Despite its reputation for being one of the busiest and most congested airports in the world, JFK minimum connection times might be surprising to novice travelers. It’s not the motherf*****r that you think it is. Not entirely anyway.
- Minimum connection times at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York can be as low as 30 minutes for domestic flights (if you’re flying the same airline).
- However, it can take as long as 3 hours if you’re coming off an international flight and you need to do a terminal change in order to make your connection.
I know that seems like a really wide range of time, but stay with me. The following is a detailed breakdown of exactly how long it’ll take you to make connections at JFK for nearly any situation (based on my own personal experience)…
Table of Contents
What is the minimum connection time for domestic flights at JFK?
As I just mentioned, 30 minutes is the bare minimum of time you’ll need for a domestic to domestic connection. That’s assuming you’re flying the same airline and don’t need to make a terminal change. It’s worth noting that terminal changes aren’t usually required at JFK as long as you’re flying the same airline (or airline alliance).
If for whatever reason a terminal change is required, the minimum connection time increases to 1 hour. However, for the sake of preserving your sanity, you’re probably going to want a little more time than that.
What is the minimum connection time for international flights at JFK?
Call this airport what you will, but it’s not fair to call it inefficient. There is no designated international terminal at the John F. Kennedy Airport. International flights arrive and depart from nearly every terminal, so chances are you won’t have to go far to reach your connection.
Connecting FROM an international flight
You’ll need a minimum of 2 hours to connect from an international flight to a domestic flight at JFK. The customs and immigration facilities at this airport are extremely large and state of the art, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s fast and efficient.
There’s insane amount of international traffic coming into the JFK Airport at all hours of the day It’s going to get backed up at times, so have a little patience.
Connecting TO an international flight
Connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight at JFK will require at least an hour. Personally, that’s cutting it a little bit too close, but it’s entirely possible if you hustle. It’ll be especially easy if you don’t have to change terminals.
If you do, keep reading, because I’m going to explain the process of making terminal to terminal transfers at the JFK airport below:
A brief overview of the terminal layout at the John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The JFK Airport consists of six terminals. They are all separate buildings, connected by an inter-terminal train (the AirTrain).
Also, don’t get hung up on the fact that Terminals 3 and 6 are nonexistent. The John F Kennedy Airport is in a constant state of evolution, and a lot has changed over the years (including the elimination and combination of some terminal buildings).
The reason why short connection times are (usually) ok at JFK
The main reason why short layovers are usually ok at JFK is due to the fact that there is no designated international terminal. This means that all partner airlines are grouped together in a way that makes sense.
For example, you won’t have to schlep across the entire airport to transfer from one Star Alliance or Oneworld airline to another. They’re all located together in the same terminal buildings.
Transfer time between all terminals at the JFK Airport
Despite how much I love the JFK Airport for being one of the most efficient international gateways in the world, it has its flaws. One of those flaws is the time it takes to move between terminals.
The fastest and most efficient way to move between most terminals at the JFK Airport is to use the AirTrain (there are stations located at each terminal). Walking isn’t always possible – unless you’re feeling especially courageous and willing to walk through dark parking lots and sketchy garages.
- Note that there are 3 separate AirTrain lines: the Airline Terminals Train, the Jamaica Station Train, and the Howard Beach Train.
- All 3 lines stop at all terminals, but the Airline Terminals Train is the fastest way around.
- The Airline Terminals Train runs counterclockwise. That means the very first stop after Terminal 1 is Terminal 8.
Based on my own experience, here’s how long it usually takes me to move from one terminal to the next at JFK using the AirTrain (the Airline Terminals Train):
Terminal 1 to:
- Terminal 2: 23 minutes (it’ll probably be faster to walk)
- Terminal 4: 20 minutes
- Terminal 5: 18 minutes
- Terminal 7: 16 minutes
- Terminal 8: 13 minutes
Terminal 2 to:
- Terminal 1: 13 minutes (it’ll probably be faster to walk)
- Terminal 4: 23 minutes
- Terminal 5: 20 minutes
- Terminal 7: 18 minutes
- Terminal 8: 16 minutes
Terminal 4 to:
- Terminal 1: 15 minutes
- Terminal 2: 13 minutes
- Terminal 5: 23 minutes
- Terminal 7: 18 minutes
- Terminal 8: 16 minutes
Terminal 5 to:
- Terminal 1: 18 minutes
- Terminal 2: 16 minutes
- Terminal 4: 13 minutes
- Terminal 7: 23 minutes
- Terminal 8: 20 minutes
Terminal 7 to:
- Terminal 1: 20 minutes
- Terminal 2: 18 minutes
- Terminal 4: 15 minutes
- Terminal 5: 13 minutes
- Terminal 8: 23 minutes
Terminal 8 to:
- Terminal 1: 23 minutes
- Terminal 2: 20 minutes
- Terminal 4: 17 minutes
- Terminal 5: 15 minutes
- Terminal 7: 13 minutes
What is the ideal connection time at JFK?
Before I started flying on a somewhat regular basis, I always overestimated how much time I would need for a connection at JFK. however, now that I know how easy it is, my minimum connection times have been reduced quite significantly. Here’s what I would personally want for a comfortable (no stress) layover at JFK:
Domestic to domestic connections (no terminal change)
Making a connection from one domestic flight to another at JFK (same airline, no terminal change) is super easy. However, my minimum would be 1 hour – just so I would have enough time to relax and grab a bite to eat.
Domestic to domestic connections (with a terminal change)
Switching terminals when making a connection from one domestic flight to another at the John F. Kennedy Airport is easy, but it’ll take a little bit longer. Because of how long it takes to walk to the AirTrain station in some terminals, I would want at least an hour and a half for a no-stress connection.
Domestic to international connections (no terminal change)
As long as I didn’t have to switch terminals, my personal minimum connection time for a domestic to international flight at JFK would be 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is almost exactly the same as a domestic to domestic connection, with the only difference being that you’ll need to be onboard your international flight sooner.
Domestic to international connections (with a terminal change)
I would want a minimum of 2 and a half hours for a no stress connection from a domestic flight to an international flight departing from a different terminal at JFK. Not only will I have to take the AirTrain to get to the other terminal, I’m also going to have to stand in line to get through the security checkpoint once I get there.
International to domestic connections (no terminal change)
Even not having to switch terminals when going from an international flight to a domestic flight at JFK is going to take a bit of time. Customs and immigration lines can get long, so I would want a minimum of 2 and half hours.
International to domestic connections (with terminal change)
I wouldn’t want to do an International to domestic transfer at JFK (one that required a terminal change) in less than 3 hours. That’s very likely to be too much time for most people, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Tips for making really short connections at JFK
W’ve all undoubtedly seen our favorite actors and movie stars make mad dashes through the JFK airport in a way that makes it look like hell on earth. If you’ve ever seen the original Home Alone movie, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
The good news is that movies and TV shows are often exaggerated. Making connections at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York can be extremely calm and easy if you follow these steps:
- Fly the same airline (or at least airlines that belong to the same alliance). This will almost guarantee that you won’t have to make a terminal change.
- Do everything within your power to have your boarding passes for your connecting flight in hand before you arrive. The JFK Airport is an extremely busy place, and the last place you’ll want to end up is in a long queue to get a printed boarding pass. In my experience, those lines can get gnarly.
- Do not walk between terminals! There are no designated sidewalks connecting most terminals, so the fastest and most efficient way to get between them is to use the AirTrain.
Trey
How about a domestic to international on separate tickets, different terminals, where you’re picking up and rechecking bags? Many do this (I’ve done this twice) to get better fares or award seats out of JFK. What’s your experience?
Scott (SANspotter)
Yeah, that’s not a very fun type of connection to make at JFK. I’ve personally never done it with luggage, but if I was planning on doing it, my minimum connection time would be 2 and a half hours. I wouldn’t book anything less than that.
I think it would be a relatively stress free experience with a 3 hour layover.
Mercy P
Hi Scott,
Enjoyed reading your peice here! I’m going to be traveling to JFK to catch a connecting flight (international to domestic WITH terminal change). I’ve been trying to find out where do I recheck my bags after I collect them after I arrive and go through customs? I depart at terminal 8 so do I recheck my bags there or at arrivals at terminal 4. (Etihad to Republic Airways). Hope that makes sense and would appreciate some advice! Thanks.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mercy! Unless something has changed recently, you’re going to have to take them with you over to Terminal 8 and recheck them there. That said, moving between terminals at JFK (even with luggage) is relatively simple via the AirTrain. Have a great trip!
Tracey
Domestic to international all within terminal 8 in 1.5 hours? Or international to domestic all within terminal 8 in 1.25 hours? Doable?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Tracey – domestic to international in an hour and a half will be super easy (just walk from one plane to the next). International to domestic will require nearly all of that 1 hour and 25 minutes IMHO since you’ll have to do the customs/immigration thing. I’d try to get a longer layover if possible, but it won’t be the end of the world if you can’t. You can make it, but you’re going to have to hustle!
Leyi Lin
Hi Scott, Thanks for this review. One has to clear security again with a terminal change regardless of domestic-domestic or domestic-international, correct ? We have a domestic-international with terminal change, no checked bags, and we have TSA precheck, would 1 hour 40 min. be okay in most cases ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Leyi – you’re very welcome! Yes, a terminal change will require the need to go through security again. Having TSA Precheck will make a 1 hour and 40 minute connection easy. As long as you use the Air Train to move between terminals, you’ll most likely be able to do it in half that time. Have a good trip!
Gerly Martinez
Hi, we’re flying from Toronto to JFK (Feb 6, 2023) our first time to have layover in US, what do we need to provide . Does 4hours layover enough for us to get to our next flight to Korea Incheon . do we need to pay for the AirTrain. thank you please advise.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gerly – since you’ll be clearing US customs and immigration prior to leaving Toronto, you’ll arrive at JFK just as a domestic flight would. The only thing you’ll need to do is switch terminals (if necessary) and then check into for flight to Korea if you don’t already have your boarding pass.
The Air Train is the fastest way to move between terminals at JFK. It’s free if all you’re doing is switching terminals. 4 hours will be more than enough time!
Carole martin
Hi Scott I’m going from Dallas Fort Worth then on to heathrow American airline do I stay in same terminal nd any idea which terminal I’m scared as I’m on my own 1hour 40 minutes between flights
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Carole – if you’re flying American Airlines the entire way (DFW-JFK-LHR), you won’t have to switch terminals at JFK. Just walk from one plane to the next – no security checks will be required. 1 hour and 40 minutes will be easy!
Brian
Hi what about the baggage? I am thinking of doing ICN-JFK-BDA with KE and DL. Do I need to retrieve the luggage at JFK before rechecking them in? I think KE lands in T1 and DL is in T4.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Brian – yes, you will need to retrieve (and recheck) your luggage upon arrival at JFK. The process will go like this:
Have a good trip!
G.A
Hi Scott, for DFW -JFK-AMS, will
My luggage be checked in all the way from DFW or do I need to recheck it in JFK? Same ticket flights operated by Delta and KLM (same alliance) and per the internet both at Terminal 4. Thanks for the article, very informative
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi! Yes, because your entire itinerary is part of the same ticket, your luggage will transfer automatically (you won’t have to retrieve and recheck it at JFK). Have a great trip!
Liz
Are these times only for travellers with USA passports?
We are 3 adults from UK coming from Dallas then on to Heathrow.
Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Liz – the nationality of your passports won’t matter in your case. Flying DFW-JFK-LHR won’t require going through customs / immigration. It’ll simply be a matter of walking from one plane to the next (unless you have to change terminals, which in that case, will require going through a security checkpoint). Have a good trip!
Priscilla Torres
Hi I’m coming from Barcelona British Air and then Delta back to PR how long would it take. Is three hours enough
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Priscilla – British Airways uses terminal 8 at JFK, and Delta uses terminal 4, so you will have to change terminals. The fastest way to do that is to use the Air Train. Three hours will be more than enough time! Just keep moving as quickly as you can and you shouldn’t have any issues.
Jenny
Hi Scott, you’re amazing for creating this website, thank you!! I would love your input. Landing from Milan at JFK at 6:55pm; I want to book a flight from JFK to Miami (final destination) that’s at 8:30pm….is that cutting it way too close?? Afraid it will take a long time to de-plane, get luggage, go through customs, get to correct terminal, etc… What do you think?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome Jenny! Yes, an hour and a half will be cutting really close even if you don’t have to switch terminals. You could probably pull it off, but I can guarantee that it’ll be a stressful experience.
If it were me, I’d book a night at the TWA Hotel (located adjacent to Terminal 5) and take a flight out to Miami in the morning. Much less stressful that way!
Ingrid
Hi Scott,
I have a KLM flight arriving at JFK from Amsterdam with a layover of only 1:45 before my connecting flight to Norfolk all on 1 ticket and no terminal change. I do have Global entry. Is this doable or should I request cruise line to rebook? Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ingrid – an hour and 45 minutes will be no problem considering that you won’t have to change terminals. Having Global Entry will make it even faster. Have a great trip!
Ingrid
Thank you very much for your input. I was quite unsure as to what I should do. Thanks for providing such a great website for travelers to inquire about their travels!!!!!
Jen
Hi Scott
We are traveling to Jamaica with an hour and 15 minutes but flying delta the entire time. Will that be enough time? On the app it says check in and clear security at jfk but would we need to coming from Portland maine ? Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Jen – Delta uses Terminal 4 at JFK (you’ll arrive and depart from there), so you won’t have to change terminals. Even if you did, and hour and 15 minutes would still be doable. But since you won’t – it’s gonna be easy. 🙂 Have a good trip!
EH
Hi Scott – Travelling from Amsterdam via JFK to Bangor and carrying odd size bagage. Any idea how much time is needed and where to collect the odd size baggage?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi! That’s a really good question that I don’t know the answer to. You’re definitely going to need extra time for this, but I would assume that if JFK is like any other airport in the US, the oversize luggage retrieval area is very near to the baggage claim carousel for your arriving flight. It would have to be since you’ll need to retrieve it before going through customs.
Good luck!
phoebe
What an awesome collection of information your site provides! Love this!
I have a question re. JFK transfers if you would:
A domestic – international connection (no terminal change), with checked baggage. How much additional time would you suggest for retrieving & re-checking a bag?
And the same question for the return:
An international – domestic connection (no terminal change), with checked baggage. How much additional time would you suggest for retrieving & re-checking a bag?
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Phoebe – I’m glad you’re finding this useful! To answer your questions:
1A). Assuming your entire itinerary is part of the same ticket, you won’t need to retrieve and re-check your luggage. In that case, even a 45 minute connection would be fine connecting to a flight in the same terminal.
1B). If the tickets were purchased separately, then yes – you will need to retrieve and re-check your luggage. I would want a minimum of 2 hours for this if it were me.
2). Anything less than 3 hours would make me nervous, but if everything goes right you could easily do it in far less time than that.
Have a good trip!
George Wilkerson
Great info – can I ask a question – I’m travelling from UK (via Amsterdam) to JFK then on to Cincinnati (CVG)
all on one ticket American Airlines operated by British Airways. Layover in NY is 1 hour 57 mins …. is this a little too tight, or do you think ok?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi George – yes, 2 hours to go though customs and immigration at JFK will be tight (especially if you have checked luggage), but the thing that’ll make it easy is that you won’t have to switch terminals. I think you’ll be ok, but you will have to hustle.
Sofia
Hi!
I am flying Toronto – JFK with Delta. I have a 2h:33m connection in JFK to my next flight, which is New York – São Paulo which i am flyig LATAM. Bought all the ticket with latam. Delta and Latam are in terminal 4.
Do you know if I have to get my bags re checked and if I have to go through security again in JFK? Do you think 2:33 is enough to catch my flight to Sao Paulo?
Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sofia – since it’s all the same ticket, you will not have to claim and then re-check your luggage. And because you’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to departing YYZ, you’ll arrive at JFK as if it were a domestic US flight. This means that you can just walk to your connecting gate without going through any additional checkpoints. 2 and a half hours will be more than enough time!
Josephine
Hi! We arrive from Milan on Neos airlines at 2:50pm and need to connect to Jet blue to Buffalo that departs at 5:30pm. Do we have enough time? We have checked luggage. Jet blue keeps changing our flight! Ugh
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Josephine – I think you’ll have enough time, but you’re going to have to keep moving as fast as you can just in case there are any delays along the way.
Your Neos flight will arrive in Terminal 1, and your JetBlue flight will depart out of Terminal 5. It’s easy to switch terminals using the AirTrain, but I’d highly recommend finding out where the stations are located in each terminal before you arrive (so you can hit the ground running). Good luck!
Barbara Bocian
I am arriving JFK Delta from Barcelona. I need to transfer to Jet Blue to Jacksonville Fl with plenty of time allowed. The issue is with mobility . It would be probably too difficult to use Air Train. Will cab go from one terminal to another?
Thank you for your help.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Barbara – yes, you could probably take a taxi to get from one terminal to another, but it will be extremely inconvenient for them due to how short of a trip it is. I’d imagine that most taxi drivers wouldn’t do it unless you promised them a very big tip.
Christinna
Hi Scott!!! We at are arriving at JFK at 9:59pm on Jetblue from Savannah. Our connecting flight is departing at 10:29pm on JetBlue. Do you think we will have enough time to get off one flight and onto our connecting flight in 30 minutes with JetBlue?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Christina – yeah, 30 minutes sounds scary (it’d even make me pucker up a little lol) but it’s super easy to get all the way from one end of Terminal 5 to the other in no time flat. Probably 5-6 minutes at a fast pace.
You won’t have any issues if your inbound flight is on time.
Ludo De Winter
Hi Scott,
We arrive in JFK terminal 4 from Brussels (Belgium) at 1:30 pm with Delta. We have a connecting flight in terminal 7 to Buenos Aires at 3:25 pm with Aerolinas Argentinas.
We have 1 bookingnumber.
We received a message from Delta that the flight to BA is changed from
4:35 am to 3:25 pm.
So, we only have 1 h 55. Do we have time enough?
Thanks for your Antwerpen.
Ludo and Rita
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ludo! 2 hours is going to be tight, and I will admit that I’d be nervous about doing an international to international connection (with a terminal change) in that amount of time. If the airline isn’t willing to put you on a later flight, you’re going to have to hustle once you arrive at JFK. Study the terminal maps ahead of time, have a plan of attack, and good luck!
Jim Wood
Scott,
A lot of valuable information – wow! I’ll be arriving Terminal 4 at about 12:30 pm on a Wednesday departing Terminal 1 (with a 1 hour and 35 layover) at about 2:25 PM. Your thoughts and is there any way to expedite the connection?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Jim! Not gonna lie – that’s a connection that would make even my butt pucker a little (lol). If you don’t have any checked luggage, you’ll make it as long as you move quickly. If you do have luggage to check (and it won’t be transferred to your next flight automatically), an hour and 34 minutes won’t be enough time.
I recommend sitting as far forward as you can on your inbound flight (so that you’ll be one of the first off). Then, the AirTrain will be the fasted way to get over to T1. Study the terminal maps (and the location of the AirTrain stations) ahead of time!
Jim
Thanks, Scott! We will have carryon – nothing checked. Just wondering – time being limited – if we told someone at the terminal that we had a time issue would we have a chance of being ushered to the front?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome Jim! Not having checked luggage will make it a lot easier for sure. And yes, it is possible to move quickly through long security lines simply by asking those in front of you if you can go ahead of them. You have to be extremely polite about it though, as not everyone will be sympathetic to your situation. Even if you can’t get all the way to the front by asking, chances are good that you’ll be able to move ahead far enough to make a difference.
FYI, asking the TSA (or any airport employee) to move you to the front of the line won’t work. You’ll have to ask those in line in front of you. Good luck!
Jim
Most helpful, Scott! Fingers crossed and will probably remain crossed until we actually board the plane. By the way, while I still have your attention. My brother and sister in law have Global Entry. Will that get them through security quicker? My wife and I are TSA Pre! Any advantage there?
Scott (SANspotter)
Global Entry won’t get them through security any faster – but TSA Precheck (which comes as part of Global Entry) will. So technically, no. But yes. 🙂
Seriously though, TSA Precheck does save a lot of time. I have it, and there’s only been one instance in my last few years of travel where the regular security line was faster.
