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)…
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
Domestic to international all within terminal 8 in 1.5 hours? Or international to domestic all within terminal 8 in 1.25 hours? Doable?
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!
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 ?
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
Hi Scott, I’m traveling domestic to international, all same airline, arriving and departing Terminal 8. I had book so I would have 2 hours at JFK, however my first domestic flight has been delayed so will now have just under and hour between flights. Is this feasible?
Thank you for reading.
Hi Shelly – yes, you’ll be perfectly fine. As long as you’re not changing terminals, you’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints. Just walk from one plane to the next.
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
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!
Are these times only for travellers with USA passports?
We are 3 adults from UK coming from Dallas then on to Heathrow.
Thanks
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!
Hi I’m coming from Barcelona British Air and then Delta back to PR how long would it take. Is three hours enough
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.
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?
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!
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.
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!
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!!!!!
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!
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!
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?
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!
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!
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!
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?
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
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?
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!
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?
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!
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?
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 🙂
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!
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!
Hi,
My flight is from toronto canada to dubai UAE via the JFK newyork airport, one hour layover, terminal 8 no terminal change transit through same terminal, just changing planes american airlines to qatar airways
My question is that do i need any transit visa or have to clear the TSA or not.? I dont have any
transit visa
And what about the luggage will it be transfsr automatically or i have to collect and recheck.?
Thanks
Hi Arshad – I’m no expert on travel visas, but if your passport/ nationality requires one to enter the United States, then yes – you will need a visa for this connection.
The reason for this is that you will be required to go through US customs and immigration prior to arrival at JFK (this will actually happen at YYZ – not JFK). You’ll be officially entering the United States (even if you’re just in transit), and you’ll need the documentation required to legally do that.
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.
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.
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?
Hi Cindy – yup, with no checked luggage and Global Entry, you’ll have no issues at all. Have a good trip!
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.
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!
Yes it can be purchased as a single ticket and it is operated by Delta. Thank you again for your answer!
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!
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.
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
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!
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
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!
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??
Hi Anne – you shouldn’t have any issues at all without any checked luggage. Otherwise, it’s probably going to be tight!
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.
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!
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 ?
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.
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
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?
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!
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!!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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?
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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!!
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!
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???
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!
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!
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).
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!!
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!
An hour and 40 minutes to go international to domestic, staying within terminal 8: can we make it??
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!
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?
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.
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
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!
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?
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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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?
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!
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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!!!
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!
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!
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!
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
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?
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.
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!
Hi Louis! Yes, having Global Entry and carry-on luggage only is going to make it easy. That’s plenty of time!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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?
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!
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
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!
Hey, Im looking to book a flight from toronto to JFK on Air canada Jazz which i believe will arrive at terminal 7 and then onwards to taipei on EVA which departs terminal 1. I will have a 3 hour layover. Will this be doable? Will i need to pick up my luggage and re check in?
Hey Vince – if your entire from Toronto to Taipei is part of the same ticket (it likely is since both Air Canada and EVA Air are partners in the Star Alliance), your luggage will transfer automatically.
Changing terminals will take some time, but 3 hours will be more than enough. Have a good trip!
Hey Scott, so in the mess of award travel I have a less then ideal connection in jfk, the first leg is booked in two separate reservations one on delta (LAX-JFK) and one on air france (JFK-CDG), with a 3 hour layover having to switch to terminal 1 with no airtrain as of now and on the way back a reservation on klm (CDG-AMS-JFK) and one on delta (JFK-LAX) with a 3hr connection in jfk thankfully same terminal this time, hopefully they should be able to check my bags thru on both as they’re partners but will this be enough time?
Hi Kenyon! Having everything broken up into multiple itineraries is going to make things trickier – but not impossible. Your layover times seem reasonable. I don’t think you’ll be in danger of mis-connecting (either coming or going) unless your inbound flight is running very behind schedule.
Also, you won’t be able to check your luggage through to your final destination if they are not part of the same reservation. It won’t hurt to ask of course, but I’m fairly certain this is something they cannot do.
I wouldn’t worry!
Hey Scott. So I will be taking a Delta flight from CVG to JFK which I believe lands on Terminal 4 at 3:28 pm. I will need to collect my baggage and then proceed to Terminal 1 to check-in and board an ITA international flight from JFK to FCO (separate ticket) which departs JFK at 9:30 pm. What will be the steps involved and how much time should it take for me to reach my boarding gate for the connecting flight to FCO after I land at JFK? Thanks so much!!
Hi Mandeep! 6 hours is going to be plenty of time to make this connection – you’ll have nothing to worry about (even if your flight from CVG is very delayed).
Anyway, the best way to get from T4 to T1 one will be to use the AirTrain which connects all terminals outside of the secure area. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to go from baggage claim at T4 to the ITA check-in area at T1. Getting through security at T1 can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes in my experience (it just depends on how busy it is).
Have a great trip!
Hello!
I’ll be travelling from PIT-MAN with a 1hr layover at JFK (PIT-JFK on Delta, JFK-MAN on Virgin Atlantic).
Is a 1 hour layover enough? I’m anxious that I’ll miss my connection and I haven’t given myself enough time.
Am I also right in thinking I won’t have to collect my bag and re-check it in?
Many thanks 🙂
Hi Laura! One hour is going to be plenty of time. Both Delta and Virgin Atlantic operate out of Terminal 4 at JFK, so you’re not going to have to worry about getting from one terminal to the next. And you are correct about the luggage – it will transfer automatically since they are partner airlines.
The only thing you’ll have to do is walk from one gate to the next. It’ll be easy!
Hey Scott, many thanks for your help and stress avoidance. Could’t quite find our variant yet. RDU-JFK-AMS with checked luggage. Separate tickets. From RDU to JFK with AA, I think arriving at terminal 8. From JFK to AMS(terdam) with Jetblue at terminal 5. Is a 3 hour layover (more than) enough assuming there is no delay? We hate to rush… Thanks a million
You’re very welcome Bart! Yeah, three hours isn’t going to be an issue at all. I do my best to avoid stressful layovers when I can, and that’s an itinerary that would have no problem booking for myself.
You’ll have plenty of time!
Hi, I’m trying to figure out the best combination of flights for a trip in Feb., separate tickets for the domestic and international flights, and checking a bag. If I arrive at Terminal 4 at 7:43am, would I have trouble making an 11:20am international flight in Terminal 7?–I do have TSA Precheck. Or a Terminal 4 arrival at 4:36pm with a Terminal 7 departure at 7:25pm. I want to factor in possible weather issues, I’ll be departing my initial flight from central NY. Should I just bite the bullet and plan on spending 12 hours at JFK between flights? I’m also worried that Delta will change my depart time between now and February, so the connection time for the first scenario could get tighter.
Thank you, the information you’ve provided on this site has already been very helpful!
Hi Paula! Even if Delta made a schedule change on the first option, it would have to be serious to have any any meaningful impact on your connecting flight. Domestic to international connections at JFK (even if you have to change terminals) aren’t that big of a deal since you’re not going to have to go through customs or immigration.
I’d go for the first option (and not worry much about it). Another option (if you don’t want the stress) is to fly in the night before and stay at the TWA Hotel adjacent to Terminal 5. It’s a little expensive, but I highly recommend it!
Hi Scott,
Just wanted to say that this is a very informative site. Will need your expert advise though if 2h 11mins is enough for the following JAL connecting flight in the 2nd week of January with checked baggage? I am not eligible for global entry. Can you also please provide me with the steps I need to go through upon arrival in JFK especially on the checked baggage from MCO?
MCO to JFK (Terminal 5, JetBlue) then JFK (Terminal 8, JAL) to Japan
Appreciate your help and thanks in advance.
Thanks Noreen! Two hours and 11 minutes should be plenty. First thing to do is to retrieve your luggage in T5. From there, get on the AirTrain (the train that connects all terminals JFK) and get off at Terminal 8. Check your luggage in directly with Japan Airlines, and then proceed to the security checkpoint. That’s it!
FYI, having Global Entry (or not) won’t matter since you’re not going to have to go through customs or immigration.
Hi Scott,
I have Domestic Delta flight from Buffalo NY to JFK. It arrives JFK at 7AM on Monday 11/6/23. I have checked baggage (3 pieces) to pickup from my Delta flight. I have to go to terminal 8 for my International connection flight at terminal 8 at 10:25 AM (Qatar air). what is the best option to pick up my checked baggage?. what is the best option to carry luggage from terminal 4 to Terminal 8? is 3 hour 25 minutes enough for connection?. Thanks
Hi Ramesh! Good question. I’m sure there are baggage carts available in the baggage claim area for you to use, but I don’t think that they are allowed on the AirTrain. FYI, the AirTrain is the fastest way to move between terminals at JFK.
Unless anyone here in the comment section has any ideas, I think you’re just going to have to juggle all three pieces of luggage yourself. But yes – 3 hours and 25 minutes will be plenty of time to make this connection.
Good luck!
Hello
I want to book a ticket Qatar airline from
Qatar to new York then Clevland
The layoff is 1.5 hours is that enough ? Iam not sure if this is domestic flight and if there is terminal change but it is all Qatar airline
Thank you
Hi Rose – assuming that your entire itinerary is part of the same ticket number, you’ll be connecting to American Airlines at JFK. You won’t have to change terminals (you’ll be arriving and departing in T8), but 1.5 hours is going to be a little tight due to the need to go through US customs and immigration.
If it were me, I’d try to book a flight with a longer layover if possible.
Hi Scott,
Awesome website! Thank you for all the useful info. A question.
Booked two separate tickets IAD (Dulles) => JFK then JFK => Madrid with the same airline Delta. Is it possible for the luggage be checked-in all the way to Madrid from Dulles, or do I have to retrieve the luggage at JFK and re-check-in with the Delta International desk at JFK? Thank you again!!
You’re very welcome Hamid! Unfortunately, because they are separate tickets, you’re not going to be able to check the luggage all the way through to Madrid. At least you won’t have to change terminals at JFK though (you’ll be arriving and departing out of T4). Good luck!
Hi Scott,
I just found your website, great informations! I am flying this friday from Amsterdam-JFK-Cincinnati all way with Delta and have only 1h40mins layover in JFK. Arriving in terminal B and departing from B.
I only carry hand luggage with me. Do you think 1.40h is enough time to catch the flight to Cincinnati? Thank you!
