Nov 19, 2015, 10:20 am

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: JDiver

Guide to JFK / New York City John F. Kennedy International Airport - Connection, MCT, etc.

Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.

Quote:

Check-in times as of March 2016 Link

In most locations, you must be checked in:

At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States

At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States

If you’re beginning travel from any of the airports below, the check-in time is longer:

Departing from: Check-in must be completed by:
(minutes before scheduled departure time)

Caracas, Venezuela (CCS) 90 minutes
Dublin, Ireland (DUB) 75 minutes
Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) 75 minutes
Maracaibo, Venezuela (MAR) 90 minutes
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT) 90 minutes

Link to JFK / New York airport website

Link to aa.com JFK / New York airport page

Quote:

Ticket counters
Main Terminal 8
Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Peculiarities: JFK is a congested airport that can be affected by winter storms or very heavy air traffic, with congested air space including EWR, JFK, LGA. Knock-on effects during lengthy IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide. Terminals transfers are almost entirely landside, using the free airport "AirTrain" trains. Note: JFK finished Runway 4 Left - 22 Right runway renewal at the end of September of 2015.

Quote:

Note: Jan 2016 TSA reps stated TSA PreCheck for Terminal 8 will be closed in the mornings and only open in the afternoons.

JFK Airport Map

American Airlines Terminal 8 Map

AA Minimum Connecting Times (MCT) at JFK
(currently incomplete)

I EY-AA: 2 hours (post 543)

Storage at JFK
Storage available by Arrivals in Terminals 1, 4, 8. See website for prices, locations, and times.

WARNING: WRONG INFORMATION AHEAD

Quote:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - INCORRECT INFORMATION AHEAD

Admirals Clubs:

Dining, Shopping

On-Airport hotels:

Currency exchange:

WiFi / wireless service:

Device Power Charging:

Smoking: No smoking in terminals

Rental cars:
[INDENT]Arriving Passengers:

Departing Passengers:

Animal Relief Areas:

Parking

Disability Parking: see

Cell phone lot ()

Local transportation

Public transport

Metro

Shared Vans:

Taxi:

Is there anything to do at (airport)?

Do I have time to go to (town)?

Contributors to this thread include: handle;

Quote:

Other resources

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki: Minimum Connecting Times

Link to AA Lounge Dashboard (guide to AA and other lounges)

Link to FlyerTalk city guide?

Updated (date) - (updated)

Operating terminals and gates

AA operates flights out of terminals .... (US and Alaska)[/hl].

ETC. UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Terminal A is the old international terminal, used for domestic flights (see TRIP note)

Terminal B is usually used for regional (American Eagle branded) flights (see TRIP note)

Terminal C is usually used for domestic flights

Terminal D is the international terminal; most AA international flights depart here, as well as all partner and Lufthansa international flights

Terminal E is used currently by *US and Alaska (and others) (see TRIP note)

* may be subject to change

[IMG]insert airport terminal graphic link[/IMG]
DFW American Airlines Terminals Map:

Getting from concourse to concourse

Landside, one can use the terminal link blue and green vans (see below), but it's faster and easier to use skylink.

Airside elevated bidirectional Sky Link is the easiest way to get around

bi-directional system connects all five terminals and is the shortest route to your stop while inside of security.

Free service

Trains arrive every two minutes

Average ride time of five minutes

Maximum ride time of nine minutes between farthest points

Easy access to other terminals’ shops and restaurants

Station escalator/elevator locations:
Terminal A: Between A13 and A16 and between A29 and A34

Terminal B: Between B9 and B12 and between B28 and B31

Terminal C: Between C8 and C12 and between C27 and C32

Terminal D: Between D11 and D20 and between D24 and D34

Terminal E: Between E8 and E11 and between E31 and E32

Walking between terminals

A-C and B-D (international) are connected at the ends by departures level walkways; the people mover belts on these walkways have been out of service at least for months. Estimate a five to ten minute walk between A and C, B and D.

A and B are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by people mover belts.

C and D (international) are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by people mover belts.

There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles.

Landside free interterminal transportation

Terminal Link's blue and greens vans arrive every 10 minutes and will transfer you between all terminals once outside of security.

