John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located in Queens, New York, is one of the busiest and most recognized airports in the United States. Serving as a major hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, JFK connects travelers to more than 180 destinations worldwide. The airport handles a large share of transatlantic flights and plays a critical role as a gateway between North America and Europe.

JFK spans six passenger terminals—Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and the newly redeveloped Terminal 6—offering a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. Travelers enjoy easy access via the AirTrain JFK, which connects directly to subway and commuter rail lines. Known for its global connections, modernized infrastructure, and ongoing redevelopment, JFK Airport remains a leading hub for international travel and innovation in passenger experience.

JFK Airport features six terminals, each with its own TSA security checkpoint and streamlined entry system. Terminal 4, one of the airport’s largest and most modern facilities, handles many international flights and offers multiple checkpoints to manage heavy passenger volume. Terminals 5 and 8 primarily serve domestic and transcontinental routes with TSA PreCheck lanes available for eligible travelers.

Security screening typically opens around 4:00 a.m. and remains active until the last scheduled departure. Wait times can vary, especially during peak periods—early mornings (5:00–9:00 a.m.) and evenings (4:00–8:00 p.m.) are the busiest. JFK’s AirTrain makes terminal transfers easy, ensuring travelers can reach their gates efficiently even when security lines are long. For the best experience, arrive two hours before domestic and three hours before international flights, and take advantage of CLEAR and TSA PreCheck services where available.

How many terminals are at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)?

Which terminal handles international flights at JFK?

Does JFK Airport offer TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?

What are the best times to go through security at JFK?