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JFK Airport (JFK) in New York, NY — A Complete Guide

Admin_AZ_New_York 2 weeks ago

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JFK Airport (JFK) in New York, NY — A Complete Guide

The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the primary international gateway to the United States. Located in Queens, it operates like a bustling city, featuring hundreds of shops, 24-hour services, hotels, and a vast array of dining options for travelers from around the globe.

On this page, you will find everything you need to know: technical data, terminals, shops, restaurants, parking, pet policies, sustainability efforts, travel tips, and fun facts.

General Airport Information

Official Name	John F. Kennedy International Airport
Address	Jamaica, Queens, NY 11430, USA
Borough	Queens, New York City
Inauguration	July 1, 1948 (as Idlewild Airport)
Operator	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Passenger Terminals	5 Terminals (Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8)
Total Number of Stores	200+ shops and dining spots (approximate)
Number of Floors	Multiple levels per terminal (Departures, Arrivals, Mezzanine, etc.)
Parking Spaces	~17,000 spaces, with short-term, long-term, garage, and surface lot options
Parking Deals	Discounts for pre-booking online and economy long-term options
Pet-Friendly	Yes — features “Pet Relief Areas” and rules for circulation in terminals.
Sustainability	Yes — initiatives include solar power usage, recycling programs, and green building designs.
Architectural Style	Modern and functional, highlighted by the iconic TWA Hotel (formerly the TWA Flight Center) designed by Eero Saarinen.
Main Access Routes	Van Wyck Expressway, Belt Parkway, AirTrain JFK (connecting to the subway and LIRR), and buses.
Passengers (Annual Average)	~62.5 million passengers/year (2023 reference)
Official Website	jfkairport.com
Phone / Customer Service	+1 (718) 244-4444
Operating Hours	24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nearby Locations and Distances (approximate)

Nearby Location	Approximate Distance	Internal Link
Times Square	17 miles	Times Square
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)	10 miles	LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Newark Airport (EWR)	34 miles	Newark Airport (EWR)
Central Park	18 miles	Central Park

Approximate distances from JFK Airport by road. Times may vary with route and traffic.

5 Featured Stores and Services

25 Relevant Stores and Services

The availability of shops and services may vary between terminals and between landside and airside areas.

Dining Options (Restaurants and Cafes)

Pet-Friendly

JFK Airport is pet-friendly. Transporting animals in the terminals is permitted, provided they are in appropriate carriers. For their relief, the airport offers “Pet Relief Areas” in every terminal, including post-security options. Remember that boarding rules are determined by each airline. A major highlight is the luxury animal terminal, The ARK, which offers comprehensive services.

Sustainability and Environmental Policy

The Port Authority of NY & NJ has a strong commitment to sustainability at JFK. Key initiatives include:

Renewable Energy: Installation of solar panels on terminal rooftops and parking garages to reduce the carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency: Use of LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems throughout the airport.
Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling programs to divert a significant amount of waste from landfills.
Green Transportation: Encouraging the use of electric vehicles by installing charging stations.

For more details, consult the airport’s official website.

Useful Tips for Travelers

Check Your Terminal: JFK is vast, and the terminals are not all interconnected. Confirm your airline’s terminal in advance.
Use the AirTrain: The AirTrain is the most efficient way to travel between terminals, parking lots, and connections to the subway and LIRR. It is free to use within the airport.
Arrive Early: For international flights, arrive at least 3-4 hours early. For domestic flights, 2-3 hours. Security lines can be long.
Parking: Pre-book your parking spot online via the official website to get the best rates, especially for long stays.
Traffic: Traffic to and from JFK can be heavy. Consider public transportation for a more predictable arrival time.

Fun Facts

The airport’s original name was Idlewild Airport, built on the site of a former golf course. It was renamed in 1963 in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
Runway 13R-31L is one of the longest in the U.S. and was designated as an emergency landing runway for NASA’s Space Shuttles.
The former TWA terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen, is an architectural landmark and has been repurposed into the TWA Hotel.
The airport features a luxury terminal just for animals called “The ARK,” complete with pools, wellness spaces, and veterinary care.

Airport Rules and Procedures

Smoking is prohibited except in designated outdoor areas.
TSA Security: Electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed from carry-on bags for screening. Follow TSA PreCheck rules if you are a member.
Liquids on International Flights: Permitted only in containers of up to 3.4 oz (100ml), placed inside a clear, zip-top plastic bag.
Do not leave your luggage unattended at any time.

Other Services and Infrastructure

Hotels: The TWA Hotel (on-site) and many others nearby with free shuttles from the AirTrain Federal Circle station.
VIP Lounges: Dozens of lounges, including airline-specific options (Delta, American, Lufthansa) and independent lounges (Centurion, Primeclass).
Free Wi-Fi: Available in all terminals.
Medical Services: Emergency medical services are available.
Chapels: Interfaith chapels are available for prayer and meditation.
Baggage Storage: Available in select terminals.

Related Guides

Airports and Terminals

JFK Airport (JFK) in New York, NY

Tourist Attractions

Manhattan: Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building.
Other Boroughs: Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty.

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