Free service

No ticket or pass of any kind is needed to board

Service available between 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

To request van pick-up between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., call 972 574 LINK (5465)

All vans are wheelchair accessible

Two easy-to-locate green pick-up/drop-off areas are located outside baggage claim areas of each terminal. Follow the Terminal Link signs to reach the nearest pick-up/drop-off area:

Terminal A
Entry A10 serving Gates A1-18
Entry A24 serving Gates A18-39
Terminal B
Entry B12 serving Gates B12-B25
Entry B25 serving Gates B25-B49
Terminal C
Entry C12 serving Gates 1-14
Entry C24 serving Gates 15-25
Terminal D
Entry at Lower Level D17 serving Gates D1-D22
Entry at Lower Level D24 serving Gates D23-D40
Terminal E
Entry E7 serving Gates E1-E10
Entry E31 serving Gates E31-34

Check-in and ticketing at DFW and check in times Link

Flagship Check-in: NO

Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate

To better ensure an on-time departure, our goal is to close the jetbridge door 10 minutes before departure time. This allows all customers to board and stow their belongings. (AA may release your seat if you show up at your gates less than fifteen minutes prior to scheduled departure.)

To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, make sure to follow the minimum check in and gate arrival times.*

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

Minimum check-in is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure in most locations

Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure

For flights originating outside the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:

Minimum check-in is at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure except in Buenos Aires, Dublin and Maracaibo, Venezuela

Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure

Minimum time to check baggage

To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the cutoff time.

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

Check bags at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at DFW
For flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:

Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure
Time to baggage delivery: minimum 20 minutes

AA Ticket counters Link

Terminal A
A8 - A15: full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
A16 - A23: full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4:30 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Terminal B
B20 Daily: 5 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
B30 Daily: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Terminal C
C2 - C15: self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
C16 - C25: Full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
C26 - C39: Self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Terminal D
D1 - D18: Self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
D20 - D40: Full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Terminal E (US Airways)
Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Security at DFW

Link to DFW Airport Security information (including checkpoints and hours))

Note: coming out from immigration and customs, you may find yourself near the D22 and possible lengthy queues through TSA security. As swag says in a post, "D has multiple checkpoints, all easily walkable, and any ticketed passenger can use any one of them. If you find yourself facing a long line at D22, it may be worthwhile to walk down to D18 or D30.

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki DFW Security

PriorityAAccess lines available at Terminals A, C and D.

Minimum and reasonable connection and check-in times at DFW

Q. What are minimum check-in time requirements at DFW?

AA suggests arriving a minimum of one hour prior to demostic departures if departing domestically (including Hawai'i, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands) if one has no baggage to check; ninety minutes if one must check baggage; and two hours prior to international departures.

Additionally, AA requires passengers be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at DFW and "Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure" (sic).

Q. What is the domestic to domestic or to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?

The minimum connect time at DFW, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. International to domestic or international is comfortably done in 2:00 or longer (not the official MCT).

Q. If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?

There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (MIA has a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs. There is a "green line" shortcut for passengers traveling only with carry-on baggage (no checked luggage) and there are Global Entry kiosks and Scott cut to Global Entry queues.

Upon exiting Customs there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area.

Proceed to the kiosks to get boarding passes for your ongoing travel, then proceed through TSA security to airside (see the "DFW Security" section). Your international departure will be from Terminal D, also your international arrival terminal.

See DFW / Dallas Ft. Worth Connection & Times - Domestic & International (consolidated)[/quote]

DFW dining, services and shopping

Lounges: please see the Lounge Dashboard "sticky" for further lounges information at DFW

Admirals Clubs:
Terminal A: Admirals Club across from gate A-24

Terminal B: Admirals Club Service Center across from gates B5 and 6

Terminal C: Admirals Club across from gates C-19 and20

Terminal D: Admirals Club, and new Premium lounge near gate D-23; Centurion Lounge take lift opposite gate D-17

Terminal E: Delta Sky Club / Priority Pass

Dining, Shopping Link to DFW services, dining guide and interactive map

On-Airport hotels:

Grand Hyatt DFW (landside, Terminal D)

Hyatt Regency DFW (landside, Terminal C)

Minute Suites (hourly rental private suites) - D23
AA Employee Store: Link: (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2

Currency exchange: Travelex at D11, D22 (Outside Security), D24, D36, E8, Intl Re-Check.

WiFi / wireless service: Free AT&T Wireless Hot Spot throughout airport

Device Power Charging:
DFW Airport Travel Lounge - B28, C8, C27, E8
Free Power Stations - A10, C6, C20, C27, C35, D21, D23, D30, D40, E10, E37
Guest Services Center - B14
Smoking: No smoking in terminals other than
Terminal A Admirals Club smoking room D Club smoking room is closed)
Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is located at 2424 E. 38th St, DFW Airport, TX, near the south entrance of the Airport and is served by 10 companies. Link.

Arriving Passengers: After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. From there, board the Rental Car shuttle bus. Buses run 24 hours a day, depart every five minutes and reach the Rental Car Center in approximately 10 minutes.