Hi Betti! Yes, that should be plenty of time considering that you’ll only have carry-on luggage and you won’t have to change terminals. The JFK customs and immigration process can get gnarly at times, but it’s going to have to be especially bad for you to miss your connection. I haven’t heard anything bad about the time it takes to process international arrivals a JFK recently – so you should be OK. Have a good trip!
Hi Scott,
Fantastic informative website, thanks!
In first week of January, I will be flying from Aruba to JFK (Jetblue) and will then have to catch a KLM flight on to AMS. I have 2h 18m between flights; separate tickets. I think Jetblue is T5 and KLM T4. Doable with checked luggage?
Thanks!
Thanks (and you’re very welcome) Steve! You are correct – KLM is T4, and JetBlue is T5.
Not to give you any anxiety or anything, but that’s going to be a very tight connection IMHO. Mostly because you’re going to have to go through US customs and immigration upon arrival at JFK. Having to retrieve your luggage before going through customs, and then rechecking it with JetBlue is it going to be a challenge in the short amount of time that you have.
It’s not impossible though. Just be prepared to hustle. Good luck!
Thanks a lot Scott, that’s very helpful. If I would go without checked luggage, would that spare me significant hustle time do you think?
You’re very welcome! Yes, you’ll save a lot of time by going carry-on only. I would definitely do that.
Hello Scott, this is such fantastic information and thank you for your thoughtful, honest approach to sharing information based on your experience. I’ve been driving myself nuts after realizing we have to change terminals with a 1 hour 16 minute layover. We’re flying BOS-JFK on JetBlue (arriving in Term 5) and connecting to Hawaiian Air in Term 4 around the holidays to boot! We have TSA Precheck but is this enough time?
You’re very welcome Nicole – glad to help! Yes, that will be a tight connection. That said, JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines are partners, so your checked luggage should transfer from one flight to the next without any issues.
Having TSA Precheck is what is going to make this possible. Otherwise, I’m not sure if you would stand a chance. Enjoy Hawaii!
Hi Scott, great website. I’m flying JetBlue from Burlington VT on 1/2/24 to JFK, arrive at 18:58. I have booked separate tickets with Aerlingus, depart from JFK to Dublin at 22:00. I’m travelling with my 14 and 8 yr olds. We only have carry-one but I don’t have any seat assignments so we need to check in at the Aerlingus desk. Do you think 3 hours layover is enough time? Do you know which terminal we need to go to once we deplane JetBlue? Thank you and happy Holidays!
Thanks Holly! Three hours should be plenty enough time with carry-on luggage only. You’ll be arriving in Terminal 5. Aer Lingus departs out of Terminal 7 (which you can access via the AirTrain). This is a fairly easy transfer IMHO. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott, thanks for such an interesting and helpful article. I am landing at JFK at 6:45pm on a flight from London Heathrow (LHR) with American airlines and connecting on to another American airline flight to Buenos Aires at 8pm and have 1hr15 mins to connect. I booked it through American Airlines but have been told by travel agents that this in an insufficient amount of time, what are you thoughts?
You’re very welcome Eve! I agree with what you’ve been told – that’s not going to be enough time. The problem is that you’re going to have to go through US customs and immigration upon arrival at JFK. You’ll then have to go through the security checkpoint to get back into the terminal for your flight to Buenos Aires.
I’d contact American Airlines if I were you – they should be able to help you sort this out. Good luck!
Hi Scott, thank you for your helpful website.
I am planning to purchase a ticket but not sure if it is doable.
Arrived from ICN to JFK at 10:00am then next flight to PBI is at 13:59pm. Do you think there is enough time for me going through the customs and immigration and collect luggage if it is on separate ticket?
You’re very welcome Izzy! Yes, that’s plenty of time IMHO. The fact that you have two separate tickets is going to make things challenging, but you’ll have all the time you’ll need to make the transfer. Have a great flight!
Looking to fly with from Cancun to London with layover at JFK. The whole journey is with JetBlue and I would have checked luggage. There are two flights options, one gives me a 2 hour 7 minute layover, the other a 3 hour 34 minute layover (but is a little more expensive) Will these times be sufficient given they are both international flights. I am Mexican resident with a UK passport if that makes a difference. Thanks!
Hi CR! If it were me, I would choose the longer 3 hour and 34 minute layover. 2 hours and 7 minutes would be extremely tight considering the fact that you’re going to have to go through US customs and immigration upon arrival.
Paying extra for the longer layover will be worth it!
I have read through all of your information, and it is very helpful for people like me who have never been to JFK. I am considering booking a flight from ORD-JFK arriving at about 10:00 PM on 07/01/24 on American Airlines and another flight from JFK-LHR departing at 1:30 AM on 07/02/24 on Norse Airlines. I would have a checked bag. From what I understand, I would need to retrieve my bag from terminal 8, ride the airtrain to terminal 7, recheck my bag, and go through security. Does that sound right, and does my time look doable? Thank you so much for your help!
Thanks Rachel! Yup, that’s exactly right. It’s also more than enough time to make the transfer IMHO – I don’t think you’re going to have any issues. Have a great trip!
Hello Scott…I have a Delta flight from Montego Bay to JFK and then connect to Delta flight JFK to Dublin. Will I have enough time with 3 hrs between? Also will I have to collect luggage. I am travelling business class.
Hi Sophia – yes, you will be required to go through the full US customs and immigration process (which requires retrieving your luggage). You will be arriving and departing from the same terminal though (Terminal 4), so three hours is going to be plenty of time. Have a good trip!
Hello Scott, I was unaware of all the changes one must do when arriving in the US (we always fly from Canada or just within the US). I have 2 questions..
1. We arrive from SJO on JetBlue and have a 3h30m connection until our next JetBlue flight to BUF, will that be enough time? We have Nexus (GE equivalent).
2. As for having to check through security, what happens if you purchase duty free items in SJO and it’s in a duty free bag? Are you allowed to bring liquids through the security line? We plan on bringing 2 bottles of liquor.
Hi Dean! First of all, yes – 3 hours and 30 minutes it’s going to be plenty of time. You won’t have any issues at all (even if the lines are slow).
Second, you will not be able to bring through liquids of any kind through the security checkpoint (even duty-free). The issue is that you’ll be exiting out into the unsecure arrivals area of the main terminal. This will require you to go through the main security checkpoint to get back in.
The fact that your liquor is ‘duty-free’ won’t matter at that point.
Hi,
Trying to figure out if the following International to International transfer is reasonable/can be achieved in approx 3 hours? Note we will have check in luggage so will have to retrieve the luggage, go out of the terminal, travel via airtrain to other terminal and go through security again?
Arrive from Bermuda to NYC JFK at 1:45pm (Terminal 8)
JFK to Mexico City departing at 4:59pm (Terminal 4)
Thankyou
Hi Ricky! Yeah, 3 hours is about my personal minimum for a connection like that at JFK. It would be extremely difficult with 2 hours or less, but 3 should be OK IHMO. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott! Thank you for your amazing website!
We just got notice from Delta of a schedule change and now I’m concerned we might not have enough time for connecting flight. We arrive from AMS at JFK with a 1:40min layover to CLT. We will have checked bags and all flights are with Delta. Delta does not yet show the terminal we will be departing from but we arrive at Terminal 4. Will this be enough time?
You’re very welcome Mikayla! That should be plenty of time IMHO. You’ll be arriving and departing from Terminal 4 – so you’re not going to need extra time to get from one terminal to the next.
For what it’s worth, my most recent international arrival at JFK was extremely quick. I was through less than 10 minutes. I’m not saying your experience is guaranteed to be that fast, but when things go right, it’s extremely easy. Have a good trip!
What an amazing website. This is so helpful!
We just received notice from Delta that our flight into JFK will now be arriving at terminal 4 at 2:37 pm. We fly out of terminal 1 on Air France at 4:30 pm. This has shortened our layover, and I am concerned about missing the connection. This is all on one ticket.
Is this doable? Do you recommend contacting Delta to find a different flight with a longer connection time?
Thank you for your time.
You’re very welcome Andrea! This will be a very easy connection IMHO – you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Your checked luggage will transfer automatically, so the only thing you’re going to have to do is exit T4, take the train over to T1, and then go through security to reach your departure gate.
Two hours is easily enough time for this. Have a great trip!
Can I make it from Terminal 4 to Terminal 8 with a 70 min connection. I will be coming from Italy and flying domestically in the US. I will be in first class and I have global entry with just a checked bag. Thanks
Hi Greg! It’ll be tight – but I think that should be doable with Global Entry. If it makes you feel any better, I recently got through passport control at JFK (with Global Entry) in less than five minutes.
I highly recommend going with a carry-on bag only. A checked bag is only going to slow you down.
Good morning scott,
We have a 2h10 connection for a flight on the same delta airline from CDG-JFK-SDQ with an arrival and departure at terminal 4. Is this possible? Do we have to go through security again? For checked suitcases, should we place them on the connecting flight belt or re-check them? What is the distance between immigration and baggage collection.
Thank you very much and great site: well done
Hi Ferrara – yes, 2 hours and 10 minutes will be OK. Not having to change terminals is going to save you a lot of time!
Unfortunately, you’re going to have to go through the full US customs and immigration process upon arrival at JFK. You’ll go through passport control first. After that, retrieve your luggage from the baggage carousel before going through customs. The good news is that there will be a baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs – Drop your bags there instead of taking them all the way back to the Delta ticket counter.
However, even if you do have to take them to the Delta ticket counter, it won’t be far (because you won’t be leaving Terminal 4).
And yes, you will have to go through security to get back into the terminal once you exit customs. Have a great trip!
Delta changed my domestic flight leaving me only 45 minutes between my domestic and international flights DEN/JFK to JFK/CDG. Will that be sufficient with checked baggage?
Hi David! Yes, that will be perfectly fine (even with checked luggage). You’ll be arriving into and departing out of Terminal 4, so it’ll just be a matter of walking from one gate to the next. Your luggage will transfer automatically.
Hi Scott! We just booked flights and now I’m worried we haven’t allowed enough time for our layover. It’s JFK to Barcelona – so domestic to international. We’re flying the same airline and have tsa pre check. We’re also first class (I don’t know if that helps them hold the plane?). Our layover is 1 hour… i’m thinking worse comes to worse and my husband can run through the airport to get to the gate as soon as possible to have them hold it for me but I just debate rebooking. I’m not sure when they tell you the terminals but we don’t know if they’re in the same terminal yet.
