The ultimate guide to John. F Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Tips, tricks, and insider information

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the United States and is the largest airport in New York. The jfk airport is located 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens. The airport facility was opened in 1948, and its first name was Idlewild Airport, but it was renamed JFK in 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy JFK Airport spans over 5200 acres and operates 70 plus airlines from its 5 major terminals. The airport operates flights to and from all the destinations around the world, over 55 million passengers go through JFK annually.

Keep reading this article to learn interesting tips, tricks, insider information, jfk airport map, navigation, and jfk terminal guide. We aspire to provide the ultimate jfk airport guide and other information related to its airlines, terminal, and other airport facilities. 

JFK airport Airlines

JFK Airport operates almost 73 airlines that take passengers to 189 destinations in 6 continents. There are a total of 5 active terminals with 120-plus gates at JFK airport that handle domestic and international flights.

1. JFK Terminal 1

The jfk terminal 1 has 11 gates and it operates various renowned international flights, terminal 1 also offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options. The map and guideline of jfk terminal 1 departures and arrivals gate is accessible from its website. The following are the jfk terminal 1 airlines:

• Air China
• Air France Allow
• Air New Zealand 
• Air Serbia 
• Air Senegal
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• 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
• Saudi Arabian Airlines
• SWISS
• Turkish Airlines
• Viva Aerobus

2. JFK Terminal 2

The jfk terminal 2 was permanently closed in January of 2023.

3. JFK Terminal 4

The jfk terminal 4 contains 48 gates and it is the first private operator of an airport terminal in the U.S serving 30 international and domestic airlines. The largest and most resourceful terminal 4 jfk offers an indoor taxi queue, motorized wheelchairs, scooters, baggage storage, and information amenities. The following are the jfk terminal 4 airlines:

• Aeromexico
• Air Europa
• Air India
• Avianca Brasil
• Caribbean Airlines
• China Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Delta
• EI AI
• Emirates
• Etihad
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• Kenya Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• LATAM
• Singapore Airlines
• Uzbekistan Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• WestJet
• XiamenAir

4. JFK Terminal 5

The terminal 5 jfk airport has 29 gates and it also operates various international flights. JFK Terminal 5 is the newest and most beautiful building that is spacious and designed for passengers' comfort. There are plenty of jfk terminal 5 food and retail brands available for dining and shopping. The following airlines operate at Terminal 5:

• Cape Air
• JetBlue

5. JFK Terminal 7

The jfk terminal 7 contains 12 gates and operates some major international airlines. The jfk airport terminal 7 has a coffee shop, sandwich bars, and other dining options for passengers' entertainment. The airlines that operate through Terminal 7 are listed below:

• Aer Lingus
• Aerolineas Argentinas
• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• ANA (All Nippon)
• Condor 
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Icelandair
• Kuwait Airways
• LOT
• Norse Atlantic Airways
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
•  Ukraine International Airlines

6. JFK Terminal 8

The terminal 8 jfk airport has 33 gates and it handles many well-known international airlines. The jfk terminal 8 map shows that it has many restaurants, stores, duty-free shops, and digital entertainment options. The terminal 8 jfk airlines are:

• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Southern
• Finnair
• Iberia 
• Japan Airlines
• Level 
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Jordanian

JFK Airport Lounges

There are close to 20 jfk lounges available in each active terminal building of the JFK Airport. These Prime-class jfk airport lounges offer a diverse range of amenities like complimentary food and beverages, free internet access, comfortable seating, business facilities, and other entertainment options. Some airline lounges like air france lounge jfk offer their services to first class and business class passengers. Some lounges like amex lounge jfk allows their platinum card members to enjoy these services. The JFK lounges in each terminal of the airport are listed below:

• Terminal 1 Lounges

1. Air France-KLM Lounge
2. Be Relax Spa
3. KAL Lounge
4. Lufthansa Business Class Lounge
5. Lufthansa Senator Lounge
6. Primeclass Lounge

• Terminal 4 Lounges

1. Air India Maharajah Lounge
2. Centurion Lounge
3. Delta Sky Club and Delta Sky Club Express
4. Emirates Lounge
5. Minute Suites
6. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

• Terminal 5 Lounges

1. Aer Lingus Lounge
2. Be Relax Spa
3. USO Lounge

• Terminal 8 Lounges

1. American Airlines Admirals Club 
2. Chelsea Lounge
3. Greenwich Lounge
4. Soho Lounge

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) airport hotels

JFK International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the state with thousands of passengers passing through it every day. Many exceptional hotels near jfk airport will accommodate passengers with world-class service and amenities. Whether passengers or travelers need a room to stay for one night in case of a delayed flight or they are on vacation for several days jfk airport hotels cater to all their needs. All jfk hotels offer ultra-comfortable rooms, extensive dining and entertainment options, and overall premium services. Some of the finest hotels near jfk Airport are:

TWA Hotel

The twa hotel jfk is an iconic airport hotel located at terminal 5 of JFK International Airport.  TWA Hotel is a first-class property, and at the center of the hotel is TWA Flight Center which is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and various outlets. The twa hotel at jfk has 512 ultra-quiet rooms with a view of JFK’s runways and TWA Flight Center, rooftop infinity pool, a fitness center, a game room, museum, and restaurants.

Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel

The comfort inn & suites hotel jfk airport is very close to the airport, the hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The hotel also features free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, a fitness room, a business room, and a courtesy airport shuttle. 

Crowne Plaza Hotel

The crowne plaza jfk hotel is located 2 miles from JFK International Airport, the hotel offers modern guestrooms for single visitors and families. The crowne plaza jfk airport Hotel features a fitness room, restaurant, bar, room service, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, business center, and complimentary airport shuttle.

Days Inn & Suites Hotel

The days inn jfk Hotel and Suites is located 3 miles away from JFK Airport, the hotel features stylish rooms and deluxe suites with modern amenities, fitness room, and casual bar. The days inn jfk airport hotel is offering complimentary breakfast, internet access, parking, and 24/7 airport shuttle services to its guests.

Radisson Hotel JFK Airport Hotel

The radisson hotel jfk is located 0.9 miles away from the airport, the hotel features modern stylish rooms and suites, a restaurant, lounge, bar, business center, and room service. The radisson hotel airport shuttle service is complimentary for all the guests, the hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and valet parking.

Shopping in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy is amongst the biggest International Airports in New York State, there are plenty of shopping options for travelers and passengers at jfk duty free shops and retail jfk airport stores.  Each active terminal has several premium jfk airport shops, outlets, and gift stores that provide entertainment to visitors. Some of the well-known jfk shops and jfk stores are mentioned below:

Ron Jon Surf Shop Store

Ron Jon surf shop store is a well-known chain of stores that offers surf band apparel, accessories, home décor, souvenirs, and surfboards. Ron Jon Surf Shop Store is located at Terminal 5 of JFK Airport, visitors love to purchase ron jon surf shop shirts and other clothing from the JFK Airport store. 

Michael Kors Store

Michael Kors Store is famous for its luxury designer bags, watches, shoes, clothing, and high-end accessories. The michael kors new york stores are located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 8 of JFK International Airport, and these stores are famous among fashion aficionados. 

Kiehls Store

The kiehls store is a world-known luxury beauty brand famous for its premium skin, face, hair, masks, argan oils, scrubs, moisturizers, and other beauty products. The kiehl’s nyc airport stores are located at Terminal 4 and Terminal 8 of JFK International Airport. 

MUJI to Go Store

MUJI to Go is a Japanese Brand of minimalist–style items located at Terminal 5 of the JFK International Airport. MUJI to Go shops offer carrying office goods, simple clothing, and organizational cases that will be perfect for staying comfortable during traveling. 

JFK Airport Restaurants

John F. Kennedy Airport is filled with a variety of restaurants from fancy dining eateries and steakhouses to cafés, burgers and pizza places, and casual bars. The coffee shops, bars, bakeries, sweet shops, and restaurants at jfk airport terminals are usually occupied by food lover travelers. The famous jfk food brands are also offering delicious food and drinks to visitors and provide exceptional jfk dining experience. The following is the list of jfk airport restaurants and eateries at each terminal:

Terminal 1

• Air France Lounge
• Eat & Go New York/ Istanbul
• QDOBA Mexican Eats
• The Local 
• Starbucks
• Dunkin’
• Soy & Shake Asian Eats
• McDonald’s
• Wok & Roll
• SOHO BITES
• Taste NY
• Jikji Café
• Taco John’s
• PZA 
• Pizza Hub
• New York Hotdog & Coffee
• Dunkin Sandwiches

Terminal 4

• Shake Shack
• Central Diner
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• The Palm JFK Airport
• Tigin Irish Pub
• McDonald’s
• Uptown Brasserie
• Pizza Vino Bar
• Wendy’s
• Dunkin’
• Peet’s Coffee
• Le Grand Comptoir
• Le Brea Bakery
• AeroNuova
• Five Borough Food Hall
• Flatiron Coffee Roasters
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Bento Sushi
• Camden Food
• Farmer’s Fridge
• Jet Box
• Dunkin’ Express

Terminal 5

• New York Sports Grill
• Starbucks
• Deep Blue on the Fly
• 5ive Steaks
• Revolucion
• The Paris Café
• Lucy’s Asian Kitchen
• Jamba
• World bean
• Artichoke
• Custom Burgers by Pat La Frieda
• Dunkin
• Famous Famiglia 
• La Vie
• Loft
• H and H Bagels
• Connie Cocktail Lounge
• Baked by Melissa
• The Sunken Lounge
• Philly Cheesesteaks
• Intelligentsia Coffee TWA Hotel
• Vinny’s Panini NYC
• The Pool Bar 
• Caribbean Kitchen
• Departures Foodhall

Terminal 7

• True Burger Co.
• Brindle Room
• Thirsty Beer and Wine Bar
• Kobeyaki

Terminal 8

• Bobby Van’s
• Starbucks
• SoHo Bistro
• Cascata
• Dunkin’
• Abitino’s Pizzeria
• Brooklyn Deli
• O’Neals’
• Mezze Café Express
• Euro Café
• Auntie Anne’s
• New York Sports Bar
• Angelina’s Metro Market Fine Food of NYC