Departing Passengers: Before your departing flight, please return your vehicle at the Rental Car Center. For transportation from the facility to your terminal, board the Rental Car Shuttle. The Rental Car Shuttle runs 24 hours a day and departs every five minutes from the facility.
Animal Relief Areas:

Terminal A: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal B: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal C: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal D: Lower level, outside the D30/D31 baggage claim area by the parking garage and at D18.

DFW Parking

There are Valet, Terminal, Express and Remote parking options. See here for options, pricing and interactive guides.

Disability Parking: see Link

Cell phone lot (none)

DFW transportation

Public transport

Metro

DART Orangle Line to Dallas. Take rom entry near Terminal A, A-10

TRE / Trinity Rail Express to Dallas and Ct. Worth. NO SERVICE SUNDAYS. Take free bus to Remote south Parking; take connecting bus to CentrePort/DFW Airport station.
Shared Vans:

City Shuttle, L.L.C. shared van service 1.240.760.1998

Go Yellow Checker Airport Shuttle shared vans to Ft. Worth hotels. Board at upper level roadway marked areas.

SuperShuttle shared van service 972.456.3128
Taxi: at every terminal; see DFW Taxi Guide for prices, etc.

Is there anything to do at DFW?

You can visit the

C. R. Smith Museum (AA history, DC-3 Flagship Detroit, gift shop)
4601 Texas HWY 360 at FAA Rd
Fort Worth, Texas 76155
817-967-1560
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00-5:00, Sunday 1:00 - 5:00; Closed Monday
Cost: $7.00, $4.00 seniors 65 or +, students w/ ID, children 2-17, military
Getting there: taxi; (unofficial: take crew shuttle if space available to Conference and Training a Center, get dropped at the Museum). See FT DFW and the AA / C. R. Smith Museum in Dallas (consolidated)

Do I have time to go to Dallas?

A minimum of six hours would be suggested for "going to town".

Contributors to this thread include: aamilesslave;

Last updated: 17 August 2015 (JDiver)

Quote:

Other resources

Link to AA FAQ: Will I make my connection?

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki: Minimum Connecting Times

Link to AA Lounge Dashboard (guide to AA and other lounges)

Link: to DFW connection guide in Texas forum

Link: to DFW layover guide in Texas Forum

Link: to DFW Employee Store (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2

Updated 7 Sep 2015 - JDiver
Updated 6 Feb 2016 - hartlogan - redacated all DFW info to eliminate confusion

[Archived] AA Guide: JFK / New York JFK Int Airport, MCT / Connection (pre-2016)

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Jun 1, 2007, 3:24 pm

JDiver

Moderator: American AAdvantage

Original Poster

Join Date: May 2000

Location: NorCal - SMF area

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Posts: 62,948

[Archived] AA Guide: JFK / New York JFK Int Airport, MCT / Connection (pre-2016)

AA Guide: JFK / New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, MCT / Connection
[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

We have one FTer who has volunteered to help establish this thread as a Hub Airport Guide; any member with 90 posts and 90 days on FlyerTalk can edit and add to the wiki, which is in a most basic state - but has wording from another hub guide thread for use as a template.

New York denizens and frequent JFK Terminal 8 users in particular are invited and encouraged to add value to this wikipost and thread by sharing your knowledge.

In the meantime, we will add previous MCT / Connection posts here.

Thank you,

/Moderator

Last edited by JDiver; Jan 25, 2016 at 9:15 am Reason: Update for use

Oct 4, 2009, 9:51 am

galt727

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Hong Kong

Programs: AA EXP

Posts: 42

JFK connection times / MCT / domestic - international

hi all,

what's the minimum amount of time i should give myself if connecting from an AA flight (domestic from DCA, AA-Eagle) to a CX flight at JFK?

thanks in advance!
pat

(edit - DCA not IAD)

Last edited by galt727; Oct 4, 2009 at 9:57 am

Oct 4, 2009, 10:15 am

Spiff

Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M

Join Date: May 2000

Location: Louisville, KY

Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)

Posts: 57,953

You have to land at T8 and then walk or catch the AirTrain to T7. You then have to reclear "security".

I'd say 1 hour would be ok if everything is on time and there are no issues at "security" and that you are in good shape with no luggage to reclaim/recheck-in and that you already have your CX boarding pass. This gives you very little margin for error, but that's about as low as I would go. More would be better.

I'd give myself more time just to enjoy the CX/BA/QF lounge at T7. It's not bad.

Oct 4, 2009, 10:17 am

ijgordon

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: NYC

Posts: 27,240

90 minutes should be comfortable.
60-75 minutes should be doable.