Nothing to worry about! I assume both the domestic and international segments are Delta? If so, you’ll be arriving in (and departing out) of Terminal 4. One hour is more than enough time for this type of connection, as the only thing you’re going to have to do is walk from one gate to another. No security checks.
You’ll make it!
I’m traveling Dublin-Jfk-Vegas and back with Jetblue through terminal 5 both ways. And 3 hours between flights both ways. We go through TSA in Dublin on the outward flight but have to collect bags for customs and recheck them in JFK. I am confused about the process through the terminal. Any clarity would help. Thanks.
Hi Carol – I’d be surprised if you have to claim (and then re-check) your luggage at JFK. My assumption is that both passport control AND customs will be taken care of before departing Dublin. Then again, I’ve never gone through US Preclearance outside of the US with checked luggage before. So if they’re telling you that you have to go through customs at JFK, you should expect to have to do that.
1). If your luggage is checked all the way through to LAS (and you don’t have to claim it at JFK), simply walk to your connecting gate – which will also be in Terminal 5. There will be no security checkpoints to go through.
2). If you do you have to claim your luggage, just follow the signs for arrivals. That will lead you to baggage claim. Once you have your bags, proceed to the JetBlue check in counter in T5.
And yes, 3 hours is going to be more than enough time (even if you have to claim and recheck your luggage). You won’t have any issues with that.
Hi Scott- we fly in on Delta to Terminal 4 and connect for an international flight in Terminal 5. We land at 7 am and our next flight just got moved up to 9:30. No checked bags, just carry-ons. We do not have TSA precheck. Think we should be good?
Hi Shannon – yeah, without any checked luggage, two hours will be a piece of cake. You’ve got nothing to worry about!
Hi Scott, hope you don’t mind me re-commenting! Flying LAX-JFK-LHR in a couple months, AA-BA. Our AA flight to JFK has been changed (with no notification, helpfully), so we now have a 52 minute connection. Seems a bit optimistic but I guess that’s within the MCT. Honestly, how do you rate our chances? We’ll have a suitcase, so I assume we pick that up and re-clear security. Do we also need to go through any passport control (UK passport holders if that makes any difference)? Thank you!
Hey Richard – no problem at all! The good news is that it’s going to be a lot easier than you’re assuming. 🙂 Both American Airlines and British Airways use Terminal 8 at JFK. Your luggage will transfer automatically, and you’re not going to have to go through any security checkpoints (or customs, or passport control) to reach your connecting gate. 52 minutes will be more than enough time. Have a great trip!
Hello. Your site is very helpful! I just received notice that Delta changed our flight again and we have 1 hour and 35 minutes connection time. We are flying Delta from Indianapolis to JFK and then continuing on to CDG via Air France. I realize we will need to use the Air Train to change terminals. Is this enough time? We are a family of 5 with TSA Pre check. Thank you!
Thank you for the excellent page and keeping it up & answering so many questions! We have a flight from Lima to JFK by Latam airlines (arriving in terminal 4) and our connection is to Helsinki by Finnair (from terminal 8). We need to have the ESTA, our connection is 1 hour 55 minutes, and we try to manage without check-in luggage. What do you think, is this doable?
You’re very welcome Kati. Yes, it’s going to be a lot easier (and faster) without checked luggage. I would definitely recommend going carry-on only if you can. Could you do it with checked luggage? Maybe – but only if everything goes right. It would be far too stressful of a situation for me!
Hello Scott, i have a domestic flight arriving at JFK terminal 5 and next internation flight leaves from terminal 8. i have 3 hours transit time and boading pass in hand – but lets consider i have only 1 hour transit time due to airline delay. what do you think, is it doable? is there any chance they may allow me to skip the line at security? which train is good to transfer from terminal 5 to terminal 8?
Hi Dileep – first of all, yes, 3 hours is going to be plenty of time. 1 hour would be a challenge, but completely doable if you already have your boarding pass and carry-on bags only. I highly recommend not arriving late. 🙂
The TSA agents won’t let you cut the security line, but I’ve seen people move through a line faster by asking to get around the people in front of them. You’ll have to ask very nicely though – not everyone will be happy to oblige.
The AirTrain is the fastest way around JFK. There are two trains (each one running in opposite directions), so be sure to get on the one headed towards Terminal 8. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott. We found the information very useful, so thank you. We’ve booked two separate air tickets for later in the year, Singapore airlines arriving at Terminal 4 in JFK and we have a Delta flight to Orlando two and half hours later, but out of the same terminal according the Delta booking. Is that enough time? and would delta change terminals later on or flight timings for that matter? What in your opinion would be the minimum time required for the transfer?
You’re very welcome Mosh! Anything less than 2 1/2 hours is going to be problematic IMHO. The fact that you have two separate tickets means that you will have to retrieve your luggage and then check it in again with Delta. It won’t transfer automatically. Going through the full customs and immigration process, plus having to check in again with Delta in 2 1/2 hours is a lot.
If it were me, I would do everything that I could to go with carry-on luggage only.
You won’t have to worry about Delta changing terminals. They operate a major hub out of T4 at JFK, so that is guaranteed not to change. Timing of the flight, however, could. I highly recommend switching to a different flight if they change your flight to Orlando to depart earlier than what was originally scheduled at the time of booking.
Hello Scott,
I have an American Airlines flight from Milan landing at 2:10pm and a Delta flight to Detroit at 5pm. All luggage will be carry on, is that enough time?
