How Early Should I Arrive at John F. Kennedy?
Personalized arrival time recommendations for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) based on current conditions
Recommended Arrival Times at JFK
Domestic Flights at JFK
International Flights at JFK
Current Wait Times at JFK
What's Included in These Times
Domestic Flight (2 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop (if needed): 15-20 min
- Security screening: 18 min avg
- Walk to gate: 10-15 min
- Buffer for delays: 20-30 min
International Flight (3 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop: 20-30 min
- Security screening: 18 min avg
- Passport control: 1 min avg
- Walk to gate: 15-20 min
- Buffer for delays: 30-45 min
Tips for JFK
- Add 30 minutes if you're checking bags
- Add 30-60 minutes during holidays and peak travel seasons
- TSA PreCheck can save 30+ minutes at JFK
- Mobile check-in 24 hours before saves time at the airport
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Use Arrival CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights at JFK, arrive 2 hours before departure. During peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM), arrive 2 hours 30 minutes early. With TSA PreCheck, 1 hour 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
How early should I arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport for an international flight?
For international flights at JFK, arrive 3 hours before departure. This includes time for check-in, security, and passport control. During peak periods, arrive 3 hours 30 minutes early.
Is 2 hours enough time at John F. Kennedy International Airport?
2 hours is generally sufficient for domestic flights at JFK during normal hours. Add 30 minutes if checking bags, and consider arriving earlier during peak travel periods or holidays.
What are the busiest times at John F. Kennedy International Airport?
The busiest times at JFK are typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. The busiest months are Jul, Aug, Dec. Arriving earlier during these periods is recommended.