New York's John F Kennedy International Airport is the biggest, busiest and probably most confusing airports in the world.
Here’s a few tips you probably didn’t think of, to help your JFK airport experience go that bit more smoothly.
1. Getting a cab
Make sure your taxi driver obeys the $45 flat rate from the airport to Manhattan. Notices reminding you of this should be posted inside the cab. But don't forget that any bridge/tunnel tolls and tips are not included.
2. Getting through security
Before leaving for the airport, make sure that you wear easily removable clothing and shoes. All passengers must remove their shoes and send the footwear through an X-ray machine for inspection. Loaded cameras and undeveloped film should go in a carry-on bag because the X-ray machines that scan checked luggage can damage the film. Other items that you should carry in a carry-on bag include keys, mobile phones, change and money clips.
3. Give yourself time
Allow plenty of time getting to and from JFK. Getting stuck in a cab on the Van Wyck Expressway and being worried about missing your flight is one of the worst ways to start or finish a trip.
4. Be weather-ready
JFK is very prone to weather-related delays. Summertime - thunderstorms in New York and knock-on delays from across the US. Winter - snow, icing and assorted wintry slush. June to November - the potential of hurricanes. Make sure your travel insurance is up to date and you have back-up plans whenever flying through JFK. Remember that Newark and LaGuardia can also be options if things go awry.
5. Where to eat
All terminals have lots of choices to eat from post-security. Only Terminal 1, however, has a dedicated food court pre-security, with many well-known chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, and Sbarro's
6. Expect delays
Landing or taking off from JFK has been much improved in recent years by the addition of the multibillion-dollar Bay Runway, but due to sheer volume it remains the worst airport in the country in terms of flight delays. If possible, do not connect using JFK, especially when switching terminals. If you must connect via JFK, make sure you have sufficient time. For flights from domestic (US and Canada) to JFK to domestic, 2-3 hours; for domestic to JFK to international, 3-4 hours; for international to JFK to domestic, 3-5 hours; for international to JFK to international, 3- 6 hours. International travellers are strongly advised to avoid connecting in JFK to other international flights, as the security and immigration procedures for non-US citizens are really time-consuming and tiresome.
7. Enjoy a taste of luxury
At the Oasis Lounge in Terminal 4, travellers can enjoy real airport luxury. While it's pricey, it's also perhaps the best place to kill time at JFK, and is open 24 hours. There are shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, meals served, a complimentary bar with snacks, and a comfy lounge with TVs. It cost $45 for four hours, and $10/hour after that.
Image via Pinterest.
