Nov 19, 2015, 10:20 am

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: JDiver

Guide to JFK / New York City John F. Kennedy International Airport - Connection, MCT, etc.

Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.

Quote:

Check-in times as of March 2016 Link

In most locations, you must be checked in:

At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States

At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States

If you’re beginning travel from any of the airports below, the check-in time is longer:

Departing from: Check-in must be completed by:
(minutes before scheduled departure time)

Caracas, Venezuela (CCS) 90 minutes
Dublin, Ireland (DUB) 75 minutes
Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) 75 minutes
Maracaibo, Venezuela (MAR) 90 minutes
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT) 90 minutes

Link to JFK / New York airport website

Link to aa.com JFK / New York airport page

Quote:

Ticket counters
Main Terminal 8
Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Peculiarities: JFK is a congested airport that can be affected by winter storms or very heavy air traffic, with congested air space including EWR, JFK, LGA. Knock-on effects during lengthy IROPS can manifest themselves systemwide. Terminals transfers are almost entirely landside, using the free airport "AirTrain" trains. Note: JFK finished Runway 4 Left - 22 Right runway renewal at the end of September of 2015.

Quote:

Note: Jan 2016 TSA reps stated TSA PreCheck for Terminal 8 will be closed in the mornings and only open in the afternoons.

JFK Airport Map

American Airlines Terminal 8 Map

AA Minimum Connecting Times (MCT) at JFK
(currently incomplete)

I EY-AA: 2 hours (post 543)

Storage at JFK
Storage available by Arrivals in Terminals 1, 4, 8. See website for prices, locations, and times.

WARNING: WRONG INFORMATION AHEAD

Quote:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - INCORRECT INFORMATION AHEAD

Admirals Clubs:

Dining, Shopping

On-Airport hotels:

Currency exchange:

WiFi / wireless service:

Device Power Charging:

Smoking: No smoking in terminals

Rental cars:
[INDENT]Arriving Passengers:

Departing Passengers:

Animal Relief Areas:

Parking

Disability Parking: see

Cell phone lot ()

Local transportation

Public transport

Metro

Shared Vans:

Taxi:

Is there anything to do at (airport)?

Do I have time to go to (town)?

Contributors to this thread include: handle;

Quote:

Other resources

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki: Minimum Connecting Times

Link to AA Lounge Dashboard (guide to AA and other lounges)

Link to FlyerTalk city guide?

Updated (date) - (updated)

Operating terminals and gates

AA operates flights out of terminals .... (US and Alaska)[/hl].

ETC. UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Terminal A is the old international terminal, used for domestic flights (see TRIP note)

Terminal B is usually used for regional (American Eagle branded) flights (see TRIP note)

Terminal C is usually used for domestic flights

Terminal D is the international terminal; most AA international flights depart here, as well as all partner and Lufthansa international flights

Terminal E is used currently by *US and Alaska (and others) (see TRIP note)

* may be subject to change

[IMG]insert airport terminal graphic link[/IMG]
DFW American Airlines Terminals Map:

Getting from concourse to concourse

Landside, one can use the terminal link blue and green vans (see below), but it's faster and easier to use skylink.

Airside elevated bidirectional Sky Link is the easiest way to get around

bi-directional system connects all five terminals and is the shortest route to your stop while inside of security.

Free service

Trains arrive every two minutes

Average ride time of five minutes

Maximum ride time of nine minutes between farthest points

Easy access to other terminals’ shops and restaurants

Station escalator/elevator locations:
Terminal A: Between A13 and A16 and between A29 and A34

Terminal B: Between B9 and B12 and between B28 and B31

Terminal C: Between C8 and C12 and between C27 and C32

Terminal D: Between D11 and D20 and between D24 and D34

Terminal E: Between E8 and E11 and between E31 and E32

Walking between terminals

A-C and B-D (international) are connected at the ends by departures level walkways; the people mover belts on these walkways have been out of service at least for months. Estimate a five to ten minute walk between A and C, B and D.

A and B are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by people mover belts.

C and D (international) are connected by overhead walkways (escalator or lift / elevator). This walkway is serviced by people mover belts.

