I would recommend instructions the below; it's still current and valid (except for the bonus rate as noted later in this thread).
Just catch the AirTrain to Jamaica (or Howard Beach, depending on your final destination) and there will be a bank of Metrocard machines within the gated area (you will need to swipe a valid card to exit the station and get to the subway).
Originally Posted by
guv1976
I would recommend buying the Metrocard when you get to Jamaica Station. There is a limited variety of Metrocard denominations available when you buy at the newstands at JFK. When you purchase a Metrocard from the vending machines at Jamaica Station, you can buy exactly the amount that you need, whether it's just $5.00 to pass through the AirTrain fare gate, or more, to use on NYC subways and busses. And remember: if you spend $10 or more on a single Metrocard (either at the JFK newstands or at a Metrocard vending machine) you will receive a 20% fare "bonus": so paying $10 will get you a $12 Metrocard; paying $12.50 will get you a $15 Metrocard, etc.
As previously noted, there are lots of Metrocard vending machines available at the Jamaica AirTrain terminal. It is inconceivable to me that they would all be out of service at the same time, and if they were, I expect that the attendants would have to open the fare gates to let arriving passengers through for free, rather than hold them hostage until the machines were fixed.