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How Early Should I Arrive at JFK?

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) terminal building and runway aerial view

Planning your arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)? Based on TSA wait time data showing peak waits of 33 minutes, here are our recommended arrival times to ensure you don't miss your flight.

JFK Overview 5 Terminals Interactive Map TSA Wait Times

Recommended Arrival Times at JFK

Domestic Flights

Peak times 2.5 hours before
Off-peak times 2 hours before
With TSA PreCheck 90 minutes before

International Flights

Peak times 3.5 hours before
Off-peak times 3 hours before
With TSA PreCheck 2.5 hours before

Holiday & Peak Travel Advisory

During Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer travel season, add 30-60 minutes to these recommendations. Airport crowds can be significantly higher during peak travel periods.

Current TSA Wait Times at JFK

Average Wait

19 min

Peak Wait

33 min

Sundays at 4 PM

Early Morning

20 min

Before 6 AM

Quick Times

0

slots under 5 min

View detailed TSA wait times by hour

Best & Worst Times to Arrive at JFK

Busiest Times (Arrive Extra Early)

  • - Morning rush: 6 AM - 9 AM (avg 20 min wait)
  • - Evening rush: 4 PM - 7 PM (avg 21 min wait)
  • - Busiest day: Sundays
  • - Holiday periods: Major holidays + surrounding days

Best Times (Shorter Lines)

  • - Early morning: Before 6 AM (avg 20 min wait)
  • - Mid-morning: 10 AM - 12 PM
  • - Late evening: After 8 PM
  • - Quietest day: Wednesdays

Why You Need 2.5 hours at JFK

Here's how your time breaks down when arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport:

Parking & walking to terminal 10-20 min
Check-in & bag drop (if needed) 10-20 min
TSA security screening 19-33 min
Walking to gate 5-15 min
Buffer for unexpected delays 15-30 min
Total recommended time 2.5 hours

Tips to Save Time at JFK

Get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR

TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years) lets you keep shoes, belt, and laptop in bag. CLEAR ($189/year) provides biometric verification to skip ID check lines.

Check in online

Check in 24 hours before your flight and download your mobile boarding pass to skip the check-in counter entirely.

Pack TSA-friendly

Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, wear slip-on shoes, and keep electronics accessible to speed through security.

Know your terminal

Check which terminal your airline uses before arriving. Some airports require extra time for inter-terminal transfers.

First Time Flying from JFK?

If this is your first time flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport, here's what to expect when you arrive at the airport:

1 Arriving at the Airport

  • - Follow signs to your airline's terminal
  • - If driving, follow "Departures" signs to drop-off or parking
  • - Allow extra time if using rideshare or public transit

2 Check-In Process

  • - Use self-service kiosks or airline counter
  • - Have your ID and booking confirmation ready
  • - Drop checked bags at the bag drop counter

3 TSA Security Screening

  • - Have boarding pass and ID ready
  • - Remove laptops, liquids (3.4oz max), and shoes
  • - Empty pockets and remove belts before screening

4 Finding Your Gate

  • - Check departure screens for your gate number
  • - Follow signs to your gate (gates can change!)
  • - Be at the gate 30 min before boarding

Pro tip: Download your airline's app to get real-time gate updates and mobile boarding passes.

JFK Airport Contact Information

Airport Phone

+1 718-244-4444

For general airport inquiries

Airport Address

JFK International Airport
New York, NY 11430

Hours: John F. Kennedy International Airport is open 24 hours, but individual airline counters and TSA checkpoints may have limited hours. Check with your airline for specific check-in counter hours.

JFK Airport Arrival FAQ

How early should I arrive at JFK airport?

For domestic flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3.5 hours early. During peak times (Sundays around 4 PM), consider arriving even earlier as TSA wait times can reach 33 minutes.

How early should I get to JFK for a domestic flight?

Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your domestic flight at JFK. This allows time for parking/transit, check-in, TSA security (averaging 19 minutes), and walking to your gate. If you have TSA PreCheck, you may be able to arrive 2 hours early during off-peak times.

How early should I arrive at JFK for an international flight?

For international departures from John F. Kennedy International Airport, arrive 3.5 hours before your flight. International flights require additional time for document verification, potential customs pre-clearance, and longer check-in processes. With TSA lines averaging 19 minutes, the extra time ensures you won't miss your flight.

How long does it take to get through security at JFK?

TSA security wait times at JFK vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 33 minutes (typically on Sundays), while off-peak times average 20 minutes. Early mornings and late evenings typically have shorter lines.

What is the best time to go through security at JFK?

The best times to go through TSA at JFK are early morning (before 6 AM) with average waits of 20 minutes, and late evening. Avoid Sundays when lines are longest. Wednesdays tend to have the shortest wait times.

Should I arrive earlier at JFK during holidays?

Yes, during holidays and peak travel periods at John F. Kennedy International Airport, add at least 30-60 minutes to the standard arrival times. For domestic flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. For international flights, arrive 3.5-4 hours early. Check-in lines, TSA, and terminals will be significantly busier during Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer travel season.