Originally Posted by
Analise
Take the Airtrain to Terminal 8 and wait for your friend outside of security. You won't be able to go to the gate.
As previous reply indicates free Air Tran is your answer. If you want to save time - take the ALL TERMINALS Air Train (on the inside track away from terminal) as it is only 1 stop in that direction but boarding the Howard Beach or Jamaica bound train will require you to wrap around the entire airport. You can't get lost either way but attempt to board All Terminals.