Jim
Very helpful, Scott! Should I expect separate entry lines with TSA Pre or will there be individual check in kiosks? I have not been to JFK in a while!
Scott (SANspotter)
No problem! There will be separate lines – most of the time it’s clearly labeled, so it’ll make perfect sense once you’re there.
Andrea
Hi Scott, I have a rescheduled flight and now I arrive from Milan (Italy) to JFK with American Airlines and I need to take the next flight to LAX, still American Airlines, with 1h 25m of layover.
I have only hands-on luggage, but I need to pass the immigration control and then find the new gate (should be the same terminal 8 if I’m not wrong).
Do you think it’s feasible or it’s too short ?
Many thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Andrea – an hour and 25 minutes is going to be tight, but the thing that will make it easy(ish) is the fact that you won’t have to change terminals. You’ll want to get off that flight from Milan as fast as you can though, because there’s no telling how long it’ll take you to get through customs and immigration. Could take 10 minutes, or it could take an hour. It’ll very likely be somewhere in the middle.
I wouldn’t worry though. If you do end up missing the flight to LAX, they’ll just put you on the next one. There are many AA flights from JFK to LAX every day so they’ll get you there without any issues no matter what.
Mae
Hi Scott, I will arrive at JFK at terminal 4 and have 3 hours before departure the international flight at Terminal 1. Do you think will it be possible?
Thank you for your advice.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mae – if you won’t have to retrieve any luggage and/or check in for your connecting flight in Terminal 1, you’ll have plenty of time (and it won’t be all that stressful). It will be a lot more challenging otherwise – but you should still have enough time for it.
Claire
Hi Scott,
I have a return flight from Raleigh NC – JFK – LHR. Will be arriving and departing from Terminal 8 at JFK and its all part of the same ticket under AA.
They’ve only given a 45 minute transfer time.
NC – JFK flight is owned by AA but operated by Republic Airways and JFK – LHR is BA.
Would love advice on if I should speak to the travel agent and get this changed or if you think 45 minutes would be okay but tight?
Also if I did miss the connecting flight would AA get me on the next available one as they are who the tickets are booked under via the travel agent?
Appreciate the help 🙂
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Claire – you’re going to be fine. 45 minutes is a totally doable connection in Terminal 8 at JFK. You won’t have to go through any security checks (or anything else) to get to your connecting gate after you arrive. Just walk from one plane to the next.
The nice thing about flights to LHR from JFK on American Airlines and British Airways is that there are many every day. They basically run a shuttle service between New York and London, so missing your flight won’t be the end of the world. They’ll just put you on the next one (automatically) – and you won’t have to wait long.
Have a good trip!
Claire
Thank you so much Scott!! That’s made me feel so much better and after checking the Terminal 8 map think I’m going to be fine. Again appreciate it!
Jay
Delta. MAD-JFK-CLT. All T4. 4 hours between arrival and departure. Where is customs and baggage claim and will we need to retrieve bags and recheck them and then go thru security again? I see some other websites suggest this is the case, but your detailed description sounds like we can just walk from gate on upper level to gate on lower level.
I looked at map of T4 and found both gates but can’t find customs at T4!
I’m asking partially bc we may try to meet a friend who happens to be staying nearby. She can’t get thru security but if we have to reclear anyways, it seems like we might have enough time to try to meet up and not feel stressed.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jay – yes, you will need to go claim your checked luggage before going through customs (which will happen right after you clear passport control). And you don’t need to worry ahead of time about where to go and how to get there – they will funnel you directly to customs and immigration right from the plane. You won’t have the ability to go anywhere else.
Once clearing customs, you will be released into the arrivals area of T4. From there, you will need to go to the Delta check in area to re-check your luggage. Then, proceed to the security checkpoint to get back into T4 for your flight to CLT.
You should have enough time to meet your friend IMHO. You can meet them at the arrivals area in T4.
Cindy
Hi Scott! I am on a Delta flight LHR-JFK arriving at 2:20. I have booked a separate Delta flight to MSY departing at 3:58. No checked bags and have global entry. Is an hour and 38 minutes enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Cindy – yup, with no checked luggage and Global Entry, you’ll have no issues at all. Have a good trip!
Sofia
Hi Scott! I want to book a flight from MIA to Prague and there is only 46 minutes connection time in JFK. Both flights are operated by Air France but it’s a change from a domestic line to an international. Do you think it’s enough time for such a change or I rather look for a different flight ? Thank you very much.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sofia – if the entire itinerary can be purchased together as a single ticket, that means that the first flight will be operated by Delta (which is a partner of Air France). The connecting flight is likely going to be Delta as well if it’s a nonstop flight to Prague. Air France doesn’t fly from JFK to Prague nonstop.
Anyway, yes! 46 minutes is enough time since you’ll be arriving and departing out of Terminal 4 at JFK. It’ll simply be a matter of walking from one plane to the next (with no security checks). Have a great trip!
Sofia
Yes it can be purchased as a single ticket and it is operated by Delta. Thank you again for your answer!
Carolyn
Hi Scott,
Amazing resource and responsiveness. Thank you! I was just reading about the construction at JFK and possible bus service in lieu of Air Tran. I’m coming in at Terminal 5 and departing international at Terminal 1. Would you adjust any of your time estimates to take into consideration the construction? Thanks in advance!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Carolyn! Absolutely – getting from one terminal to the other via the AirTrain is fast because it bypasses all the congestion on the roads connecting all the terminals. The bus is likely to take longer, so adding as much time as you can for the connection is a smart move.
CC
Hi Scott,
I will be departing from Worcester on Jet Blue to layover(37 Minutes) at JFK in terminal 5 to depart to Grenada from terminal 5. Is this doable and do I have to go through TSA again at JFK?
Thanks, CC
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi CC – that’ll be a tight connection for sure, but as long as you don’t have to leave Terminal 5, you’ll make it. Nope – you won’t have to go through security again. Just walk from one plane to the next. Good luck!
Sinar
Hi Scott, nice information.
I read that you suggest a layover at JFK of 150 minutes, to be safe for International to domestic. I got only 90 minutes, Amsterdam-JFK- San Diego. Would that be enough, it will be only terminal 4, but with immigration it can be a hassle maybe? And I’m not sure if check in luggage is labelled all the way to San Diego.
Is there also a fast track.
Thank Sinar
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sinar – 90 minutes is going to be a bit tight, but as you said, you won’t have to change terminals (so that’ll save you some time). You will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs though, so be prepared to hustle. Also, unless you have TSA Precheck (or you’re flying first class), there isn’t a faster way to get back into T4 to catch your flight to San Diego.
If for whatever reason you do end up missing your flight, don’t worry. JFK is a hub for Delta, and they will have many other ways of getting you to San Diego without much delay. Have a good trip!
Anne
Hello, I am landing at JFK terminal 8. Then connecting international flight to Tokyo in terminal 1. I only have 1.5 hours lay over. Will I make it??
