โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) operates through six distinct passenger terminals numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, each serving different airlines and geographic regions. Terminal 1 primarily handles international carriers including Lufthansa, Air France, and Korean Air. Terminal 2 is exclusively used by Delta Air Lines for domestic operations. Terminal 4, the airport's largest and most modern terminal, accommodates both Delta's international flights and numerous foreign carriers including Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and El Al. Terminal 5 is JetBlue Airways' home base and flagship terminal, featuring distinctive architecture and amenities. Terminal 7 serves British Airways and several other international carriers, while Terminal 8 is American Airlines' main hub at JFK.
The terminals are not connected airside, requiring passengers making inter-terminal connections to exit security, use ground transportation, and re-clear security at their departure terminal. The complimentary AirTrain JFK provides continuous service between all terminals, parking facilities, and connects to New York City public transit via Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station. The AirTrain operates 24/7 with trains running every 4-8 minutes depending on the time of day, making terminal transfers typically take 10-15 minutes including platform walking time.
Each terminal maintains its own security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available in most locations. Security wait times vary significantly by terminal and time of day, with peak periods (5-8 AM and 5-9 PM) often experiencing longer delays. Terminal 4 and Terminal 8 typically have the most robust security infrastructure given their size and passenger volume. Immigration and customs facilities for international arrivals are located in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, with Global Entry kiosks available for eligible travelers.
JFK offers extensive amenities across all terminals, though the quality and variety differ significantly. Terminal 5 features unique dining concepts and retail options reflective of JetBlue's premium approach. Terminal 4 houses numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, and the flagship Delta Sky Club. Terminal 8 contains multiple American Airlines Admirals Clubs and diverse dining options. Each terminal provides free Wi-Fi, charging stations, family-friendly facilities including nursing rooms and play areas, and accessibility services. Ground transportation options include AirTrain connections to subway and Long Island Rail Road, taxi service, ride-sharing pickup zones, car rentals, and various bus services to Manhattan and other destinations.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through New Yorkโs John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) requires significant time and attention to detail, as the airport consists of five active passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8) arranged in a loop. Unlike many global hubs, JFKโs terminals are not all physically connected airside. To move between terminals, passengers must use the AirTrain, an automated people mover that operates 24/7. While the AirTrain is free for inter-terminal travel, it is located outside the secure area (landside). This means that for most terminal changes, you must exit your arrival terminal, take the train, and re-clear TSA security at your departure terminal.
For international arrivals connecting to a domestic flight, the process is rigorous. Regardless of your final destination, you must clear U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at JFK. This involves passing through immigration, claiming all checked baggage from the carousel, and then exiting through customs. Immediately after the customs hall, baggage re-check counters are available for passengers whose luggage is already tagged to their final destination. After dropping your bags, you must take the AirTrain to your next terminal and clear security again.
A minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended for international-to-domestic transfers to account for potentially long immigration lines. Domestic-to-international connections are generally simpler if staying within the same terminal (such as connecting from one Delta flight to another in Terminal 4). In such cases, you can often stay airside and your bags will be transferred automatically. However, if your international departure is from a different terminal, you will still need to exit, use the AirTrain, and re-clear security. Utilizing the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app can help expedite the arrival process for eligible travelers.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to John F. Kennedy International Airport