Things to do near John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK International Airport is a very exciting airport to catch your flight from, it is surrounded by many fascinating and entertaining fascinations and allures. There are plenty of things to do near jfk airport from checking in nearby hotels and dining in fancy restaurants to enjoying the services of premium lounges. The following are a few things to do at jfk airport:

1. Travelers can check out the iconic TWA Hotel located at Terminal 5 of JFK Airport and enjoy their ultra-quiet room with a view of runways. TWA also features great entertainment at its restaurants, bars, rooftop infinity pool, and fitness center. 
2. Travelers can enjoy the premium amenities and services of Delta SkyClub & SkyDeck, which is located at Terminal 4 and operated by Delta Air Lines.  Delta SkyClub features deluxe seating, complimentary food and beverages, soundproof working space, free internet access, and a stylish & and welcoming ambiance.
3. Virgin Atlantic card members can visit the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Terminal 4 of the JFK Airport. This clubhouse features a five-star dining experience, signature cocktails, entertainment zones, pool tables, relaxing showers, and luggage storage.
4. Travelers can enjoy the juicy burgers, shakes, custards, and other fast-food classics at the Shake Shack, which is located at terminal 4 of JFK International Airport.
5. Another exciting place to visit at JFK Airport is The Emirate Lounge which is located at Terminal 4. The lounge features a delicious buffet, a variety of beverages, a spacious lobby, a working space, relaxing restrooms, and a refreshing environment.
6. Visiting The Sunken Lounge at TWA Hotel is a very exciting venture, visitors can enjoy the variety of beverages here with the view of JFK’s runaways. The lounge features stylish seating and an iconic ambiance that will entertain guests to the core.
7. TWA Hotel also features The Pool Bar which is on the rooftop and offers breathtaking views. In summer Pool Bar is very popular and in winter the pool is heated to 95 degrees and turned into a pool-cuzzi. The Pool Bar offers cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and entrees.
8. Travelers can visit Camden Food Co. at terminal 4 of JFK Airport and enjoy the delicious snacks. Camden Food Co. features sandwiches, a salad bar, a sushi box, meat options, vegan food, pretzels, and other snacks.
9. American Airline Flagship The Bridge Lounge is another exciting and upscale place to visit at JFK Airport. It is located at terminal 8 and it features a spacious lobby, premium seating, high-class buffet, beverages, working space, shower, and restroom facilities. 
10.  TWA Hotel at Terminal 5 also features The Paris Café, which is the finest place to dine and relax for travelers. The Café offers delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a warm and comfortable environment. 

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Transportation

JFK Airport has 5 active terminals and all these terminals are always filled with thousands of travelers and passengers. So, there is a high demand for ground transportation jfk airport services to cater to the needs of all those travelers. Usually, there are many public and private airport transportation jfk services accessible to travelers at the terminals. Some hotels or airlines also offer transportation to jfk airport for their guests, mostly travelers hire a private shuttle to jfk airport. 

Public Ground Transportation at JFK Airport

Many modes of public transportation will take travelers to and from JFK Airport. Subway, Long Island Rail Road, and various public buses offer airport ground transportation to the local public. The jfk airport taxi service is also available for passengers at the taxi zones of terminals, which gives ride to jfk airport, hotels, or other places. AirTrain at Jfk Airport is also available to transport passengers around the airport from one terminal to another. 

Private Ground Transportation at JFK Airport

Usually, travelers don’t feel comfortable with public transportation due to its ordinary services and inconvenience. So the trend of hiring private chauffeur service for airport transfer is rising due to the exclusivity and high quality of service. There are many private airports shuttle jfk services like jfk limo service and jfk airport car service available in the NYC area that offer luxury airport transportation. LavishRide offers premium airport transfer in their extensive luxurious black fleets that provide impeccable transportation services. LavishRide also features well-trained chauffeurs, 24/7 customer care, flight tracking services, complimentary waiting time of 60 minutes, luggage assistance, and precedence security protocols.

Additional Useful Information about JFK Airport

• JFK airport offers short and long-term parking and fulfills all the parking needs of travelers.
• JFK airport service also features AirTrain that transports passengers around the airport.
• JFK Airport also features baggage storage, paging, traveler’s aid, shoe shine, secure wrap, and jfk lost and found.
• JFK Airport also offers mobile charging services, Wi-Fi, medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, hotel reservations, and transportation bookings.
• If you are traveling through JFK Airport, always do your pre-flight planning and researching.

Tips for JFK Airport Travelers :

• Before making the trip to JFK Airport, check out your airline status and terminal, so you can reach there on time.
• JFK is one of the busiest airports in the country, so try reaching there early at least 2 hours before the flight time.
• Study the security, screening, and TSA checkpoint guidelines to avoid any distress.
• Check out the layout and map of the airport or terminal to navigate your way into the airport.