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JFKNew York·John F Kennedy International·New York, United States
How long is your layover?
30 min45 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
Recommended minimum1 hour
Quick Stats
Concourses
5
Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, Terminal 8
Max Transit
35m
via AirTrain
Avg. Security
25m
~12m with PreCheck
Primary Hub
Delta Air Lines
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
60min
Domestic → International
90min
International → Domestic
120min
International → International
120min
New York skylinePhoto by Ivana Rodriguez on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Getting Between Concourses
The AirTrain JFK light-rail system connects all terminals and runs every few minutes, with a full loop taking about 15-20 minutes depending on stops, but add walking time at each end plus waiting. Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 have an internal walking connector, and Terminal 7/8 are within walking distance, but most passengers should plan on the AirTrain for terminal changes. Any international arrival connecting onward — domestic or international — must exit through CBP, reclaim and recheck bags at the terminal's transfer desk, then clear TSA security again before reaching the gate area.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Key Facts
No sterile international transit — recheck through customs and security
AirTrain-linked but physically separate terminals
Large hub presence for Delta, JetBlue, and American
Peak evening congestion from transatlantic banks
Airlines at JFK
Delta Air LinesJetBlueAmerican Airlines
Common Questions
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at JFK?

Still under the 60-minute domestic MCT and impossible if any customs/immigration step is involved. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at JFK?

Workable for a same-terminal domestic-domestic connection but risky with any AirTrain transfer. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at JFK?

Meets JFK's domestic-domestic MCT, sufficient for an AirTrain transfer between terminals under normal conditions. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at JFK?

Comfortable for domestic-domestic and workable for a straightforward domestic-to-international connection if security is quick. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at JFK?

Meets the domestic-international MCT and gives reasonable buffer for AirTrain and security. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at JFK?

Meets JFK's international-domestic and international-international MCT, covering typical immigration and recheck processes. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at JFK?

Comfortable margin even with above-average CBP lines during a busy evening arrival bank. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at JFK?

Very safe for any connection type, including international-international with a slow customs queue. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at JFK?

Ample time for even the worst-case immigration delays plus a leisurely terminal change via AirTrain. See full 4 hr guide →

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