There is no need to leave the secure area to move from one concourse to another. *Exceptions are arriving international flights. In such case one has to clear immigration and customs, reclaim bags and proceed through security. Keep in mind that if you purchased any liquids on the plane (duty free) you will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule and even check the bottles.

Landside free interterminal transportation

Terminal Link's blue and greens vans arrive every 10 minutes and will transfer you between all terminals once outside of security.

Free service

No ticket or pass of any kind is needed to board

Service available between 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

To request van pick-up between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., call 972 574 LINK (5465)

All vans are wheelchair accessible

Two easy-to-locate green pick-up/drop-off areas are located outside baggage claim areas of each terminal. Follow the Terminal Link signs to reach the nearest pick-up/drop-off area:

Terminal A
Entry A10 serving Gates A1-18
Entry A24 serving Gates A18-39
Terminal B
Entry B12 serving Gates B12-B25
Entry B25 serving Gates B25-B49
Terminal C
Entry C12 serving Gates 1-14
Entry C24 serving Gates 15-25
Terminal D
Entry at Lower Level D17 serving Gates D1-D22
Entry at Lower Level D24 serving Gates D23-D40
Terminal E
Entry E7 serving Gates E1-E10
Entry E31 serving Gates E31-34

Check-in and ticketing at DFW and check in times Link

Flagship Check-in: NO

Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate

To better ensure an on-time departure, our goal is to close the jetbridge door 10 minutes before departure time. This allows all customers to board and stow their belongings. (AA may release your seat if you show up at your gates less than fifteen minutes prior to scheduled departure.)

To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, make sure to follow the minimum check in and gate arrival times.*

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

Minimum check-in is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure in most locations

Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure

For flights originating outside the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:

Minimum check-in is at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure except in Buenos Aires, Dublin and Maracaibo, Venezuela

Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure

Minimum time to check baggage

To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the cutoff time.

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

Check bags at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at DFW
For flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:

Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure
Time to baggage delivery: minimum 20 minutes

AA Ticket counters Link

Terminal A
A8 - A15: full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
A16 - A23: full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4:30 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Terminal B
B20 Daily: 5 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
B30 Daily: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Terminal C
C2 - C15: self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
C16 - C25: Full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 10:15 p.m.
C26 - C39: Self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Terminal D
D1 - D18: Self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
D20 - D40: Full service and self-service check-in Daily: 4 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Terminal E (US Airways)
Daily: 3:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Security at DFW

Link to DFW Airport Security information (including checkpoints and hours))

Note: coming out from immigration and customs, you may find yourself near the D22 and possible lengthy queues through TSA security. As swag says in a post, "D has multiple checkpoints, all easily walkable, and any ticketed passenger can use any one of them. If you find yourself facing a long line at D22, it may be worthwhile to walk down to D18 or D30.

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki DFW Security

PriorityAAccess lines available at Terminals A, C and D.

Minimum and reasonable connection and check-in times at DFW

Q. What are minimum check-in time requirements at DFW?

AA suggests arriving a minimum of one hour prior to demostic departures if departing domestically (including Hawai'i, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands) if one has no baggage to check; ninety minutes if one must check baggage; and two hours prior to international departures.

Additionally, AA requires passengers be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at DFW and "Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure" (sic).

Q. What is the domestic to domestic or to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?

The minimum connect time at DFW, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. International to domestic or international is comfortably done in 2:00 or longer (not the official MCT).

Q. If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?

There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (MIA has a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs. There is a "green line" shortcut for passengers traveling only with carry-on baggage (no checked luggage) and there are Global Entry kiosks and Scott cut to Global Entry queues.

Upon exiting Customs there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area.

Proceed to the kiosks to get boarding passes for your ongoing travel, then proceed through TSA security to airside (see the "DFW Security" section). Your international departure will be from Terminal D, also your international arrival terminal.

