New York Kennedy Airport Security Wait Times Guide
Planning a flight through JFK Airport? This comprehensive guide provides you with everything you need to know about the airport's security checkpoints, including their locations and hours of operation. You'll also find information on expedited screening programs such as TSA Pre and CLEAR Plus. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or flying for the first time, this guide is designed to make your journey through JFK Airport as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Experience the Ease of CLEAR Plus at JFK Airport with 2 Months Free
Experience the convenience and speed of CLEAR Plus at JFK airport. With CLEAR Plus, you can breeze through security lines and save valuable time. Plus, you can use your CLEAR credentials for fast access to local sports venues and nearby airports. And here's the best part - in partnership with iFly, CLEAR Plus is offering a 2 Months Free promotion. You can even add up to 3 family members to the 2 month trial. It's a limited time offer, so don't wait - sign up today and start enjoying the benefits of CLEAR Plus at JFK airport.
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
JFK TSA Terminal 1 Checkpoint
- Location: Gates 1-11
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
JFK TSA Checkpoint Terminal 2
- Location: Gates C60-C70
- Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
- CLEAR Hours: Temporarily closed due to airport construction as of January 9th, 2023
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
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.) <
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR Plus is a service that allows travelers to move through security more quickly at the airport. At JFK airport, the CLEAR Plus Lanes are available at Terminal 4 for both PreCheck-eligible travelers and standard travelers. Please note that as of January 9th, 2023, Terminal 2 is temporarily closed due to airport construction and Terminal 7 is also temporarily closed. When open, CLEAR Plus Lanes are available at these terminals as well.
For more information on CLEAR Plus enrollment and other details, you can visit IFly's CLEAR Plus Information Page. For a limited time, you can also experience the ease of CLEAR Plus at JFK Airport with a 2 Months Free promotion. Don't wait - sign up today and start enjoying the benefits of CLEAR Plus at JFK airport.
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 for New York Kennedy Airport are determined by amalgamating historical flight traffic data with TSA staffing schedules, and applying sophisticated data analytics methods. This approach enables us to provide a fairly accurate prediction of wait times at JFK Airport, barring exceptional circumstances. However, it is always suggested by the TSA that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight's scheduled departure time.
Our goal is to provide accurate security checkpoint wait times to assist you in your travel planning, but it's equally important to consult with your airline about the wait times at the ticket counter and any possible alterations to your flight schedules. These factors should inform your decision on when to arrive at JFK. Keep in mind that each airline establishes its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.
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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