Kennedy Airport in New York uses 5 terminals that are arranged in a circle in the middle of the airport. A highway leads to the terminals from one side and an automated train connects the airport to trains and subways.
The individual terminals are not connected to each other through the transit zone, and you always have to use the free 24/7 AirTrain to move between them. The train only runs through the public area.
Signage to the AirTrain is very clear at all terminals.
The terminals are divided according to the airlines that check in.
- Terminal 1 - Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia, Air Senegal, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Azores Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Eastern Airlines, Egyptair, Eva Air, Flair Airlines, ITA Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia, Swiss, TAP, Turkish Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris,
- Terminal 4 - Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air India, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, China Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM, Singapore Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Westjet, Xiamen Air
- Terminal 5 - Cape Air, Jetblue
- Terminal 7 - Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelandair, Kuwait Airways, LOT, Norse Atlantic, SAS, Sun Country, Ukraine International,
- Terminal 8 - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Level, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian
Terminal 3 was demolished in 2013 and there are no plans to rebuild it.
Terminal 2 was demolished in 2023 and will be replaced by a completely renovated Terminal 1.
Terminal 6 began construction in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2028 or 2029.
Airport map
An interactive map of the entire airport and each terminal can be found on the airport's official website: maps.jfkairport.com.
Transfer between flights
New York is very often the first point of contact with the US mainland. If you have purchased a transfer through an airline as part of a single booking, in the vast majority of cases it will only take place within one terminal.
Do I need to apply for ESTA?
Every time you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your baggage and exit the transit area.
Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA to enter the United States (for 21 usd online processing, visit the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
Do I have to pick up my luggage?
If you are arriving at JFK from abroad, you must always collect your baggage and re-deliver it at the check-in counter.
If you are flying from a destination within the U.S. and have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically rechecked. It does not matter whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.
How long does it take to clear immigration?
If you arrive during off-peak hours, you can be in the public section in 20 minutes, but especially in the afternoon peak for arrivals from Europe, the immigration queue can be as long as 2 hours.
If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, it is advisable to tell the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in the queue. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.
If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.
What checks do I go through when I change planes?
What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?
- International -> International: immigration and security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: security check only if you are transferring to another terminal
- National -> national: security check only if you are moving to another terminal
Do I have to leave the transit zone when transferring between terminals?
Yes. Even if you are only connecting domestic flights, you must leave the transit zone. Follow the "AirTrain" signs that will lead you to the automated train that circles between all terminals free of charge 24 hours a day.
Going through passport control on departure?
No. There is no longer an immigration check on departure from the US.
Will I have time to visit New York during my layover?
If you have 8 or more hours of free time, take the opportunity to see Manhattan. You need to have your ESTA clearance anyway, so there are no formalities preventing you from entering New York.
See the Transportation section for travel options to get downtown.
