Since you're unfamiliar w. JFK, I'll note that:

1.) both ACs are outside security, so if you're an AC member, you'd have to go landside anyway if you're going to use an AC, so it's not that big of a deal even if you have to go outside to smoke (distance-wise, that is; not weather-wise!)

2.) Terminals 8 and 9 are more-or-less the same structure, so it's easy to go from one to the other. Last I knew, though, you have to walk outside becuse of construction (but I haven't been to JFK since September).

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jtframe.htm

[This message has been edited by landspeed (edited Jan 29, 2004).]