I don't know what the "legal" minimum connection time is though, but a flight pair won't show in the reservation system if it's not legal.

Remember if you have a carry-on larger than a purse/backpack on the DCA-JFK Eagle segment, it will have to be gate checked and could take 5-15 minutes to get it back. Checked bags will transfer automatically.

Oct 4, 2009, 10:18 am

galt727

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Hong Kong

Programs: AA EXP

Posts: 42

thanks Spiff!

i assumed 35 mins was not enough time even without checked baggage, but have never gone between terminals at JFK. will book the earlier flight from DCA and leisurely stroll there over 2hrs

thx!!

Oct 4, 2009, 10:21 am

galt727

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Hong Kong

Programs: AA EXP

Posts: 42

ljgordan thanks too!

i didn't even realize i would have to check my bag on the Eagle flight...also my first time flying Eagle. thanks for the heads up!

Oct 4, 2009, 10:31 am

zman

Join Date: Apr 2004

Posts: 5,630

Quote:

Originally Posted by galt727

thx!!

35 mins is very very high risk, take the earlier flight and enjoy the club

Oct 4, 2009, 10:31 am

ijgordon

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: NYC

Posts: 27,240

Quote:

Originally Posted by galt727

i assumed 35 mins was not enough time even without checked baggage

Correct - it's absolutely not enough time. The CX flight will likely be well into the boarding process when you're just getting off the Eagle flight.
Expect 5-15 minutes to get your rollaboard back, 10-15 minutes to get from the gate to the inter-terminal AirTrain, 5-15 minutes to wait for the Airtrain and take it to T7, which under normal AirTrain operation is only one stop, but sometimes if they're doing track work they'll send you around the "long way". 5 minutes to get off the Airtrain and to the T7 security checkpoint, 5-15 minutes to get through security and then another 5 minutes to get to the gate.

Best case - 35 minutes gate-to-gate. Worst case - 70 minutes.

Take the 2 hr connection, and as an AA Platinum you'll have access to the BA Terraces lounge in T7, which is very nice.

Oct 4, 2009, 7:56 pm

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

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Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,249

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijgordon

I would walk rather than take the AirTrain.

Oct 4, 2009, 11:07 pm

#10

ijgordon

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: NYC

Posts: 27,240

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blumie

I would walk rather than take the AirTrain.

Are you sure you can do this? The JFK Expressway cuts right between T7 and T8. The road between the two appears to involve a very out-of-the-way turnaround. I'll admit the Google and Bing maps satellite views are a bit outdated, but it doesn't look possible to walk directly between the terminals.

Last edited by ijgordon; Oct 4, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Oct 5, 2009, 6:30 am

#11

altaskier

Join Date: Jan 2006

Location: Chicago, IL

Programs: AA EXP 3MM

Posts: 496

I agree that there's no way to walk between T8 and T7 at JFK. Take the terminal connection route on AirTrain.

Oct 5, 2009, 10:12 am

#12

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,249

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijgordon

Quote:

Originally Posted by altaskier

I agree that there's no way to walk between T8 and T7 at JFK. Take the terminal connection route on AirTrain.

I've done it twice -- at least to the old T8 -- without ever crossing the JFK Expressway. In fact, there are sidwalks the whole way, making it doable with a luggage cart.

Edited to add: I just pulled up the satellite image on google maps. This is definitely walkable. The expressway is depressed and does not cross the airport roadway (it goes under it). The walk is longer than when I last did it, given the closing of the old T8, but it's still likely faster than the AirTrain. (I'm transferring from AA to CX next month and plan to walk it. I'll report back when I'm safely ensconced in the BA lounge!)

Last edited by Blumie; Oct 5, 2009 at 10:17 am

Oct 5, 2009, 10:15 am

#13

magic111

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Join Date: Jan 2000

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Posts: 6,007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blumie

I've done it twice -- at least to the old T8 -- without ever crossing the JFK Expressway. In fact, there are sidwalks the whole way, making it doable with a luggage cart.

I think I saw you walking once while riding the airtrain.

Oct 5, 2009, 10:19 am

#14

Blumie

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Aug 2003

Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH

Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD

Posts: 17,249

Quote:

Originally Posted by magic111

I think I saw you walking once while riding the airtrain.

That was you flipping me the bird!?!

Oct 5, 2009, 10:24 am

#15

brp

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Mar 2004

Location: SJC

Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum

Posts: 33,535

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blumie

That was you flipping me the bird!?!

That's a TOS violation and a moderator would never do that to another FT member, even when off duty.

Cheers.

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