JFK Airport Guide: Terminals, Tips, and Hidden Gems

JFK at a glance

• IATA: JFK · ICAO: KJFK
• Location: Queens, New York City
• Terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7 (closing for new T1), 8 — with new Terminal 6 opening progressively through 2026.
• Major airlines: Delta (T4), American (T8), JetBlue (T5), Alaska (T7/T8), British Airways/Virgin/Iberia/Aer Lingus/Finnair, plus dozens of international carriers.

Getting there

• AirTrain JFK connects all terminals to LIRR Jamaica and Howard Beach (A train).
• Taxi flat fare to Manhattan is fixed (~$70 plus tolls/tip).
• Uber / Lyft dedicated pickup at each terminal.
• Allow 60 minutes from Manhattan in normal traffic; 90+ during rush.

Terminal-by-terminal

Terminal 1

Currently used by Air France, Korean, Lufthansa, Saudia, and others. Being progressively replaced by the new Terminal 1 megaproject.

Terminal 4

Delta's premier hub plus international carriers (KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, El Al). Dynamic, modern, gigantic.

Terminal 5

JetBlue's home; the famous Eero Saarinen TWA Flight Center now hosts the TWA Hotel.

Terminal 7

Closed in 2024 to make way for new T6.

Terminal 8

American Airlines and partners (BA, Iberia, Finnair). Recently expanded; quality dining and Flagship lounges.

Lounges

• Centurion Lounge T4
• Delta Sky Club T4
• Chase Sapphire Lounge T1
• Air France Lounge T1
• AA Flagship Lounge T8
• Greenwich Lounge T8 (BA/Iberia)

Security tips

• TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are widely available.
• T8 Flagship security entrance is the fastest if you have AA status.

Layover ideas

• TWA Hotel at T5 — book a day room with infinity pool overlooking the runway.
• Aviation history in the original TWA terminal lobby.
• Times Square in 90 minutes round-trip from T5 if your layover is 5+ hours.

Track flights live

Pin your JFK flight in FlightyFlow — gates change frequently; the app keeps up.