JFK · John F. Kennedy International

JFK TSA Wait Times

Live security checkpoint wait times at JFK International Airport across all active terminals.

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Current Wait Times

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Checkpoint Information

✅ Terminal 1 — All Gates

International carriers — Air France, Lufthansa, etc.
Flight schedule hours
Standard, Priority & TSA Pre✓

✅ Terminal 4 — All Gates

Delta hub + international carriers
Flight schedule hours
Standard, TSA Pre✓ & CLEAR

✅ Terminal 5 — All Gates

JetBlue Airways hub
Flight schedule hours
Standard & TSA Pre✓

✅ Terminal 7 — All Gates

Various carriers
Flight schedule hours
Standard & Priority

✅ Terminal 8 — All Gates

American Airlines hub
Flight schedule hours
Standard, Priority & TSA Pre✓

Travel Tips

⏰ How early to arrive

  • Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
  • International flights: 3 hours before departure
  • JFK is under a $19B reconstruction — expect extra congestion
  • AirTrain connects all terminals — allow 20–30 min from Jamaica station

⚡ Speed through security

  • TSA PreCheck available at Terminals 1, 4, 5, 8
  • CLEAR available at Terminal 4
  • Priority lanes at Terminals 1, 7, 8 for premium passengers
  • Each terminal has its own checkpoint — go directly to your terminal

🗺️ Which terminal to use

  • Terminal 1: International airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air)
  • Terminal 4: Delta + international (Emirates, Virgin Atlantic)
  • Terminal 5: JetBlue exclusively
  • Terminal 7: Various carriers
  • Terminal 8: American Airlines + British Airways

Frequently Asked Questions

How many security checkpoints does JFK have?

JFK has active security checkpoints in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Each terminal has its own checkpoint — you must go to the checkpoint for your departure terminal. Terminal 6 is currently under construction.

Does JFK have TSA PreCheck?

Yes — TSA PreCheck is available at Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8. Terminal 4 also has CLEAR available.

How long are JFK security lines?

JFK security wait times vary significantly by terminal and time of day. Terminal 8 (American Airlines) can get very busy, with waits of 20–40 minutes during peak hours. International terminals like T1 and T4 tend to be busiest during morning departure banks.

Can I transfer between terminals at JFK?

Yes — JFK's AirTrain connects all terminals and the Jamaica/Howard Beach subway stations. However, if you need to clear security in a different terminal, you'll need to exit and re-enter through that terminal's checkpoint.

Which JFK terminal does JetBlue use?

JetBlue Airways operates exclusively from Terminal 5 (T5) at JFK International Airport. Terminal 5 has its own dedicated security checkpoint with standard and TSA PreCheck lanes.

Are JFK terminals connected after security?

Terminals 4 and 5 are connected post-security via a walkway. Most other JFK terminals require exiting security and using the AirTrain to transfer — allow at least 45 minutes for inter-terminal connections.

How early should I arrive at JFK?

Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. JFK is undergoing a major $19B reconstruction — expect additional roadway congestion and allow extra time for ground transport.