New York Kennedy Airport Security Wait Times Guide
JFK Flight Delays
Prior to heading to JFK Airport, it's recommended to check if there are any departure delays. Alternatively, you can make use of our handy flight tracker to keep an eye on the status of a specific flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
Here are the locations and operating hours for security checkpoints at JFK Airport.
JFK TSA Terminal 1 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates 1-11
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
JFK TSA Terminal 4 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates A3, A5, B20-B55
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- CLEAR Hours for PreCheck-eligible travelers and Enrollment: 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- CLEAR Hours for Standard travelers and Enrollment: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
JFK TSA Terminal 5 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates 1-30
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
JFK TSA Terminal 7 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates 1-12
- Type: All passengers
- CLEAR Lane and Enrollment: Temporarily Closed
JFK TSA Terminal 8 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates 1-16, 31-47
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
See information below for CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck (via CLEAR) enrollment hours and locations.
All data is subject to change by the Airport, TSA, CLEAR, or other authorities.
TSA PreCheck at JFK
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating airports, including New York Kennedy Airport (JFK). Members of the program can enjoy benefits such as leaving their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at JFK:
- TSA PreCheck is available at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 8 within JFK.
- The service is intended for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in TSA PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at JFK:
- AeroMexico
- Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
- Air Canada
- Air Europa
- Air France
- Air India
- Air Serbia
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Cayman Airways
- China Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- EL AL Israel
- EVA Air
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Finnair
- Flair Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Icelandair
- Interjet
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- LAN Peru S.A.
- LATAM Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan.) <
iFly Tip: Breeze through the airport with advice from our wait times page.
CLEAR Plus & TSA PreCheck Enrollment
CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck at JFK Airport make security faster and easier. This section provides enrollment information for these services via CLEAR. CLEAR uses biometric authentication and advanced technology to speed up the security process. You can enroll in CLEAR Plus and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online, then visit the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another accepted ID to complete the process in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR Plus at a discount.
CLEAR Lane Locations:- Terminal 4
- Standard: 4:30am - 10:00pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 4:30am - 8:00pm
- Terminal 4
- CLEAR Plus Enrollment: 4:30am - 10:00pm
- TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 6:00am - 8:00pm
- Located on departures level to the right of security checkpoint near Row 1 at Delta Priority check-in
For more details about the CLEAR program, including locations and airports where the service is available, visit the CLEAR Airport Security Guide.
How to Check JFK Airport Security Wait Times
Follow these three simple steps to check security wait times on this page:
Step 1: Find the Checkpoint Times section. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click the “Check Wait Times” button in the JFK Average Checkpoint Times widget.
Step 2: Choose your arrival time. Use the dropdown menu to select when you plan to reach security.
Step 3: View estimated wait times. The site will display the average wait time for your selected period.
Tips for Using Wait Times
- Wait times are estimates: Actual conditions may vary due to crowd levels and security delays.
- Arrive early during peak hours: Security lines are often longer in the mornings and around holidays.
- Check the official airport site: Some airports provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Visit JFK Airport’s official website and search for "security wait times" to see if this feature is available.
Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints
If you've lost an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at New York Kennedy Airport (JFK), you should promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found. For detailed information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at TSA Lost and Found. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive description of your item, including color and any unique features, to aid in its identification and recovery.
About JFK Security Wait Times
The security wait times shown for New York Kennedy Airport are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Utilizing sophisticated data evaluation techniques, various 3rd party services, and publicly available data sets to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times at JFK. However, it's important to realize that these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents. The TSA advises passengers to get to the airport well before their planned flight departure time.
We strive to assist you in your travel preparations by delivering reliable estimates of security checkpoint wait times. We also recommend contacting your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and any potential changes to your flight schedule. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at JFK. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.
iFly Tip: Avoid unnecessary fees by ensuring your bag complies with carry-on size regulations.
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
TSA Pre Check at JFK
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 Checkpoint
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 Checkpoint
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 Main Checkpoint
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 Main Checkpoint
Terminal 7
Terminal 7 Checkpoint
Terminal 8
Terminal 8 Checkpoint
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to JFK:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive New York Kennedy airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the JFK restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the JFK airport facility is to use an off-airport parking lot. They offer lower costs, a bit further away from the terminals.
- If you have some time before your flight's departure, be sure to grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi.
- The next time you need to fly from the New York area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with JFK airports' flight fares.
New York Kennedy Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport