What to do in JFK for a long layover.
 

On Friday March 19 I am flying SFO/JFK/BRU and there is a 3 and 1/2 hour layover. Suggestions for what do do there besides sit in the lounge and/or eat dinner?

Personally I would go into Queens for a nice dinner. I'd take the new Airtrain to the E station in Jamica and then go to 71st Street/Continental Avenue/Forest Hills. There on Queens Blvd are a whole bunch of places to eat including some good Italian on 75th Street called "The Family." Other then a good meal and lounging I don't know if there is anything that you CAN do.

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DC-10's Forever!
"This is the weirdest Routing I've seen in all my 16 years"
-LGA Check in Agent upon seeing LGA-BOS-JFK-LAX

You could take a ride on JFK's new Airtrain,
it runs above the airport terminals and as long you don't exit the station at Jamaica or Howard Beach, it doesn't cost anything. You could probably do a complete loop on the system in 45minutes or less. The interior loop around the airport would take much less time. On a nice day, late in the afternoon it should be an ineteresting ride.

I totally agree with this. I was extremely impressed by the Airtrain when I rode it last weekend. The train itself seems much wider than the subway or LIRR, but maybe that's just because of the setup. It moves along pretty darn fast too. One thing I noticed, however, is that the fabric seats are already looking a bit stained.

You can also do the loop of the terminals, and as the terminal 4 station is inside the terminal easily get out there to walk around. I believe there is a better food court over there. Look here for more info http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jfkshopsframe.htm

Buzz?

You may want to check out the old TWA terminal. I believe that Jetblue bought it and was planning on opening part of it as a working museum of sorts. I'm not sure if that's happened yet, though.

I would certainly suggest the restaurant advice above over purchasing anything described as "food" at the airport.

As this question really has little to do with frequent flyer miles, I am going to move the post over to the TravelBuzz forum.

Regards,
Gary
aka gleff
MilesBuzz and Delta moderator

If you only have a 3 1/2 hour layover, I'd not recommend taking a taxi or limo into Manhattan! You'd spend most of the time on the freeway stuck in NYC-style traffic! I took the JFK airport shuttle bus from NY Hilton to JFK and it took nearly 2 hours! Haven't tried the new Air Train as it wasn't up and running when I was at JFK last fall. I understand your wanting to get out of the airport to see something else, but with security lines, etc...you might be better of with a good book or just people watching - which can be intersting! I love to sit and watch people come and go, especially in an airport. Good luck!

3 1/2 hours isn't really a long layover at JFK if you are changing buildings during the afternoon rush. The Admirals Clubs are outside security. If there is any kind of weather delay, security issue or other difficulty, you'll be happy to have the safety cushion.

I agree with dlfyer above... the load conditions can be quite unpredictable at JFK and the First Class / FF check in lines are often NOT OPEN which entails sometimes a lengthy wait at security.

If you have to change terminals for your connection, then I certainly wouldn't leave the airport for an excursion to Queens via Airtrain...

As always, YMMV...

TWA terminal 5 is closed. If you don't want to leave the airport, I'd get on Airtrain and check out new Int'l. terminal 4. Beautiful, good stores, bars, restaurants, etc.

With all due respect to everyones opinion, I would chime in and also concur with those who say: With only a 3.5 hour layover @ JFK and and International Connection at that, in my opinion it would be ill advised to leave the airport. To put it a bid more to the point, " What were you thinking? Are you nuts? If you had 5 or 6 hours perhaps your notion to leave the aiport might be more practical. Frankly, to want to do something in 3.5 hours is almost laughable. With all due respect.