New York City JFK Airport
Worst Airport Winner
Lasting Impressions....
Memorable comments left by travellers:
"Overall, not a bad place to be stuck for half the day." (Kerry)
"it is a bloody disgrace." (Sam)
"JFK was probably the most confusing and filthy airport terminal I have ever been in." (Amy)
"I managed to get some sleep but it wasn't easy." (?)
"The terminal 6 is gross. It is way overcrowded for the size that it is." (?)
"People front desk counter were rude, insulting, didn't care that I drove 5:30 hrs. to get there, one person was making fun of me and giving me a hard time. - sakajawea
"seating was awful, so i laid out on the floor. However i saw a rat roaming around so i didn't sleep much that nite." - seanamazing
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FEATURED REVIEWS
by ohjo, 10/6/2009
I was a bit scared to spend the night at JFK after reading all the reviews on this site. However, my parents had made a mistake booking my ticket (I flew into JFK from Austria) and I didn't have any money or any other options but to wait around until the next day.
After collecting all my baggage and coming through customs I was weighted down with so much stuff that I didn't want to do much searching. I'd read terminal 4 was better than the others, so I went there. At first I was going to camp out where everyone gathered to meet the people exiting the closed portion of the terminal, but it was cold and ugly so I headed towards the signs saying Shopping.
This area was great! Well, at least relatively.... Terminal 4 flies international flights, so stuff was going on all night long-- I had to deal with flight announcements etc. They were loud, but luckily I'm a deep sleeper.
I was surprised by how many people camped out in this area! There were at least 20-25 people who spent the night. I was lucky and snagged a brown padded bench (without armrests!) in the 24hr food court area.
Lots of people were set up in the 'plane viewing' area-- but the floor there was marble and too cold for me. Most of them had mats or sleeping bags and were better prepared than I was. I was glad to have my thick winter coat-- otherwise I would have been too cold to sleep.
Overall, the experience wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I slept intermittently, but I think part of that was due to jet lag and still being on a European schedule.
Don't be scared of JFK. No one told me to leave, it wasn't that dirty, and there were enough security guards and things going on that I felt safe.
by patina
Had to stay overnight at JFK check-in hall due to flight-cancellation. Check-in-desks closed around 1am but opened again at 4.30am. announcements started early as well, so it was never absolutely quiet. during this hours the cleaning crew was working, but very careful not to disturb the sleeping folks.
there were almost no chairs available, only a few, but very comfortable chairs but three times more people and all of them were occupied :-(
i tried to enter the departure-hall, thinking it may be more comfortable there, but one is only allowed to enter there during traffic-time.
it was pretty cold but i could manage to organise some empty boxes. so it used them to sleep on and protect me from the cold ground.
hope you have never to stay there overnight, i had just 1 or 2 hours of sleep and was pretty happy to catch my flight at 7am the next day.
Airport Guide
The conditions and facilities of each terminal vary. Terminal 4 currently receives the best feedback.
Airport Lounges
- The Lounge - Terminal 4 - Landside, Departure Level, opposite Check-in Row 1A. Offers snacks, beverages, alcoholic drinks, WiFi, and more. Rate: TBA. Hours: 0400-0100
Airport Facilities
- Luggage Storage
Terminal 1 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 4 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 8 - Arrivals (Landside) - Showers
Terminal 4 - The Lounge - Landside, Departure Level, opposite Check-in Row 1A. - WiFi / Internet
WiFi is available in most public areas (landside) within most terminals, as well airside. You can buy a pay as you go plan for US$ 4.95 or a Day Pass with unlimited access within the 24-hour period for US$ 7.95. Wireless access is provided by Boingo. - Traveler's Aid
An organization that assists stranded and distressed passengers. Visit Travelers if the airlines have been unable to assist you.
Terminal 1 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 3 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 4 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 7 - Arrivals (Landside)
Terminal 8 - Arrivals (Landside) - Food / Dining
If you have any food recommendations/warnings, email me and I will add it to the list.
Ground Transportation: Getting There
- Public Transportation
- Metro - Take the A Train to/from southern Queens, Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Use the Howard Beach Station to connect to/from the AirTrain. Fare: US$ 7.25 ($2.25 Metro Fee + $5.00 AirTrain).
- Metro - Take the E Train to/from central/western Queens, northern Brooklyn, midtown Manhattan and the Bronx. Use the Jamaica Station to connect to/from the AirTrain.
Fare: US$ 7.25 ($2.25 Metro Fee + $5.00 AirTrain). Duration 60-75 minutes. Hours of Operation: 24 hours - Airport Express Buses
Express buses take you to/from Grand Central and Penn Stations. Departs every 20-30 from the Express Bus Stop at each Terminal. Fare: US$ 15
Airport Transportation: Getting Around
The AirTrain interlinks JFK's 7 terminals, as well as connects travellers to the New York Subway and the Long Island Rail Road. Fare: Free within the airport (there is a US$ 5 fee when you use it to connect to the Subway or LIRR). Hours of Operation: 24 hours
Nearby Hotels
Airport Maps
To download the New York JFK Terminal Map.
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date experiences:
- try the metal platforms in terminal 4 fast food area
- 24 hour cafe
- frequent announcements
- benches are cold
- seats with armrests
- WiFi
- Terminal 4; "luxurious" carpeted area upstairs
- CNN blasting
Travel Sites
- Hostels and Budget Accommodation - I've booked my own accommodation on this site. If you are too old for hostels and too cheap for hotels, like me, you'll find some good properties. They offer dorms, private rooms, B&Bs, Apartments.
- Visiting NYC? Find Deals, Compare Rates, and Read Hotel Reviews on TripAdvisor