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Anne – you shouldn’t have any issues at all without any checked luggage. Otherwise, it’s probably going to be tight!
Sheryl
Hello Scott,
We had a change in AA departure times on International flight, but hoping it’s still possible as not many flights available.
Arrive on AA domestic flight JFK Terminal 8 -concourse C and depart on AA international flight to Athens from Terminal 8 concourse B. We have 50 minutes. Not checking any luggage. Access to Concourse C looks to be an underground walkway. We’re fit and with 3 older teenagers, we can hustle. See any problems for us? Do you know what time they usually pre-board international flights? Any advice? Limited flights to Greece.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sheryl – 50 minutes is going to be a piece of cake! You’ve got nothing to worry about (even if your inbound flight is slightly late), because it’s really easy to get from one concourse to the other in Terminal 8.
They’ll probably start boarding your flight to Athens 45 minutes before departure. Note that the gate agents for that flight will know who the connecting passengers are, so they’re not going to shut the door until all of them have been accounted for.
They know you’re coming, and as long as you hustle, they won’t leave without you. Have a good trip!
Brian Varney
Hi Scott love the information in this article , Just a quick question due to schedule changes AA have routed us on Jetblue JFK then on AA to ANU assume luggage will be checked through but the connection time is only 1 hr. I believe that JetBlue and AA have a bus that connects airside if this is the case do you think we would make this connection ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Brian! Yes, there is an airside bus that runs between Terminal 5 (JetBlue) and Terminal 8 (American). I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but from what I’ve heard, it takes 10-15 minutes.
You’ll definitely make your connection as long as your inbound flight isn’t massively delayed.
Brian Varney
Hi Scott many thanks for your quick reply fingers crossed that the inward flight is either early its a redeye in from SEA or on time. Will let you know how it turns out after we have flown
Mandy
Hi Scott, thank you for this article! I am arriving from an international ITA flight at 6:55pm and would like to book a domestic American flight at 9:40pm. Do you think this connection time would be possible?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Mandy! ITA uses Terminal 1 at JFK, and American uses Terminal 8. Just know that you will have to change terminals (which isn’t difficult using the Air Train).
I think it’s very possible – and most likely very easy. Three hours is more than enough time to make this sort of connection IMHO, so my advice is to book it without worries. Have a great trip!
Mandy
Thanks so much for the insight, and the rapid response! This article is a great tool for first time flyers going through JFK. I’ll make sure to point anyone looking for info in your direction!!
Nicole
Hi Scott,
We fly into JFK from an international flight into terminal 8 and then take off from a different airline for a domestic flight from terminal 5, am I correct in thinking we need to collect our baggage and then recheck it at terminal 5?
Also we only have 2 hours and 20 minutes for the layover does this sound doable?
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nicole – your assumptions are correct! You will actually have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs (right after passport control). You’ll then have to re check it with your airline in Terminal 5.
2 hours and 20 minutes is going to be tight, you’ll make it as long as you keep moving as quickly as you can. Have a good trip!
Alf
Hello Scott! I will be flying Ottawa-Montreal-JFK, arriving at T7. My connecting flight leaves out of T4 on a separate booking. I figured I’ll need to clear customs, retrieve my checked bags and check-in and go through security again at T4. I only have a 2hr 40m layover. Is that enough time? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Alf! Yes, you will need to retrieve your luggage in Terminal 7 and go through the check in / security process in Terminal 4. You won’t have to go through customs though. You’re actually going to go through US customs and immigration prior to departing Montreal (it’s called US Preclearance), so you’ll arrive at JFK just as any normal US domestic flight would.
2 hours and 40 minutes will be more than enough time. Have a great trip!
Alf
Thank you for your response! Since my JFK to KUL leg is on a different/separate booking, I am assuming that when I arrive at T7, I collect my checked bags, head to the Airtrain and make my way to T4 where I will have to check in at the Etihad counter to get my boarding pass before going through security again. Is that right? I’m so nervous as I fell 2hr 40mims is going to be real right
Remy
Hi Scott. Great information that really puts a lot of minds at ease.
I’m flying from YYZ – JFK – CDG
I arrive at JFK at Terminal 1 & depart to CDG from Terminal 4.
I’ll clear customs in YYZ, do I need to clear security again at Terminal 2? I have a 2 hr lay over
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Remy – I’m glad you found this useful! Yes, you will have to exit Terminal 1 when you arrive at JFK and then take the train over to Terminal 4. A security check will be required to get back in.
Two hours will be more than enough time if you have carry-on luggage only. It’ll likely be a tight if you have checked luggage though. You’re going to have to hustle in that case!
Laura
Hey Scott! Your website has been super helpful! I’m planning my first international flight of my adult life, so it’s been a little overwhelming . I think, based on your info, that the layovers are fine, but I wanted your thoughts. I’m flying IAD-JFK-EZE and back on Delta. 2hr16min layover in JFK going and 4hr10min layover coming home. I do have PreTSA/Global Entry. Shouldn’t be an issue on timing, right?
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Laura – sounds like an exciting trip! Anyway, you planned well (lol) because those layover times are perfect. You’re not likely to have any issues – even with delayed flights.
Have fun!
Richard
Hi Scott,
Firstly I hope you won’t mind if I say just how much I love this website, it’s a brilliant source!
We have an upcoming journey, Cancun-JFK-Heathrow – all on one ticket, AA from Cancun and BA to Heathrow. It’s quite a long layover (3 hours) so I’m not particularly concerned, but could I just check if we would need to collect and then drop off our luggage for this one? Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Richard – glad you’re enjoying the content! Yes, unfortunately you will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs at JFK.
You’ve got nothing to worry about with a three hour layover though. That’s plenty of time!
Marlene
Hi,
Thank you for this amazing article!
I am traveling with my 19 year old daughter from Iceland to JFK, landing at 7:10 pm terminal 7 then heading to Buffalo NY at 10:00 pm from terminal 4 on Thursday, June 15th.
We both have luggage. Would we make the flight to Buffalo?
It only gives us about 2.5 hours if everything goes smoothly.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Marlene! Two and a half hours isn’t super tight IMHO – but you’re still going to have to move as quickly as possible just in case there’s a snag somewhere along the way.
Also, be aware that you’re probably not going to have a lot of extra time by the time you reach your gate in Terminal 4. But yes – you are most likely going to make it without any issues. Have a great trip!
Raj
Hi Scott,
My domestic Delta flight lands at terminal 4 @10.30AM and my international flight AirIndia leaves @12.30PM (i.e. in two hours). Do you think i have enough time to clear the luggage and check-in at Air-India Kiosk if it is same terminal. Air India web site states 1 hour prior to departure to be checked in i.e by 11.30AM. Please advice.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Raj! As long as your inbound flight is on time, I don’t think you’re going to have any issues.
I also don’t think you’re going to have much extra time once you clear security to get back into the terminal. You’re going to have to move as quickly as you can.
Have a good trip!
