What is the best time to land at JFK?

When traveling through JFK or LaGuardia you need to plan your travel to take advantage of the traffic and the airline's on time arrivals. By far the best time to travel through any airport is typically the early morning, especially between 6-8 AM. More than 80% of flights arrive on time during this time window.



People Also Ask

How long does it take to get through JFK customs? The average security wait time at JFK is 16 minutes, according to Upgraded Points. Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon are good days for JFK airport security lines. The worst security queues at JFK are on Fridays between 2–3 p.m., when you may have to wait up to 35 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

How long does it take to get through JFK customs? The average security wait time at JFK is 16 minutes, according to Upgraded Points. Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon are good days for JFK airport security lines. The worst security queues at JFK are on Fridays between 2–3 p.m., when you may have to wait up to 35 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel. Allow as much time as possible for arriving at the airport, checking in (especially for checked luggage), and clearing security.

MORE DETAILS

The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

MORE DETAILS

From fast-track clearance through arrivals or departures, to helping with transfers and baggage, we ensure a swift and hassle-free passage through the JFK airport.

MORE DETAILS

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

MORE DETAILS

If you're a U.S. citizen or Canadian visitor, you may find it most convenient to use the Mobile Passport Control app or an automated passport control kiosk in T4. Citizens of other countries should refer to cbp.gov for full Immigration and Customs details.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

On average, it takes about 20 minutes to clear customs and immigration at JFK.

MORE DETAILS

Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel. Allow as much time as possible for arriving at the airport, checking in (especially for checked luggage), and clearing security.

MORE DETAILS

Do you have to go through security between terminals at JFK? The AirTrain operates outside the secure area, so passengers have to re-clear security when connecting between all terminals.

MORE DETAILS

What are the NYC rush hour traffic patterns? Like many big cities, it is best to avoid roads during rush hour New York — typically from 8-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.

MORE DETAILS

Can you sleep at JFK airport? Yes, you can sleep in JFK Airport, but it can be a little uncomfortable with all the armrests and noise. If you don't mind paying, you can use the sleep pods in Terminal 5 or book a room at the TWA hotel.

MORE DETAILS