Hey Tom – yeah, I don’t think you’re going to have a problem with carry-on luggage only. You will be arriving in Terminal 8, and then departing out of Terminal 4 – but that’s a fairly quick and easy transfer via the AirTrain. You don’t have anything to worry about IMHO.
Thank you so much!
Hi Scott, my flight from Heathrow, on Virgin, arrives at about lunchtime on a Monday in mid-June, JFK terminal 4. Can I book a flight 2.5 hours later to Orlando on Delta, or a flight 3.5 hours later on JetBlue? I would prefer the Delta, same terminal, but not sure if 2.5 hours will be enough for baggage claim and immigration, being a South African citizen travelling with my wife and 2 kids, aged 9 and 12. Thanks!
Hi Frankie! The 3.5 hour JetBlue layover would be better if it’s *really* important that you don’t miss your connecting flight. You won’t have any issues at all with that amount of time.
2.5 hours to connect to Delta probably won’t be much of an issue either (especially since you won’t have to switch terminals). But you’ll need almost every bit of that time to make the connection. It’s doable. But it might be stressful.
I vote JetBlue!
Hi. Scott. My flight is CPH to JFK with SAS and to MIA with Delta. The transfer time is 2h in JFK is this feasible? (the SAS representative said that it was completely sufficient time) All tickets purchased from SAS so hopefully no need to recheck the luggage after custom.
Hi Erki! As long as you can get your boarding pass to Miami when you check in at Copenhagen, then two hours will be fine IMHO. Your SAS flight will arrive into JFK at Terminal 7, and you’ll be departing out of Terminal 4 to Miami – so there will be a terminal change required, but it’s fairly fast and easy via the AirTrain.
You will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs, but there should be a baggage drop area for connecting passengers immediately after you exit customs. This will save you the hassle of taking it all the way over to the Delta ticket counter.
Have a great trip!
Hi Scott,
We booked with Delta CPH to ORD wit a layover in JFK. They rebooked us with a 4 hour layover but arriving in JFK and leaving from LGA. Do you think it is possible to make that airport change in time?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Fabian – that’s a very unfortunate schedule change! I would definitely contact Delta and ask them to rebook you on a flight out of JFK (which they are obligated to do since it was their fault for making the change). JFK to LGA transfers are not only a total pain, but very costly as well.
I wouldn’t give up without a fight if I were you. You could probably do it in four hours, but it would be a very stressful transfer IMHO. Good luck!
Hi Scott,
Thank you for this valuable website. HELP! Coming in with domestic Delta flight into JFK Terminal 4 at 3:40pm. Need to take AirTrain to an American flight out of Terminal 8 (international flight) departing at 7:02 pm. No baggage check, only carry-on so is that enough time? Also, which of the 3 trains will be quickest to get to Terminal 8? And sequence of station will be 4, 1 and then 8?
P.S. Also, how to tell easily which one is the Airline Terminals Loop train vs the other two?
You’re very welcome Swati! Oh yeah – that will be way more than enough time. You’ll have absolutely no issues at all. Other than probably being bored from having too much time between flights lol.
Honestly, I’m not an expert on the AirTrain, but I do know this: There are trains running in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). Just choose the one headed towards T8.
Honestly though? You’ll have enough time even if you get on the wrong train (and have to take the long way around JFK).
Have a great trip!
Hi Scott,
We are flying Edinburgh to Orlando, with a 1 hour 30 minute layover at JFK. We are flying jet blue so assuming we don’t need to change terminals? Am I correct in thinking we will need to collect luggage and recheck it even though it’s the same airline and terminal?
Also our return journey is the same in reverse, but with a 2 hour 10 minute layover, do we collect luggage and recheck it on this flight also?
Thanks so much for the advice
Hi Suzanne – yes, that is correct. After arriving from Edinburgh, you will need to collect your luggage from the baggage carousel. You’ll go through passport control first, then baggage claim, then customs.
You won’t need to change terminals. Both flights will arrive and depart out of T5. An hour and a half might be a little tight, so try not to waste any time!
The return will be much easier. Your luggage will transfer automatically, so it’ll just be a matter of getting off one plane and getting on the next. Two hours and 10 minutes will be more than enough time. Have a great trip!
I want to check if 43 min is sufficient for domestic to international transfer on same airline?
I will be doing Los Angeles – JFK- New Delhi on American Airlines and want to check if 43 min is sufficient and do I have to collect luggage and undergo security check at JFK?
Hi GK – yes, 43 minutes will be tight, but perfectly OK if your flight from LAX is on time. You won’t have to retrieve luggage or go through any security checkpoints at JFK. Simply walk from one gate to the next.
Hi, Scott. Thanks for all the great Info, all of these posts reaffirmed me that i am going to be fine. However just for the sake of asking. I am going to fly from London to JFK via Norse (Terminal 7) and am not a US Citizen. My connecting flight is to Chicago via Delta and i have two seperate tickets with checked luggage. Are 3 hours and 40 minutes going to be enough to make the transfer?
Hi Jonas! Your assumptions are absolutely correct. 3 hours and 40 minutes is going to be perfectly fine. That said, I would still try to hustle… JFK is a big airport, and you’ll never know what kind of delays you’ll face until you’re in the thick of it.
Have a great trip!
