From the arrival gate, you'll obviously follow the signs to baggage claim, which is a much longer walk than it used to be, now requiring you to go up two escalators (passed the AA Admirals Club, should you desire to pop in), across a bridge over the taxiway and through a food court, but as the OP points out, not longer compared to many other airport. You'll be directed to a door through which you exit the secured area, and then down an additional escalator down two levels to baggage claim. If you plan to take a taxi to JFK -- the easiest method -- then the taxi stand is on the same level as baggage claim, just outside the door. If you plan to take public transportation, all of the buses are one level below baggage claim, down an additional escalator. If you plan to take one of the shuttle buses, I believe that's also on the level below baggage claim. In any event, it's reasonably well marked.