The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
JFK is big and fragmented. Which terminal you land in shapes the whole experience: T4 and T5 have better food options, T7 is the BA/oneworld hub with a strong lounge setup, T8 handles American. The AirTrain connects them and runs 24 hours, but the connections take longer than the map suggests.
Getting into Manhattan: AirTrain to Jamaica Station (15 minutes), then LIRR to Penn Station (about 20 minutes). Total time roughly 35 to 40 minutes, about $10.75. This beats taxis in almost all conditions except very late at night. Yellow-cab flat rate to Manhattan is $52 plus tolls and tip; verify current NYC taxi rates as they are reviewed periodically.
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Lufthansa, AF/KLM, Korean, Primeclass | Alliance biz/elite; Primeclass PP/Dragon/Paid | Some | Buffet, showers (some) | Primeclass about $40-60 USD |
| T4 | Delta Sky Club, Centurion, PP lounges | Delta/Amex/eligible; PP varies | Some | Buffet/bar, showers (selected) | Paid varies by lounge |
| T5 | JetBlue Mosaic (limited), Aer Lingus, PP options | Eligible tickets/PP where offered | Some | Snacks, drinks | Paid varies |
| T7 | BA/oneworld lounges | Oneworld biz/elite | Yes | Buffet, showers | N/A |
| T8 | AA Admirals/Flagship | AA/oneworld biz/elite | Flagship: Yes | Buffet, showers (Flagship) | Paid varies (AC); Flagship N/A |
US Customs averages 24 minutes for international arrivals at JFK. Global Entry holders use dedicated kiosks and typically clear in under 10 minutes. ESTA is required for visa-waiver country nationals traveling to or through the US. Luggage storage inside JFK terminals is limited; check terminal-specific options on arrival. WiFi is free but strength varies by terminal.
