Heading back to the JFK airport for a flight? Prepare for your trip with these travel tips and reminders. (This guide was written on May 25. To receive the most up-to-date information, make sure to follow @JFKairport on Twitter.)
Check Travel Advisory
- Face masks are still required. The TSA extended the face mask requirement through September, so even if you’re fully vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask in and around the airport.
- Review all relevant policies. Your destination may require mandatory quarantines or negative COVID-19 tests for arriving passengers. Contact your airline as they will have the most updated information on the requirements in your destination.
- Check the CDC’s recommendations for travelers. Visit the CDC website to read the guidelines for travelers, both those who have been vaccinated and have not.
- COVID Testing. You may be required to undergo a COVID test before you can board your flight. Find the available test locations at JFK here.
- Know what to pack. Check the TSA’s travel tips to know what should and should not be packed in your carry-on luggage.
On the Day of Your Flight
- Arrive early. Leave plenty of time before your boarding schedule. Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel.
- Opt for online check-in. Most airlines allow online check-ins so you can avoid the check-in lines at the airport. Before you head to the airport, download your airline’s app and print your boarding pass at home.
- Check parking availability. If you’re driving to the airport, make sure there’s a safe and secure parking slot for your vehicle. Before heading out, check the JFK website to determine if your terminal has available parking space. You can even pre-book your parking slot for your convenience.
- Allow extra time for taxis or for-hire vehicles. If you’re not driving, you can hire a taxi service to JFK airport. Depending on the day and time, traffic can be an issue at the airport, so plan your schedule accordingly.
- Don’t fly if you’re feeling unwell. If you’re not feeling well, consider rescheduling your flight for the safety of other passengers.
At the Airport
- Wear a mask at all times. As mentioned above, wearing a mask remains a federal mandate, even for fully vaccinated passengers.
- Use airport maps to find your way around. Check the JFK map on the website so you can know how to find your boarding gate.
- Prepare for security screening. Wait times may be longer, so make sure to allow plenty of time for the security checks at the airport terminal. The airport administration recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights.