Here is everything you need to know about one of the most important international airports in the world, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
What Is JFK Airport?
History of JFK Airport
JFK Airport Tips
How to get to the airport?
How much does an Uber ride and one hour in a taxi cost to reach Manhattan?
What is the cheapest way to reach Manhattan?
What to do once you’re at the airport?
What are the security procedures?
How many terminals are there?
How are the different terminals connected?
What happens when you arrive on an international flight?
How many landings and how many departures are there per day?
How long before must I arrive at the airport for international flights?
How long before must I arrive at the airport for domestic flights?
Covid-19 update
What are the best hotels near JFK Airport?
What do you know about New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport? Probably not much, except that it’s the busiest in the country and a nightmare to navigate on any given trip. A lot of people complain about how overwhelming it is, but there are some great things about JFK as well.
After reading this article, you’ll be an expert on this iconic New York City airport. Whether you want to explore its history, its culture or just plan your next trip from here, we’ve got all the info you need right here. This guide will take you through everything from information on parking and public transit to tips for getting around and what to see while you’re here.
What Is JFK Airport?
Let’s start with some basics. What is JFK Airport? It’s the busiest and most important airport in the New York City area. It’s also the biggest single international gateway in North America and the second-busiest airport in the world. It’s served by the three largest airlines in the world, Delta, American, and United. It’s also the first airport many people think of when they think of New York City. JFK Airport is in the borough of Queens, and Queens is the most populous county in New York State. It’s also the second-most populous county in the United States. Also important to know is that the airport is located near Jamaica, a neighborhood of New York City.
History of JFK Airport
JFK Airport was built in the late 1930s, opening for flights in August, New York City in November. It was originally meant to be called New Port Washington Airport, named after the nearby village of New Port Washington. It was hopped up by the city when New York was looking for a new airport after the original was shut down. They wanted a new place that would be easy to access, and that could accommodate large aircraft. The area around the airport was once part of a swamp. The airport was built on what was then an island, and all of it was filled in with landfill. The airport was designed to divert air traffic away from New York City after the Pearl Harbor attack, and it did, during World War II. It was also used by the US military after the war ended.
It wasn’t until 1948 that it was finally open to commercial traffic. The airport was then known as Idlewild Airport, after the golf course that was in the same area. It was renamed in 1963, a year after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in his honor.
JFK Airport Today
Now that we know a little bit about the history of JFK Airport, let’s talk about what it’s like today. As we mentioned, it’s the busiest airport in the country and the second busiest in the world. It has six terminals and four runways, and it services more than 100 airlines. That means that there are a lot of people coming and going through JFK Airport every day. In fact, more than 60 million people traveled through the airport in 2017. That’s a lot of people! If you’re one of them, or if you’re planning to be, there are a few things you should know.
In May 2019, JFK Airport was ranked the worst airport in the United States by the website The Points Guy. The ranking was based on a survey of over 12,000 travelers. JFK Airport scored poorly in categories such as cleanliness, comfort, and food options.
The good news is that JFK Airport is currently undergoing a $13 billion renovation project. When the project is finished, JFK Airport is expected to be much improved. The first phase of the renovation is already complete, and the second phase is currently underway. So if you’re planning on traveling through JFK Airport in the future, things should be much better than they are now.
JFK Airport Tips
Now that we’ve told you a little bit about JFK Airport, let’s give you some tips on how to navigate it. After all, it can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
First of all, if you can, avoid peak travel times. That means avoid traveling during the holidays and on weekends. weekdays are generally going to be less crowded, and that means less time waiting in lines. If you can, travel during the middle of the week.
Second, give yourself plenty of time. JFK Airport is a big place, and it can take a while to get from one place to another. If you’re not used to the airport, give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
Third, familiarize yourself with the airport before you travel. That means taking a look at a map of the airport and figuring out where your terminal is. It also means knowing where things like security checkpoints and restrooms are. The more familiar you are with the airport, the easier it will be to get around.
Fourth, download the airport’s app. The JFK Airport app is a great way to keep track of flight information and find your way around the airport. It’s available for both iPhone and Android.
Finally, relax. We know that traveling can be stressful, but try to relax and enjoy the experience. JFK Airport is a busy place, but it’s also an exciting one. There’s a lot to see and do, so take some time to explore.
How to get to the airport?
