
Short-term garages at each terminal
Long-Term Lot (Lefferts Blvd)
Free AirTrain shuttle to all terminals
Federal Circle
Economy lot connected via AirTrain
Airport Lounges at JFK
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- Delta Sky Club (Terminals 2, 4)
- Delta One Lounge (Terminal 4)
- JetBlue Mint Lounge (Terminal 5)
- American Admirals Club (Terminal 8)
- Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4)
- British Airways Galleries Lounge (Terminal 7)
- Korean Air Lounge (Terminal 1)
JFK Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at John F. Kennedy International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Sushi Nakazawa, Jean-Georges.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. JFK has 7 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. John F. Kennedy International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 6 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
JFK Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at JFK?
Typical TSA security wait times at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) average around 10 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest sunday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our JFK TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from JFK. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at JFK are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of JFK?
JFK is served by carriers including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and others. John F. Kennedy International Airport is a hub for Delta Air Lines and JetBlue.
How many terminals does JFK have?
John F. Kennedy International Airport has 6 terminal areas: Terminal 1 (New Terminal One); Terminal 2; Terminal 4; Terminal 5; Terminal 7; Terminal 8. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from JFK to downtown New York?
Popular ways to reach downtown New York from John F. Kennedy International Airport include AirTrain JFK; NYC Subway; LIRR. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does JFK have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
John F. Kennedy International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like JFK also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at JFK?
John F. Kennedy International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Sushi Nakazawa, Shake Shack, Eli's Essentials, Shake Shack, Tigin Irish Pub. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is JFK located?
John F. Kennedy International Airport is in New York, New York (NY). Its IATA code is JFK and its ICAO code is KJFK. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.