JFK how early to arrive
Jan 13, 2020, 1:53 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 237
Other airlines that use Terminal 7 include British Airways, LOT, Iberia, Ukraine, ANA All Nippon. Most of them depart in the late afternoon or early evening. On the other hand, sometimes the TSA will adjust and reduce staffing when there are fewer passengers. In general, arriving in the terminal 90 minutes before departure is enough time except perhaps at airports which are madhouses. T7 is not such an airport terminal. I don't have experience with T7 at 10 am or 10:30 am. I do have experience with it around 7 am and around 5 pm.
I can say that around 5 pm, T7 can be slow even for precheck because it's precheck lite.
If one worries a lot, get to T7 2 hours or 1 hour 45 minutes ahead of time. If one lives dangerously, get to T7 75 minutes ahead of time. T7 in the late afternoon is equivalent to SEA in the morning. T7 in the morning is equivalent to SEA around 8 pm. As a comparison, SJC San Jose is easy peasy and wouldn't need 60 minutes if that helps you assess my judgment.
I can say that around 5 pm, T7 can be slow even for precheck because it's precheck lite.
If one worries a lot, get to T7 2 hours or 1 hour 45 minutes ahead of time. If one lives dangerously, get to T7 75 minutes ahead of time. T7 in the late afternoon is equivalent to SEA in the morning. T7 in the morning is equivalent to SEA around 8 pm. As a comparison, SJC San Jose is easy peasy and wouldn't need 60 minutes if that helps you assess my judgment.
Last edited by A318neo; Jan 13, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Jan 13, 2020, 1:53 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA Gold, DL Silver, Starwood Gold, Marriott Silver, HH Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 135
There is no PreCheck at this Terminal so you'll have to go in the line with everyone else. I've taken flights in both the early afternoon and early evening and there has always been a line. I was just there last week arriving just before 11 am and it took me about 20-25 minutes to get through (I have PreCheck so I did get to go through the "faster" scanner with my shoes on). I'd suggest arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand but it really depends on if there are other International flights leaving around that time or earlier as it gets crowded and they sometimes only still operate just one lane. Good luck!
Jan 13, 2020, 5:19 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 237
2 hours is fine. More than 2 hours is not necessary. You'll have plenty of time with extra time to spare. If there's an unexpected delay at security, you'll still make it for your flight.
Do know that Terminal 7 is a bit lacking in places to eat. Might even bring some food, such as potato chips, nuts, fruit, sandwich, etc.
Do know that Terminal 7 is a bit lacking in places to eat. Might even bring some food, such as potato chips, nuts, fruit, sandwich, etc.
Jan 13, 2020, 5:37 pm
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,502
2 hours is fine. More than 2 hours is not necessary. You'll have plenty of time with extra time to spare. If there's an unexpected delay at security, you'll still make it for your flight.
Do know that Terminal 7 is a bit lacking in places to eat. Might even bring some food, such as potato chips, nuts, fruit, sandwich, etc.
Do know that Terminal 7 is a bit lacking in places to eat. Might even bring some food, such as potato chips, nuts, fruit, sandwich, etc.
For AS flights, I'd generally arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding. I would not advise this to the OP, however. For me, no checked luggage and I use the TSA Pre-lite line (no TSA Pre at T7).I still find myself waiting around.
Jan 13, 2020, 5:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 237
There are more food at T7 now, including hot options.
For AS flights, I'd generally arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding. I would not advise this to the OP, however. For me, no checked luggage and I use the TSA Pre-lite line (no TSA Pre at T7).I still find myself waiting around.
For AS flights, I'd generally arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding. I would not advise this to the OP, however. For me, no checked luggage and I use the TSA Pre-lite line (no TSA Pre at T7).I still find myself waiting around.
Just guessing, my wait times at JFK T7 precheck are (estimated)
early Dec 2019 / 5 pm / 20-25 minutes
Oct 2019 / 5 pm / 10 minutes
Sept 2019 / 6:30 am / 5 minutes
other dates / mostly around 5 pm / 10 minutes is common