Claudia Eden
Hi, Scott
You’re a super hero! These is all great information that puts JFK newbies at ease! We’re flying from Dulles, VA to JFK and going to Athens, Greece. The layover is 1.25hr, we will only have carry ons. I have TSA pre-check, but my husband doesn’t. I think we have to switch terminals, not sure, but I also read that the AirTran is out of service due to construction and JFK is offering a shuttle bus, do you think we will have enough time? I don’t know if TSA will let my husband go through TSA-Pre-check with me, so we’ll probably be going through the regular line.
Thanks so much in advance for your response!
Claudia
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Claudia! I wasn’t aware that the AirTrain is out of service (it’s been a few months since I’ve last been through JFK) – so that’s good to know.
Yes, that’ll likely slow down the transfer between terminals, but I still think that you’ll have plenty of time to make your connection.
Unfortunately, your husband won’t be able to tag along with you in the TSA precheck line. I wouldn’t worry about it though, because without checked luggage, you’ll have the time you’ll need to make the connection without issues IMHO.
Have a great trip!
Sophie
Hi Scott!
Thanks for this article, so so helpful!! I’m flying for the first time through JFK and I’ve heard it can be quite stressful if the connection is too short. I’m flying from YUL into JFK and then to ARN with a 1h55 connection, all with Delta. 2 questions I wanted to ask you: (1) I heard that we go through customs in Montreal and therefore arrive at JFK as a domestic flight and do not need to clear customs when we arrive? (2) I saw somewhere that Delta was in Terminal 2 for domestic flights and in Terminal 4 for international flights, but the JFK website shows that terminal 2 doesn’t exist anymore and that Delta is now in Terminal 4 only. Do you know anything about this? Does that mean I won’t have to change terminals? In any case, will 1h55 be enough? I am traveling with carry-on only.
Thank you for your help!!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sophie! You are correct – you’ll go through US customs and immigration before departing Montreal. Your flight into JFK will arrive just as any other domestic flight would, so the only thing you’re going have to do is walk from one gate to the next.
You won’t have to leave Terminal 4 (it’s the dedicated Delta / SkyTeam terminal at JFK), so an hour and 55 minutes is going to be more than enough time. Have a great trip!
DEBY
Scott- Flying from Athens on American- arriving at Terminal 8 at 8 pm. Need to go thru customs with Global Entry- then onto our connection with Jet Blue in Terminal 5. We have 2 hours to do all this. Seems like after reading all your other comments, I should be nervous? Global entry should really speed things along, right???
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Deby – two hours is going to be a little tight to pull off an international to domestic connection with a terminal change at JFK. Having Global Entry is probably the thing that is going to make this possible for you. This means you also have TSA Precheck, which will expedite your entrance into T5.
I’d recommend going with carry-on luggage only as well. Having to wait to claim your luggage before going through customs is going to eat up a lot of valuable time.
I think you’ll be fine as long as you hustle!
Hageb
Hi Scott, I will be flying between Abu Dhabi – JFK with Etihad Airways, arriving in T4 at 09:30 am.
I have enough time till September to book separately a connecting flight from T5 with JetBlue to MCO on the same arrival day. I have to decide between two options either 12:37 pm or 2:22 pm.
Could you please assist me in choosing the most appropriate flight in terms of the suitable duration of the layover time and making departure procedures on time and comfortable, knowing that I have two checked bags to be retrieved?
What are the required steps/process I need to take during the layover time in case you suggest the 12:37 pm flight? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Hageb – if it were me, I would choose the 2:22 PM flight. Yes, you’ll probably have enough time to make a 12:37 PM flight, but that won’t allow for any challenges / delays along the way. It’ll certainly be more stressful!
Booking the later flight will give you enough time to rest and relax in the lounge of the TWA Hotel located adjacent to Terminal 5 (it’s free to enter).
Jess
Hi Scott! Thanks for the detailed outline!
I have a question, and apologies if you have already covered it off.
I am about to book a flight from London Heathrow to Toronto, but it has a layover in JFK of only 1.5 hours. I would have checked luggage, but from the answers above, it seems as long as it is all purchased through British Airways, I shouldn’t have to re-check my baggage. I checked and both the flight from London and the flight to Toronto leave from terminal 8. Would I still have to go through customs if I am not actually staying in the US? Would customs not just be needed in Toronto at my final destination?
Long story short, is that enough time??
Thanks!!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome Jess! Yes, you will have to go through customs and immigration at JFK (and once again in Toronto unfortunately). All passengers entering the US (regardless of their final destination) must go through the customs and immigration process. This is why doing international to international connections in the US should be avoided IMHO.
Also, unless something has changed very recently, I am 99% certain that you will have to claim your bags before going through customs (even though they are checked all the way through to Toronto). The good news is that there is a baggage recheck area immediately after exiting customs, so you won’t have to schlep them all the way to the airline ticket counter.
An hour and a half is going to be tight. At least you won’t have to change terminals – that will save you a lot of time. I highly recommend booking a longer layover if possible!
Ted
An hour and 40 minutes to go international to domestic, staying within terminal 8: can we make it??
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Ted! I’m usually pretty optimistic about this kind of stuff, but I don’t think you’d have any chance of pulling that off (even with Global Entry and checked luggage only).
I’d switch to a flight with a longer layover if you can!
Sandra Zimmer
Hi Scott! Thanks for your terrific insights. I will be self transferring (with checked luggage) at JFK from an international flight at terminal 1 to domestic, at terminal 4 with two hours between flights. Since I am on my way home, what would happen to my luggage if I left it on the carousel and just ran to catch my connecting flight without picking up my luggage?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sandra – you’re very welcome! This is a really interesting question. Long story short, don’t do this! The customs agents will know that you checked luggage, and they will send you back to retrieve them if you show up empty handed. Not only that, it’s likely to get you sent to secondary screening since abandoning luggage is not something ordinary people do. 🙂
Two hours is going to be a little tight, but the chances of you making it through in time are high if you hustle.
Nina Anne
Hi Scott! Booked a ticket from Doha-JFK (Etihad) -Logan (Jetblue) all under one itinerary/alliance. The Etihad Flight from Doha lands in JFK Terminal 4 at 16:00and the domestic connection to Boston/Logan is at terminal 5 leaving at 19:25 with a 3 and a half hour interval. Is this enough time . I’ll need to clear customs/immigration but without retrieving luggage.
Thanks in advance!
Nina
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nina! Yup, 3 1/2 hours is going to be plenty of time (even if you had to retrieve your luggage). You’ve got nothing to worry about IMHO!
Mel G
Hey, great article. I’m Australian flying into JFK terminal 8 at 4:50pm and want to buy a seperate ticket to leave and fly on to Toronto. AA has a terminal 8 flight at 7:34pm. I’ll have to pick up a bag and then check it in.. is 2hr 40mins enough?
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Mel! Two hours and 40 minutes will be enough time – even if you experience some minor delays along the way. That said, JFK customs and immigration can be unpredictable at times, so it’s smart to be prepared for long lines.
Have a great trip!
Tim
Hi Scott, this page is a lifesaver. Even more impressive is your dedication to reply everyone!
Didnt want to trouble you and went through all the comments but didnt seem to have my exact situation.
I am flying from SG to JFK to Boston, Logan. International flight reaches JFK at 1855 with 2.05hrs before the next domestic flight. Both flights are at terminal 4 but international is Singapore Airlines vs domestic is Delta. Will have 2 packed luggages.
Ive booked 1st class for the domestic flight though im unsure if this helps. Could i please get your validation of the following process (so i can mentally prepare for the hustle)?
1. Immigration
2. Baggage
3. Customs
4. Get boarding pass beforehand
4. Re-enter departure hall and look for Delta Airlines – go to Skypriority lane for 1st class
5. Recheck in baggage outside departure – does this strictly need to be 1 hour before take-off?. Look for Skypriority pass and secure online boarding pass (is this outside at departure?)
6. Security clearance and immigration
Thanks so much for your help!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Tim! I’m glad to help! Anyway, your assumptions are nearly correct. Two things:
First, I’m not sure what you mean by “outside departure” in step number 5. All you need to know is that yes – you can check your luggage in at any Delta Sky Priority lane. You will also get your boarding pass at the same time.
Second, in step number 6, immigration will not be required. The only thing that you’re going to have to do is go through security to get back into Terminal 4.
Have a great trip!
Emma
Hi Scott
I’m travelling from Dublin with aer lingus terminal 7 and connecting to Orlando with jet blue terminal 5. I only have 1hr 50 layover is it possible? Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Emma – it’s possible, but you’re going to have to hustle. JFK has been really hard to estimate lately – most of the time it won’t take very long to get through passport control and customs, but things do get backed up every now and then.
You’re most likely not going to have any issues. That said, it’ll probably a good idea to have an idea of what alternate flights there are in case you miss your original connection.
Alya
Hi Scott, thank you for this informative article!
I’m planning to travel from Jakarta using Etihad then I will have a 3 hours 9 minutes layover in JFK to switch plane to American Airlines heading to RDU airport. Do you think that is enough time? Or should I choose another flight with more layover time? Thank you so much!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Alya! Three hours should be enough time (I’d have no problem booking that itinerary for myself). That said, American Airlines uses Terminal 8 at JFK. Etihad uses Terminal 4, so it will require a little extra time to get from one to the other. You’ll have plenty of time though.
Bernd
Hi Scott,
we have to decide between to flights. Both are from Fort Lauderdale with Jet Blue to JFK and then one is with Singapore Airline, the other with condor from JFK to Frankfurt. We will have one ticket, so we assume that the bags are checked through.
The Singapore Airlines flight, which i prefer have a layover from 2hr 28, the Condor flight has a layover from 5hrs, which sounds real long.
Do you think the 2hrs 28 from singapore airline is enough? We have to change from Terminal 5 to 4 for departure.
Thanks a lot
Bernd
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Bernd – I would definitely choose Singapore Airlines (mostly because they are so much better than Condor). 2 1/2 hours is more than enough time to make that connection, so you’ll have nothing to worry about. Have a great trip!
Kevin
Hi Scott!
So I’m traveling from Rochester to JFK(domestic) then from JFK to Antigua(International). We arrive in JFK at terminal 4 at 6:30am and my international connection flight is in terminal 8 at 8am. We do not have any checked baggage but is an hour and a half layover doable in this situation?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Kevin! Yeah, an hour and a half is going to be easy. It’s a relatively quick and simple process to move between terminals at JFK using the AirTrain, so you shouldn’t have any issues at all. Have a great trip!
Judith Allanson
Hi Scott
Your answers are so very helpful, thank you. You have covered my scenario (international return, connecting to YYZ) except for one factor. Do I have any time advantage travelling in business class. Are there separate priority lines at security? I am a Canadian citizen, I do not have Nexus or TSA pre-clearance to help here and I have 2 hours to make the connection, bags (2) to collect, but no terminal change. AA right through.
Many thanks for your help
Judith
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Judith! Yes, there are definitely advantages to flying business class (besides the obvious lol). The main one is that you’ll be one of the first off the airplane upon arrival at JFK. This is going to save you a ton of time.
And yes, there are dedicated priority lanes for business and first class passengers at the security checkpoints. Not for customs and immigration though.
Two hours should be enough time considering that you won’t have to change terminals. Have a great trip!
Moody
I just booked a RDU to LHR flight with JetBlue with a connection at JFK. There is a one hour and seven minutes layover to make the connecting flight. I do not plan to check any bags. I haven’t traveled through the JetBlue terminal before. Is this too tight? The flight isn’t until next summer, so I feel certain that the flight departure times are going to change a bit between now and then, but I didn’t feel too comfortable booking the flight with the short amount of time in between. Unfortunately, it was the only combination that allow me to use all my airline points! If they do change flight times, what is the minimum time you would be comfortable with for this route? Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
One hour and seven minutes is going to be a piece of cake! JetBlue uses Terminal 5 at JFK, and it’s extremely easy to walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes at a fairly normal pace. Not only that, 30 minute connections are very doable (and common) within T5 – so you’ll have lots of wiggle room.
Rak
Hi Scott, what a wonderful resource for travelers. Thank you. I travel a decent amount but have avoided JFK for the past decade or so. But I may have to travel through JFK this time. Doing AMS-JFK-CMH on Delta metal, with 2hr layover in JFK. What would you say is the minimum time required to transfer at JFK, both Terminal 4, with GE, TSA Pre and SkyPriority. Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Rak! Yeah, with the full gamut of Global Entry, TSA precheck, and SkyPriority, 2 hours is going to be a breeze. Especially since you won’t have to change terminals.
You’ve got nothing to worry about. Have a great trip!
Tom
You say, “The Airline Terminals Train runs counterclockwise. That means the very first stop after Terminal 1 is Terminal 8.” However, given the map, wouldn’t counterclockwise mean that the first stop after Terminal 1 is Terminal 2? Regardless, thanks for a very useful website!!!
Scott (SANspotter)
There’s actually two trains (an inner loop and an outer loop). One runs clockwise, and the other counter clockwise. I’ll update this post to make that more clear. Thanks!
Chris
Hi Scott, this site is very helpful!
My incoming flight is from Austin (AUS) to JFK and then I have a 50 minute layover for my international flight to London (LHR). The ticket is through Virgin Airlines, but I will be on a partner Delta flight before making the connection to the Virgin operated flight. The information on Virgins site makes it seem like everyone must collect and recheck baggage. Is that not the case? Also from your previous post it seems I will take care of customs in Austin (AUS) and not need to do so at JFK? I would prefer to check my bags, but will stick with carry ons if I need to avoid rechecking. Thank you very much!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chris! I’m glad you’re finding this useful! You’re not going to have to go through customs on the way out of the US. You’re also not going to be required to retrieve luggage since Virgin Atlantic and Delta are partner airlines.
Not only that, both airlines occupy the same terminal (Terminal 4), so the only thing that you’re going to have to do is walk from one gate to the next. 50 minutes will be easy. Have a great trip!
Sue
Hello Scott, we are at FCO, Rome, waiting for our flight to JFK, with a connection to Tampa Florida. All of it is on Delta. We do have luggage. We only have a two hour layover since our flight to JFK is now delayed. The lady at the desk said we do have to pick up our luggage and put it on a different carousel, so yes, we do have to go down to baggage claim retrieve our luggage and put it somewhere else. Not sure how that works. Because above on one of your answers, you said, since our itinerary goes all the way through Then you would not have to collect bags and re-check them. What are your thoughts on this?
Ps – We arrive in JFK at terminal 4B 41 but we leave for Tampa out of the terminal a 11. But I’ve been told by a few people that we have to go get our luggage and recheck it so how does that work?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sue – it’s actually an extremely simple process. Upon arrival at JFK, you’ll be herded to passport control (where they verify your passport and credentials to enter the US). Immediately after that is the baggage claim area. You’ll be required to retrieve your luggage here before you can pass through customs. By the way, “customs” is usually quick and only involves walking past a US customs agent without even stopping. If he/she wants to talk to you, they’ll pull you aside.
There will be a baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs. Just drop your baggage there, and you can then proceed directly to the security checkpoint to get back into the terminal.
By the way, you’ll be arriving and departing from Terminal 4. That’s the terminal that Delta uses for all their flights at JFK.
Harriet
Hi Scott,
I am looking at flights from LHR to San Juan with a layover at JFK. I have two options: a layover of 7 hours or a layover of around 2 and a half hours. I fly with Jet blue for both flights and they say I do not need to recheck my bags at JFK although JFK’s website says I will need to. I would land and fly from T5. Which layover should I go for?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Harriet – 2 hours will be more than enough time! T5 at JFK isn’t that large, so it won’t take all that long to reach your connecting gate. And no – you will not have to retrieve your luggage. It will transfer all the way through.
Mia
Hi, thank you for the very informative post!
We are flying HEL-JFK-PUJ (all under the same ticket) do we need to get our checked bags between transfering Terminal 8 to Terminal 5 and then re-check them when going to Terminal 5? We are also considering staying at the TWA hotel since our layover is 12hours, we’d need to get ESTAs but is there anything else to take into consideration?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Mia! Yes, you are going to have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. Seems like a time won’t be an issue though, so it won’t be anything more than a minor inconvenience.
By the way, the TWA Hotel is fantastic! I’ve stayed there several times, and each experience has been great. It’s not a luxurious hotel by any means, but it’s quirky and fun to say the least. And the fact that it’s connected directly to T5 makes it especially convenient.
Ulli
Hi Scott, we are planning a flight from Frankfurt (with Condor) arriving at JFK at Terminal 7. Our connection flight is three hours later in Terminal 5 with JetBlue to Costa Rica (SJO). Do you think that is enough time? Thanks for your help! Ulli
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ulli! 3 hours is just the right amount of time for this type of connection IMHO. You’re probably not going to have a lot of time leftover once you get through the customs and immigration process, but you won’t be so tight on time that it will be stressful. Have a great trip!
Jeff
Question.
I am flying from a domestic flight to JFK w/3 people and checked bags via Delta then switching to Cathay Pacific for an International Flight. Do you have any suggestions for time to collect checked bags and then recheck bags, get through security and go to the correct terminal to board?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jeff! Personally, I’d want three hours for that. Not only will you have to change terminals, but you’re going to have to retrieve and then re-check your luggage before standing in line to go through security to get back into the terminal. Anything less than three hours is going to be stressful IMHO.
Louis
Scott: my wife and I are traveling from Buenos Aires to JFK and then on to Boston – all on American. We have a 2 hour connection in JFK. We also have Global Entry and can avoid checking our luggage on the long haul. Does the 2 hour connection work?
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Louis! Yes, having Global Entry and carry-on luggage only is going to make it easy. That’s plenty of time!
Louise
Hi Scott, I am landing in JFK at 16.00 on BA at Terminal 8 but only have carry on luggage. I have a connecting domestic flight with Delta at 18.34 from Terminal 4. So around 2.5 hours, do you think this is enough time. Also do I have to go through security or is there a connecting train once through Customs.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Louise – 2 1/2 hours should be enough time without any checked luggage. I highly doubt you’re going to have any issues (unless there’s a major traffic jam at passport control or something).
There is a train that connects all terminals, so it’s really easy to get from one to the next. You will have to go through security to get into Terminal 4 though. Have a great trip!
Richard
Hi Scott, we’re looking at booking Helsinki-JFK-LAX (Finnair onto American, so same terminal I believe) for next May. 1hr 55min connection at JFK. Do you reckon this should hopefully be okay? We’ll be in business so should hopefully be off the plane pretty speedy. If we don’t get to the lounge, it won’t be the end of the world, I guess..! Many thanks as always.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Richard – I think it will be tight (especially with it being the start of the busy so my travel season), but 2 hours is usually enough when you don’t have to change terminals at JFK. I’d recommend going with carry-on luggage only, as this will save you a lot of time trying to get through customs. Have a great trip!
milana
Hi there! I am planning a trip, and was wondering will it be enough time for me to make the connection flight. I am flying from savannah with american airlines, then have 2.5 hours layover and then flying with uzbekistan airlines. I do need to recheck my baggage and pass through immigration , and change the terminal , will I make the flight?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Milana – you’re not going to have to go through immigration, but you will have to go through security to change terminals. That said, 2 1/2 hours should be doable – but it will be tight, so it might be a good idea to study exactly where you’re going to have to go before you even arrive.
Chintan
HI ,
looking to travel from Toronto to JFK in qatar airways ( Operated by Republic Airways As American Eagle) Flight 7861 at terminal 8 and from same terminal 8 – Flight 704 for doha and then India from doha.
here JFK – 1h 35m layover in New York (short connection) is that enough and do I need new boarding pass and security check ? its enough time to catch plane for Flight 704 – doha?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chintan – American Airlines and Qatar Airways are partners in the Oneworld Alliance, so you’ll receive your Qatar Airways boarding passeses when you check-in in Toronto. When you arrive at JFK, the only thing you’re going to have to do is walk to your connecting gate. There will be no security checks. 1 hour and 35 minutes will be more than enough time!
Vika
Hi! Will I manage to catch the flight with two hour layover, the same terminal , but I will need to check in my baggage again, cause flying with different airlines
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Vika – yes, you stand a very good chance of making it as long as your inbound flight is on time. I would personally want at least 3 hours for this type of connection (just to be safe), but I think you’ll be fine. Try not to waste any time though!