See DFW / Dallas Ft. Worth Connection & Times - Domestic & International (consolidated)[/quote]

DFW dining, services and shopping

Lounges: please see the Lounge Dashboard "sticky" for further lounges information at DFW

Admirals Clubs:
Terminal A: Admirals Club across from gate A-24

Terminal B: Admirals Club Service Center across from gates B5 and 6

Terminal C: Admirals Club across from gates C-19 and20

Terminal D: Admirals Club, and new Premium lounge near gate D-23; Centurion Lounge take lift opposite gate D-17

Terminal E: Delta Sky Club / Priority Pass

Dining, Shopping Link to DFW services, dining guide and interactive map

On-Airport hotels:

Grand Hyatt DFW (landside, Terminal D)

Hyatt Regency DFW (landside, Terminal C)

Minute Suites (hourly rental private suites) - D23
AA Employee Store: Link: (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2

Currency exchange: Travelex at D11, D22 (Outside Security), D24, D36, E8, Intl Re-Check.

WiFi / wireless service: Free AT&T Wireless Hot Spot throughout airport

Device Power Charging:
DFW Airport Travel Lounge - B28, C8, C27, E8
Free Power Stations - A10, C6, C20, C27, C35, D21, D23, D30, D40, E10, E37
Guest Services Center - B14
Smoking: No smoking in terminals other than
Terminal A Admirals Club smoking room D Club smoking room is closed)
Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is located at 2424 E. 38th St, DFW Airport, TX, near the south entrance of the Airport and is served by 10 companies. Link.

Arriving Passengers: After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. From there, board the Rental Car shuttle bus. Buses run 24 hours a day, depart every five minutes and reach the Rental Car Center in approximately 10 minutes.

Departing Passengers: Before your departing flight, please return your vehicle at the Rental Car Center. For transportation from the facility to your terminal, board the Rental Car Shuttle. The Rental Car Shuttle runs 24 hours a day and departs every five minutes from the facility.
Animal Relief Areas:

Terminal A: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal B: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal C: Lower level grassy areas.

Terminal D: Lower level, outside the D30/D31 baggage claim area by the parking garage and at D18.

DFW Parking

There are Valet, Terminal, Express and Remote parking options. See here for options, pricing and interactive guides.

Disability Parking: see Link

Cell phone lot (none)

DFW transportation

Public transport

Metro

DART Orangle Line to Dallas. Take rom entry near Terminal A, A-10

TRE / Trinity Rail Express to Dallas and Ct. Worth. NO SERVICE SUNDAYS. Take free bus to Remote south Parking; take connecting bus to CentrePort/DFW Airport station.
Shared Vans:

City Shuttle, L.L.C. shared van service 1.240.760.1998

Go Yellow Checker Airport Shuttle shared vans to Ft. Worth hotels. Board at upper level roadway marked areas.

SuperShuttle shared van service 972.456.3128
Taxi: at every terminal; see DFW Taxi Guide for prices, etc.

Is there anything to do at DFW?

You can visit the

C. R. Smith Museum (AA history, DC-3 Flagship Detroit, gift shop)
4601 Texas HWY 360 at FAA Rd
Fort Worth, Texas 76155
817-967-1560
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00-5:00, Sunday 1:00 - 5:00; Closed Monday
Cost: $7.00, $4.00 seniors 65 or +, students w/ ID, children 2-17, military
Getting there: taxi; (unofficial: take crew shuttle if space available to Conference and Training a Center, get dropped at the Museum). See FT DFW and the AA / C. R. Smith Museum in Dallas (consolidated)

Do I have time to go to Dallas?

A minimum of six hours would be suggested for "going to town".

Contributors to this thread include: aamilesslave;

Last updated: 17 August 2015 (JDiver)

Quote:

Other resources

Link to AA FAQ: Will I make my connection?

Link to AA Flyer Guide wiki: Minimum Connecting Times

Link to AA Lounge Dashboard (guide to AA and other lounges)

Link: to DFW connection guide in Texas forum

Link: to DFW layover guide in Texas Forum

Link: to DFW Employee Store (open to the public) Shop for AA ware, baggage, memorabilia, etc. at Gate C-2

Updated 7 Sep 2015 - JDiver
Updated 6 Feb 2016 - hartlogan - redacated all DFW info to eliminate confusion

[Archived] AA Guide: JFK / New York JFK Int Airport, MCT / Connection (pre-2016)

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Mar 24, 2014, 8:19 am

#451

guv1976

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Dec 2003

Location: Not here; there!

Programs: AA Lifetime Gold

Posts: 29,659

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

The current E train timetable http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/tecur.pdf shows that some Northbound E trains still terminate at 179th Street/Hillside Avenue during the weekday PM rush. Those trains do not stop at the Sutphin/Archer/JFK station.

Mar 24, 2014, 10:49 am

#452

george 3

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: New York

Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days

Posts: 2,795

Quote:

Originally Posted by guv1976

Learn something new every day. The message should then be to listen for announcements and look at the ultimate destination sign on the train. And if you get on the wrong train at Roosevelt Avenue, get off at 71st Continental Avenue and get on the next E.

Mar 31, 2014, 8:25 pm

#453

cdn1

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Scarborough

Posts: 596

time to exit JFK-T4 on Saturday afternoon please

Any rough ideas on how long it takes typically, on a Saturday afternoon, to Exit JFK after going through customs/immigration at JFK Terminal 4 from an international flight...

If the flight arrives around 2pm how long would it take, on a Saturday afternoon. (No fast cards, etc).

Helpful replies appreciated from FT'ers.
Thanks.

Apr 1, 2014, 5:26 pm

#454

SJC AA

Join Date: Jun 2000

Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR

Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold

Posts: 2,180

You will get better results posting in the general NYC forum or the Delta forum. AA doesn't fly to Terminal 4, and you posted in the AA forum.

Apr 2, 2014, 12:45 pm

#455

cdn1

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Scarborough

Posts: 596

Thanks, will repost there.

Apr 20, 2014, 4:33 pm

#456

ExpatSomchai

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: LHR

Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver

Posts: 5,120

Just been re booked on a MIA JFK flight arriving T8 and will then need to connect to T7 (BA). The new flights have a connection time of 50 minutes which I am very skeptical is possible. Any views appreciated.

Apr 20, 2014, 4:40 pm

#457

Spiff

Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M

Join Date: May 2000

Location: Louisville, KY

Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)

Posts: 57,955

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExpatSomchai

Very skeptical too. www.expertflyer.com has that scenario's MCT at 2 hours:

AA-** DI 2.00 TRM 8 - 7

Apr 21, 2014, 4:41 am

#458

george 3

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: New York

Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days

Posts: 2,795

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExpatSomchai

Very skeptical.

Apr 21, 2014, 5:55 am

#459

n125kl

Join Date: Oct 2005

Location: Pacific Rim

Programs: AA Platinum, Thai Silver, EK Blue

Posts: 49

Report on the tight transfer from International to Domestic at JFK

Quote:

Originally Posted by n125kl

I am in the process of defecting from *A (Thai ROP) to OW (AAdvantage), mainly due US leaving *A for OW and the recent interesting additions to OW such as Qatar, SriLankan etc.

During a flight search on aa.com, I am getting a good fare to Toronto from Asia. But I am concerned regarding the following connection at JFK on a Saturday.

Arr: JL 4 (AA 8496) : 1825
Dep: AA 3332 : 2010

Considering the reputation for long immigration lines at JFK and the transfer between the terminals, should I go for a more leisurely transfer at ORD? (even though I am very keen on flying the B787 which operates JL 4.)

Appreciate all your kind inputs.

With regard to my question above, this is how it actually went at JFK on 19th April. (all times local.)
JL 004 pushed back almost on schedule at 1830 at NRT with a flight time of 12.10 for a block time of 12.55

Long and slow taxi to R/W 34L with many departures to SE Asia and N. America at the busiest departure time at NRT , finally airborne around 1915 with an ETA JFK at 1825.

No en route delays and landed just before 1825 on 04R at JFK.

5 minute wait to cross 04L and another 15 minute anti-clockwise taxi around the terminal complex to reach terminal 1 and another 10 minute wait to be towed in to the parking spot due tight spacing.

Finally blocked in at 1855 and a slight delay in opening the door and off the aircraft at 1900 for the 2010 flight to YYZ from terminal 8.

Had 4 names of the passengers connecting to YYZ including mine on a board at the aerobridge to identify to JAL staff. Received a "Fast Connect" pass for immigration and a young lady from JAL was there to escort the 4 of us to the airtrain.

Fast walk/run to immigration hall, surprised to find it was nearly empty, didn't really need the fast pass. Cleared immigration at 1915. Got the bags at 1920.

Was told not to use the bag drop at the customs exit on T1 as the bags may not make the connecting flight but to use the bag drop at T8. That meant having to run with 4 bags (back pack, computer bag, hard shell Samsonite bag and a duffle bag) as no trolleys allowed on airtrain. It was little embarrassing to fall behind as the other 3 pax who were much younger with less bags.

Reached T8 and dropped the bags at 1935. Tried to talk the priority line dragon into letting us use that which was virtually empty without success.

Cleared security by normal line at 1945. AA 3332 was at gate 32F which is the furthest from the security, so another 10 minute dash finally reaching the gate at 1955 with the agent paging me by the name. Last to board as the other 3 has beaten me by a couple of minutes.

Left JFK on schedule and arrived in YYZ on schedule with the bags making it as well.

The other point is the young lady from JAL asked us to come back to T1 if we didn't make the YYZ flight to arrange the hotel accommodation as it was the JAL flight that got delayed even though I was on an AA code share ticket.

Apr 21, 2014, 8:44 pm

#460

jojo617

Join Date: Apr 2014

Posts: 4

Will 2 hours connection flight in JFK is enough

Flying from Doha (Qartar airline) to JFK and will be arrived at 15.00.
Then I booked American Airline at 17.00 to depart to Boston.

The next flight avaliable is by Delta at 20.00.

1. Is 2 hours sufficient for the transit time? I am not US citizen, I'm a foreigner. Should I take risk to stick with my AA flight?

2. If it is timing is too short, should I cancel this AA flight before I book a new ticket with Delta to avoid double bookings.

Thank you very much
Jo

Apr 21, 2014, 9:24 pm

#461

AAExpDFW

Join Date: Dec 2008

Location: Dallas, TX

Programs: AA EXP 3MM; LH FT (*A Silver); Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite; Starwood Corporate Preferred

Posts: 782

You should be ok. QR arrives in the same terminal as AA (T8) so you won't have to transfer. The minimum connect at JFK is 1:45 so you have a little buffer.

Depending on the day of the week, there are numerous flights after the 17:00 up to BOS.

With QR being oneworld, ensuring you have the whole trip in one reservation gives you increased connection rebooking security on AA. If you are delayed in immigration, you will have no issues getting rebooked.

That being said it would be good to see if anyone has the experience for QR-AA connections.

That being said, DL is in another terminal (T2) so you have to deal with the terminal transfer. Also not being in oneworld there is no guaranty that DL will treat you well if you misconnect.

I would stick with AA. Maybe just take the next flight to give you more time if you are worried.

Apr 21, 2014, 9:50 pm

#462

jojo617

Join Date: Apr 2014

Posts: 4

Thank you very much.

The problem is I bought different ticket. I bought BKK-JFK with QR and I use amrican express milages from my husband to redeem AA flight JFK-BOS.

Can I ask the airline to issue boarding from BKK-DOHA-JFK-BOS at the time I check in?

One more question when I use redeemed ticket of AA, will there be any problem as the ticket is redeemed by using my husband mile.

Apr 22, 2014, 5:10 am

#463

george 3

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: New York

Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days

Posts: 2,795

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo617

You should do fine provided the flight arrives within 30 minutes of scheduled arrival. Your airline usually is in the eastern end of the front concourse saving time in the walk to immigration. Same terminal and you will compete in the immigration hall with only the first flights from Europe.

Apr 22, 2014, 9:29 pm

#464

jojo617

Join Date: Apr 2014

Posts: 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by george 3

Thank you very much for the advices. I am too chicken to take risk so I decided to buy a new ticket at 20.00.

Apr 22, 2014, 11:33 pm

#465

AAExpDFW

Join Date: Dec 2008

Location: Dallas, TX

Programs: AA EXP 3MM; LH FT (*A Silver); Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite; Starwood Corporate Preferred

Posts: 782

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo617

Most likely won't be able to checkin for the American flight since it is under a different reservation. The agents in BKK won't (most likely) be trained to do it.

No issues with using your husband miles. As long as you are ticketed you are all set.