When should I leave for John F. Kennedy International Airport?
Tell us your flight and we'll work back from how busy the terminal is expected to be. It's a starting point — your airline's deadlines always take priority.
Suggested arrival time
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Expected crowding
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How reliable
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This is a guide, not a guarantee.
Your airline's check-in and boarding deadlines are the only times that count — always follow those. This suggestion covers the terminal only: add your own travel time, and allow extra for traffic, parking, queues and anything unexpected.
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Typical arrival times
Most people reach the terminal about 1 hour before a short flight and 2 hours before a long one.
The times we suggest are deliberately earlier: they put you ahead of about four travellers in five, rather than in the middle of the crowd.
Recommended arrival time for each upcoming departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport.