A guide to TSA wait times at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Quick insights
- JFK has five terminals, each with their own security checkpoint.
- Estimated security wait times for each terminal are listed on the airport’s website.
- JFK offers TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR services, which can help reduce wait times for enrolled travelers.
JFK airport is one of the three main airports located in the New York City metropolitan area. 60 million travelers pass through JFK annually, making it one of the busiest international commercial airports in North America. In other words, there are a lot of people traveling through JFK every year.
In this article, we discuss how to determine wait times at JFK, what can cause longer wait times and how you may be able to speed up getting through security.
TSA wait times at JFK
Typically, peak travel times at JFK are between 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. during the week. Fridays and Sundays also tend to be busier travel days. Travelers can expect longer wait times for security screening during these periods.
JFK has five terminals, each with their own security checkpoint. Security checkpoints are located in the following terminals just beyond the ticketing counters:
- Terminal 1, level 3
- Terminal 4, level 4
- Terminal 5, level 3
- Terminal 7, level 2
- Terminal 8, level 3
Passengers who travel between terminals may need to exit security and go through screening again at the new terminal.
How early to arrive at JFK
For passengers traveling within the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) generally recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure time. For international flights, the recommended arrival time is 3 hours prior to departure.
Of note, the airport is currently undergoing a multi-year construction project, so travelers may want to budget extra time to get to the airport due to expected roadway congestion.
How can I check JFK wait times?
Here are some ways you can check TSA wait times at JFK:
- JFK website: The airport websiteOpens overlay provides real-time updates on TSA wait times at each terminal’s security checkpoint (note that these times are approximate). The site also includes estimated travel times from security checkpoints to the gates in each terminal.
- MyTSA app: The MyTSA appOpens overlay provides general wait time estimates for U.S. airports, including JFK.
- Third-party sites: Some third-party websites may use historical data and real-time traveler updates to provide up-to-date information about wait times at various airports.
Keep in mind, these tools provide estimates, and actual wait times can change. Arriving at the airport early can help you avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.
Ways to expedite wait times at JFK
JFK offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services, which may help reduce wait times for enrolled travelers. These services allow for a more streamlined security process that enables passengers to bypass the longer lines associated with standard security checks.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck can help streamline your airport experience by enabling you to access expedited security screening lanes. Terminals 1, 2, 5 and 8 at JFK have security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck lanes.
You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Approved travelers should have a TSA PreCheck logo displayed on their boarding pass. TSA PreCheck must be renewed every 5 years.
CLEAR Plus
CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.
CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.
What to do at JFK
The airport has several services and amenities spread throughout the airport and its five terminals. See the airport website for a complete listOpens overlay of the shops, dining options and amenities throughout JFK.
Some common amenities include:
- Animal relief stations
- Nursing suites
- Worship spaces
- Lounges
There also is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
In summary
JFK is a large airport with five terminals, each with their own security checkpoint. The airport’s website provides estimated wait times for security screening in each terminal. Wait times are listed for both standard security and TSA PreCheck lanes.
The airport’s peak travel times are between 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. during the week. Fridays and Sundays also tend to be busier days. Travelers who have a TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership may experience reduced wait times.