Hi Scott. Thanks for all the info on this website. I am going fly from Abu Dhabi to JFK via Etihad landing in Terminal 4 at 9:05 AM and I will fly to Portland via Delta (Terminal 4 as well) at 1:34 PM and the tickets for both these flights are separate, I will have checked luggage and I am not an US citizen. Will the 4 hours be enough to make the connection ?
You’re very welcome Jack! You won’t have any problems with a four hour connection IMHO. I’m willing to bet that you’ll even have enough time to sit down for a leisurely lunch somewhere inside of Terminal 4 before your flight to Portland.
Nothing to worry about!
Thank you, Scott, for all of your helpful information! This will be my first time through JFK and am trying to be prepared. I will arrive (domestically) at terminal 4 and leave (internationally) through terminal 1. Everything is on one ticket/airlines (Delta) and I am hoping my checked bag will go all the way to Prague(?) Will I have to go through additional screening at terminal 1? Does TSA precheck help? Thank you
You’re very welcome Chris! First of all, yes – if it’s all part of the same ticket, your checked luggage will transfer automatically. You will have to exit T4 to get to T1 though (which will require going through security upon arrival at T1). Having TSA Precheck may or may not help to speed up the process. It just depends on how long the lines are.
The good news is that it’s very quick and easy to move between terminals via the AirTrain. It’ll be very simple transfer IMHO.
Have a great trip!
This article is so helpful! I have a flight from Fort Lauderdale with an hour and 5 minute layover in JFK before our flight to LHR. Both flights are Delta and scheduled to both be in terminal 4. I know it’s cutting it close but is it doable?
Hi Julia – that’ll be very easy (and you’ll likely have plenty of time to spare). Absolutely nothing to worry about IMHO. Your luggage will transfer automatically, and you’re not going to have to go through any security or customs checkpoints.
Totally doable!
Hi Scott,
I just booked a flight from CPH to MCO with a stop in JFK. Looks like I have to change terminals (SAS to Delta) and it offered me 1h50m time. I will probably have to make a run for it? What happens if I miss my flight?
Thank you
Hi Suzanne – yeah, I definitely recommend wearing running shoes for this one. 🙂
You’ll automatically be rebooked if you miss your flight (check with Delta customer service personnel or the SAS mobile app to get your new itinerary).
The good news is that JFK is a hub for Delta. Not only that, Orlando is a very popular destination. They’ll have no problem getting you to MCO on another flight ASAP.
Note: all of this is assuming that your entire itinerary from Copenhagen to Orlando is part of the same ticket. If CPH-JFK and JFK-MCO are separate tickets, you’ll have problems if you miss your connecting flight. The only option will be to purchase a new ticket unfortunately.
Hi, looking at booking a flight that is AA and British Airline from IND ->JFK -> LHR. 1 hour 6 minute layover at JFK. Bags would be checked through to final destination. Thoughts on that being an okay connection time? Assuming we would stay in terminal 8? Thank you x100!
You’re very welcome Madelyn! Yup – I wouldn’t have any issues at all booking that itinerary for myself. As you said, you’ll stay in T8 at JFK. Just walk from one plane to the next. That’s it!
What are your thoughts on self-transfer I-DL with 1:40pm arrival & 4:35pm departure + Terminal change (T8 to T7) + Re-check bags?
I may be able to find a pre-clearance flight thru Dublin to shave off immigration time, but they get in even later (around 3pm).
The 4:35 flight is only viable connection that day so I figure if we make it then it’ll save the $600+ in hotel costs…its my first JFK connection so just curious if its even realistically possible.
This is all on a Saturday (9/2) . I have Global Entry/TSA-pre but my partner does not (tho I could try to rush ahead & charm the gate agents into waiting hah).
Am also considering booking business class for AMS-BA-JFK flight (via BA) which would make getting off plane & receiving luggage swifter than doing coach.
Also curious if you think going the Dublin pre-clearance route would speed things up enough to make up for a later arrival (2:50) before JFK-SAN departure (Alaska) at at 4:35pm?
Ok, lots to unpack here (pun totally intended haha):
If you go with carry-on luggage only, doing Preclearance in Dublin is going to be the smoothest / least stressful option. Yes, you’ll have less time to connect at JFK, but you’re not going to have to deal with the chaos of customs and immigration upon arrival.
Having one hour and 35 minutes to change terminals won’t be an issue without luggage to recheck.
However…
If there’s no way to avoid having checked luggage, arriving at 2:50 PM from Dublin will be cutting it too close IMHO (since you will still have to re-check your luggage with Alaska Airlines).
I think you’ll be fine arriving at 1:40 and departing at 4:35. Business class will certainly get you off the plane faster (and save you a lot of time), so I’d recommend that if you can swing it.
Have a great trip!
Haha it IS a lot to unpack – trying to book this trip may have shaved a few months off my life lol.
Sweet, that’s kinda what I figured. Not sure I can do 10 days to Amsterdam in autumn with carry-on (being female comes with a lot of baggage – see I can pun with the best of um ;).
We’ll try to home-alone the earlier connection from LHR & worst case end up booking a hotel like we originally thought we’d have to. Appreciate your advice, thank you so much!
