Does JFK require masks?

Masks are now optional at the airports and welcome for all who choose to wear them: Know your Way Around. Check our interactive airport maps, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, before you arrive at the airport.



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Southwest informs travelers that while federal law no longer requires that masks be worn in the airport or on the airplane, “you're always welcome to wear a mask while traveling if you prefer to—if you need one at the airport or onboard, we'll have them ready.”

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Part of our strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the airport is through testing. Due to increased testing demand, it is strongly recommended for departing international travelers to complete required COVID-19 testing prior to coming to the airport.

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Arrive early and come prepared
We recommend you arrive to the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights. Check if your destination has travel restrictions. If your destination requires specific travel documents, remember to bring a completed copy with you to the airport.

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For international travel, many carriers suggest arriving at the airport at least three hours prior to the departure time. For domestic, the general rule is at least two hours. And if you get to the gate quickly, that's not a bad thing. You can relax, have a bite to eat at our concessions—they're open!

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Security. Wait Times. Check our websites, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, to get a sense of current wait times but always allow plenty of time for the security screening. It is recommended that you arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel but also check with your airline.

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Security processing times. At airports in the U.S., travelers may experience longer lines at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel.

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If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.

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General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

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