New York City - Most Efficient Way to Store Luggage & Change Terminal Overnight at JFK with Shuttles?

Hi!

Been reading a lot about the JFK shuttles and would love your take on the most efficient method to do the following:

I'm flying in this Thursday, 3/22, around 7pm on American Airlines International (T8) and leaving the next day, Friday, around 3pm on Jet Blue to Chicago (T5).

I would like to store one piece of luggage overnight, spend the night in Manhattan, pick up the luggage the next day, then connect away.

Since I'm planning to take the A train to/from the airport, I'm worried that if I store my bags in T8, it'll be really difficult for to pick them up from T8 and bring them to T5 the next day, given the shuttle situation. Would it be a better idea to store the bag in T4, and walk from T4 to T5 the next day instead? Does anyone know how the shuttles are working (are there separate shuttles that only circulate around the terminals?)

If it helps, I'm also willing to take a one-way cab ride (either only to jfk or from jfk). Would appreciate any insights and advice into what the most time-efficient way it is to do this! Thank you :)

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If by "shuttles" you mean the JFK AirTrain, it should be operating during the hours when you will need it.

If you use the luggage storage at T4, you can take the Q10 or Q10 Limited bus to the A train terminal at Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue, and not have to pay the $5 AirTrain fare in either direction.

Thanks for the reply, but I was under the impression that the AirTrain is down from now until May and are currently replaced by shuttle buses?

Thanks for the reply, but I was under the impression that the AirTrain is down from now until May and are currently replaced by shuttle buses?

You may be able to use the Airtrain, or at least I would be able to in such circumstances.

Here's the official notice:

Dates: Sunday, 3/11/12 to Friday, 5/11/12
Times: nightly 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Due to terminal construction, AirTrain JFK will operate ONLY between Jamaica Station and Federal Circle Station during the dates and times listed. Free shuttle bus service will be available to transport customers between all airline terminals in the Central Terminal Area, Howard Beach Station, Lefferts Boulevard Station, and Federal Circle Station. Please allow extra time when utilizing AirTrain JFK during this period. We apologize for any inconvenience.

http://www.panynj.gov/alerts-advisories/advisories.html?tabnum=7

Thanks for the reply, but I was under the impression that the AirTrain is down from now until May and are currently replaced by shuttle buses?
It is only shut down late night. Assuming your inbound is on time and you aren't delayed too much in customs/immigration you should be able to use it prior to the 9pm shutdown on your arrival date. And it will be up and running when you get back to the airport the following afternoon.

Thank you for the clarification!! Misread the hours in the notice, this definitely makes things easy!! Thank you!