Hi- I’ve heard with all the construction it can take 25 minutes for planes to taxi? I’m flying Delta CLT>JFK>ZRH. I will have checked bags and understand those will transfer automatically. I know both gates are in Terminal 4. Initially I had a 1h45m layover, but just got notice that the CLT flight has changed and now only have 52 minutes. Seems possible, but concerned about taxiing time and possibility of late CLT departure. Delta gave me an option to change to an earlier CLT flight at no cost, but would then have a 4hr layover. I can access the Centurion lounge, but would rather not have a 4hr layover. Thoughts? Thank you!
Hey Don – if it were me, I would switch to the earlier flight to avoid the stress of not knowing if I was going to make it or not.
Yeah, 52 minutes is usually enough time. But as you said, congestion + construction at JFK don’t mix. Your flight from Charlotte is going to need to be very close to on time to keep the stress levels low.
A four hour layover is a long time, but at least you won’t have to worry.
Thanks Scott- that confirms my thoughts. I just changed the CLT flight to the earlier one. I can always lounge hop. Cheers!
Hi Scott – I am flying from Delhi – JFK – Dallas on 24th and I have a 1hour 40 mins layover. Will it be sufficient to go through Customs, recheck baggage and go through security with lot of hand baggage?
Also, sequence post deboarding the flight at JFK will be Customs – Baggage collect and recheck – Finally Security check.
I have 2 more option that i can take – 1. Either take a connecting flight from EWR which gives me 4 hours of cushion or another flight through JFK with 8hour layover.
Lastly if i change my flight to EWR option what is the most feasible option to reach EWR with huge luggage
Hi Dalbir – 1 hour and 40 minutes is usually enough time. However, since this is will be the day before Christmas (one of the busiest travel day of the year), it’s going to be really tight. I wouldn’t risk it.
EWR is the better option. But does that mean that you’d be flying DEL-JFK-EWR-DFW? That’s risky too, but slightly less so. Plan on at least an hour to get between JFK and EWR. Traffic is always brutal. It’s a slow ride.
In regards to transporting your luggage, the only thing I can think of is to do the transfer in an Uber XL (large SUV). Either that or prearrange a car service that can guarantee you an SUV.
Hello Scott! I have Delta flights AMS-JFK-SDQ with a transfer time of 2h 8mins. The arrival time in JFK will be 11:30am if the flight is on time. I have luggage and not US citizen. Is that too tight schedule to make it?
Hi Jake – yes, it will be tight. IMHO, the only thing that’s going to make it possible is the fact that you won’t have to change terminals. Plan on this being a very tight connection, but you’ll make it as long as everything is running on time.
Is there any way to do the trip without checked luggage? That’s what I would recommend.
Hi Scott. Very useful piece, so thank you very much. I have a flight in Apr Heathrow – JFK – Auckland with a 2hr 15 layover in JFK. I will be flying American Airlines LHR – JFK and then Qantas JFK – AKL. (Same alliance so assuming same terminal). I will have checked baggage and UK passports (with ESTA).
First question – Will the layover time be enough, seems short but I have read conflicting information online.
Second question – Will I be required to clear passport control and collect baggage in JFK (Again differing opinions online but have never asked the question directly.
If it is tight do you have any advice on making this more efficient/reduce stress?
Thanks in advance.
You’re very welcome Stewart! First of all, LHR-JFK-AKL is a monster of an itinerary. You’re very brave (and tough) to be doing that all in one shot lol.
Two hours and 15 minutes is probably going to be enough – especially considering that you won’t have to change terminals. You’ll be flying into and departing out of terminal 8.
JFK is tricky though. Sometimes customs and immigration is a ghost town, and other times it’s a total madhouse. In my experience, I’ve never been in a situation at JFK where 2:15 wasn’t enough time to make a connection after an inbound international flight.
In regards to going through passport control and collecting luggage: it used to be that you always had to do this to make an international to international connection in the US. I’ve heard reports of this not being the case anymore at some airports. I honestly do not know if it’s the case at JFK right now.
However – my best advice is to plan to have to go through the full customs and immigration process (which includes retrieving your luggage). Basically: plan for the worst, hope for the best.
Good luck!
Thanks for the valuable info, Scott!
My international trip starts tomorrow. My domestic Jetblue flight will arrive on Terminal 5 and I need to take connecting international Air India flight from Terminal 4. Since both are not partners, I need to pickup checked bags (4 total), take AirTrain to T5, recheck them with Air India, and go through security.
I have 3 hours 7 minute layover. Do you think it’s enough time?
Strangely, my entire itinerary is on single ticket, yet they said they’re not partners so I need to do self-transfer for the bags which I wasn’t aware of prior to booking the ticket. Now I’m worried I may miss the connecting flight 🙁
You’re very welcome Gaurav! A tick over 3 hours should be plenty enough time IMHO. That said, try to keep moving as quickly as possible just in case you run into any delays along the way.
You’ll be OK. Have a great trip!
Hi Scott! Thank you for all this information! I’m considering flights in late May flying IAH-JFK-LHR, flying into and flying out of Terminal 5, same airline, with a 57 minute layover. Do you think that’s doable? Would you risk it?
You’re very welcome! Yeah, as long as it’s the same terminal, 57 minutes is going to be a piece of cake. I’d totally risk it – especially considering how many flights there are between JFK and LHR on any given day. You’d have no problem getting put on another flight if you somehow end up missing your connection.
Go for it!