John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Security Wait Times

The average security wait time at JFK Airport is 25-30 minutes. Being a key hub for both domestic and international destinations, it attracts millions of passengers annually, making JFK airport the busiest international commercial airport in North America. Due to the crowd, the security wait time is longer, but some services can reduce this time. Travelers can explore TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and MPC for an expedited security process at JFK Airport. There are in total 5 terminals, and wait times at each of them are different from one another. But by enrolling in these services, one can easily endure JFK security wait times without spending much time.

General Wait Times at JFK Airport

Passengers can expect to get free within 30 minutes at JFK Security checkpoints. However, it can increase or decrease depending on number of people and travel season. Clear signage is provided at the airport for better and correct navigation to checkpoints. All terminals except Terminal 7 have TSA PreCheck availability to accelerate the procedure.

Wait Time at JFK Terminals for General and TSA PreCheck Passengers

Security wait times at terminals is 1 minute to 30 minutes but with TSA screening there are no wait time at some terminals. 

NOTE: Travelers can visit www.jfkairport.com, as these wait time changes and real-time updates are posted here to help people.

Security Wait Time and Peak Hours at JFK Airport

Estimated Walking Time to reach the boarding gates post security check

Location of Security Checkpoints at each Terminal

Every terminal at JFK Airport has its security checkpoint with TSA facilities except Terminal 7. Location of each varies:

• Terminal 1: Near the Enterance of Terminal.
• Terminal 4: One on Arrival level, other on the departure level.
• Terminal 5: At the entrance of Terminal 5, near the check-in area. 
• Terminal 7: On the departure level.
• Terminal 8: On the entrance, it is situated within the area for gates 1-16 and 31-47.

Average TSA Wait Times at JFK Airport

With TSA, passengers can get free in few minutes without waiting much. Here, security is done through automated machines and they do not have to remove their shoes, electronic devices, jackets, etc. However, during some peak hours even TSA security screening takes time.

JFK Airport Customs Wait Times

Passengers arriving from international destinations will have to clear customs and immigration process. The customs office is present at Terminal 4, and it is mandatory to visit the office. No matter which airline or terminal passengers are landing, their customs will be cleared at Terminal 4 only.

Passengers using Mobile Passport Control (MPC) or those enrolled in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) trusted travel program Global Entry may experience shorter processing times.

The average wait times at customs is 16 minutes and it can be cut short by these programs. This time as per the latest post on the official site of general customs processing for travelers who have:

• Non-B1/2 visa
• First time ESTA holders.

Contact details of JFK Airport for resolving any queries

• Airport Address:  Queens, NY 11430, United States
• Helpline Number:  (718) 244-4444
• Website: www.jfkairport.com
• Mailing Address: airportcustomercare@panynj.gov

Wrapping Up

Security Wait Times at JFK Airport generally takes 25 to 30 minutes in general lines while TSA PreCheck lines can offer a accelerated process to travelers. International passengers might have to wait a little more as they will have to clear customs as well. But enrolling in TSA, CLEAR, MPC can help them reducing this wait time. But at some hours of the day even TSA lanes can take up to 30 minutes. Other than the peak hours the security wait time is negligible which shows their efficient managed. Therefore, it is advised to avoid the peak hours to pass security stress-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)