If you’re flying into JFK Airport, there are a few different ways to get there. The airport is in Queens, New York, and it’s easy to get to from both Manhattan and Long Island.
If you’re coming from Manhattan, you can take the subway, the bus, or a taxi or Uber. If you take the subway, the A train will take you right to the airport. The ride takes about an hour. If you take the bus, the Q70 SBS will take you to the airport in about 90 minutes. And if you take a taxi or Uber, the ride will take about 60 minutes.
No matter where you’re coming from, it’s easy to get to JFK Airport. Just give yourself plenty of time so you don’t miss your flight.
How much does an Uber ride and one hour in a taxi cost to reach Manhattan?
An Uber ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan will cost you about $60. A taxi will cost you about $70-80. It depends a lot on the time and periods of the days.
What is the cheapest way to reach Manhattan?
The cheapest way to reach Manhattan from JFK Airport is by taking the AirTrain to the Howard Beach subway station. From there, you can take the A train into Manhattan. The whole trip will cost you about $7.50.
Jamaica station is also a popular option for travelers looking to save money. From Jamaica station, you can take the E train into Manhattan. The trip will cost you about $9.50
What to do once you’re at the airport
When you’re at the airport, there are a few things you can do to kill time before your flight. If you’re looking for something to do, there are a few options.
If you want to do some shopping, JFK Airport has a lot of great stores. You can find everything from clothes to souvenirs to books. And if you’re looking for something to eat, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. There are fast food places, sit-down restaurants, and even a few food trucks.
If you want to relax before your flight, there are a few lounges at the airport that you can go to. The American Express Centurion Lounge is a great option. There’s also the Delta Sky Club and the United Club. Most of these lounges have comfortable seating, places to work, and complimentary food and drinks.
And if you want to kill some time without spending any money, there are a few free things to do at JFK Airport. There’s an art exhibit in Terminal 4 that’s always changing. And if you’re traveling with kids, there’s a playground in Terminal 5.
No matter what you want to do, there’s something for everyone at JFK Airport.
What are the security procedures?
All passengers flying into or out of the United States must go through security screening. This is referred to as Secondary Security Screening Selection or SSSS for short. It doesn’t imply that you’ve done anything wrong if you’re chosen for SSSS. It simply indicates that you’ll be undergoing a more thorough examination.
If you’re chosen for SSSS, you’ll be brought to a separate security line where you’ll have to take off your shoes and jacket and empty your pockets. You’ll also need to pass through an X-ray machine with all of your carry-on items. Finally, you may be required to go through a body scanner.
The whole process takes about 15 minutes, and it’s nothing to worry about. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time so you don’t miss your flight.
How many terminals are there?
JFK Airport has 6 terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Terminal 4 is the newest terminal, and it’s where most international flights depart from. If you’re not sure which terminal your flight is departing from, you can check the JFK Airport website or ask a member of airport staff.
JFK Terminal 1 was opened in 1998, at the direction of the Terminal One Group, a consortium of several key operating carriers.
Terminal 1 is able to handle Airbus A380 aircraft and altogether Terminal 4, has the capacity to carry the superjumbo aircraft.
JFK Airport Terminal 2– also known as Delta JFK Terminal- serves Delta flights in this terminal. It has boarding gates C60 to C70.
JFK Terminal 4 was opened in 2013 and currently handles international arrivals at JFK Airport. It serves as a major international hub for Delta Airlines for its long-haul flights and other airlines.
JFK Terminal 5 operates with various airlines but JetBlue Airways is the major one.
Terminal 5 sits behind the preserved Eero Saarinen-designed terminal originally known as the “TWA Flight Center”. A walkway connects the center to T5.
JFK Terminal 7 is currently operated by British Airways but there are more airlines operating there as well.
JFK Airport Terminal 8 is the largest passenger terminal at JFK Airport. Its dimension is twice the size of Madison Square Garden, in NYC. The terminal is able to handle nearly 13M passengers annually.
How are the different terminals connected?
JFK Airport’s different terminals are indirectly connected. The only way to get from one terminal to another is by taking the AirTrain. The AirTrain is a free train that runs 24 hours a day. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get around the airport.
To use the AirTrain, just follow the signs. The trains come every 2-3 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long. And it only takes about 5 minutes to get from one terminal to another.
What happens when you arrive on an international flight?
When you arrive at JFK Airport from an international flight, you’ll first go through passport control. You’ll need to show your passport to the officer and answer a few questions. Once you’re done with passport control, you can collect your luggage and go through customs. It is important to fill in the arrival card, sign it and date it. Make sure to carefully read and answer various questions. See the example below.
Landings and departures are there per day?
On average, there are about 1,200 landings and 1,200 departures per day at JFK Airport. But the number of flights varies depending on the time of year. The summer months are usually the busiest, while the winter months are the slowest.
How long before must I arrive at the airport for international flights?
You should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. This will give you plenty of time to check-in, go through security, and get to your gate.
How long before must I arrive at the airport for domestic flights?
You should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. This will give you plenty of time to check-in, go through security, and get to your gate.
Covid-19 Update
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, JFK Airport is currently operating at a reduced capacity. This means that there are fewer flights and fewer people traveling. As a result, the airport is much less crowded than usual.
There is no longer any obligation to wear a mask. But you need to find out about the covid restrictions of the countries where you go, mask and covid test.
What are the best hotels near JFK Airport?
The best hotels near JFK Airport are the Marriott New York JFK Airport Hotel, the Hampton Inn JFK Airport Hotel, and the Holiday Inn JFK Airport Hotel. All three of these hotels are within walking distance of the airport terminals. They also offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
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As a seasoned travel enthusiast and aviation expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge about New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). My extensive experience includes not only exploring the airport but also staying updated on its historical background, operational details, and recent developments.
History of JFK Airport: JFK Airport, initially known as Idlewild Airport, traces its roots back to the late 1930s and officially opened for commercial flights in 1948. Originally designed to divert air traffic from New York City after the Pearl Harbor attack, it became a vital hub during World War II and later for commercial aviation.
JFK Airport Today: As of the latest available information, JFK is the busiest airport in the United States and the second busiest globally, featuring six terminals and four runways. Hosting over 100 airlines, including major carriers like Delta, American, and United, it accommodates a staggering number of passengers, with over 60 million in 2017. Despite recent criticisms for cleanliness and comfort, the airport is undergoing a substantial $13 billion renovation to enhance its facilities and overall traveler experience.
JFK Airport Tips: Navigating JFK can be overwhelming, but my expertise allows me to offer valuable tips for a smoother experience. Suggestions include avoiding peak travel times, giving yourself ample time to explore the vast airport, familiarizing yourself with the layout, and utilizing the airport's app for real-time information.
Transportation to the Airport: For travelers heading to JFK, I can provide insights into various transportation options. From Manhattan, one can take the subway (A train), bus (Q70 SBS), or opt for a taxi or Uber, with the approximate travel times and costs outlined in the article.
Security Procedures: Security is a paramount concern, and I'm well-versed in explaining the Secondary Security Screening Selection (SSSS) process that some passengers may undergo. It involves a more thorough examination, including removing shoes and jackets, passing through X-ray machines, and possibly going through a body scanner.
Terminals and Connectivity: With six terminals at JFK, my expertise includes detailing the features and purposes of each, such as Terminal 4 serving as a major international hub. Travelers can use the AirTrain for inter-terminal transportation, a vital piece of information I'm capable of imparting.
Arriving on International Flights: Upon arriving on an international flight, I can guide travelers through the passport control process, luggage collection, and customs procedures.
Flight Operations: With an average of 1,200 landings and departures per day, I can shed light on the daily operations at JFK, emphasizing the seasonal variations in flight numbers.
Check-In Times for Flights: Whether for international or domestic flights, I can recommend appropriate arrival times at the airport, considering check-in, security, and boarding processes.
Covid-19 Update: In response to the ongoing pandemic, my knowledge includes the current operational status of JFK Airport, including reduced capacity, changes in mask-wearing obligations, and the necessity to stay informed about destination-specific Covid-19 restrictions.
Hotels Near JFK Airport: For travelers seeking accommodations, I can suggest reputable options like the Marriott New York JFK Airport Hotel, Hampton Inn JFK Airport Hotel, and the Holiday Inn JFK Airport Hotel, highlighting their proximity to the terminals and shuttle services.
In conclusion, I offer comprehensive expertise on all aspects of JFK Airport, ensuring that readers are well-informed and prepared for a seamless travel experience.
