The average security wait time at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 15 to 30 minutes. However, it can take 45 to 60 minutes during peak travel hours, such as early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Passengers are advised to arrive at atleast 2 hours before departure to avoid last-minute stress. Moreover, travelers can save time at security checkpoints by enrolling in expedited screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. This helpful guide provides detailed information about JFK International Airport, including current security wait times, Airport Customs and Immigration Wait Times, and TSA procedures, to help travellers navigate the airport smoothly and with confidence.
Recent TSA Security Wait Times at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
To help travelers manage their itineraries at JFK Airport, the most recent TSA security wait times are provided below:
| (JFK) International Airport live TSA security wait times | 11 minutes |
Average Wait Times for TSA Security at JFK
To make airport travel easier, passengers should be informed of the security wait times at JFK International Airport. The wait times on a regular day are listed in the table below:
| AM Time | Time Taken | PM Time | Time Taken |
| 12 am – 1 am | 0 Mins | 12 pm – 1 pm | 26 Mins |
| 1 am – 2 am | 0 Mins | 1 pm – 2 pm | 7 Mins |
| 2 am – 3 am | 34 Mins | 2 pm – 3 pm | 1 Mins |
| 3 am – 4 am | 29 Mins | 3 pm – 4 pm | 2 Mins |
| 4 am – 5 am | 24 Mins | 4 pm – 5 pm | 15 Mins |
| 5 am – 6 am | 27 Mins | 5 pm – 6 pm | 18 Mins |
| 6 am – 7 am | 14 Mins | 6 pm – 7 pm | 12 Mins |
| 7 am – 8 am | 17 Mins | 7 pm -8 pm | 12 Mins |
| 8 am – 9 am | 7 Mins | 8 pm – 9 pm | 21 Mins |
| 9 am – 10 am | 11 Mins | 9 pm – 10 pm | 14 Mins |
| 10 am – 11 am | 14 Mins | 10 pm – 11 pm | 12 Mins |
| 11 am – 12 pm | 1 Mins | 11 pm – 12 am | 29 Mins |
Average Waiting Times at JFK Airport Terminal Security Checkpoints
The table below highlights the average security wait time at each security checkpoint from Terminal 1 to JFK Terminal 5 at JFK Airport:
| Terminal | Checkpoint | Average wait time |
| JFK Terminal 1 | Checkpoint 1 | 8 Minutes |
| JFK Terminal 4 | Checkpoint 2 | 24 Minutes |
| JFK Terminal 5 | Checkpoint 3 | 20 Minutes |
| JFK Terminal 7 | Checkpoint 4 | 11 Minutes |
| JFK Terminal 8 | Checkpoint 5 | 14 Minutes |
JFK TSA PreCheck Checkpoint Schedule and Wait Times
TSA PreCheck expedites airport security for travelers by reducing wait times and screening. The table below highlights the availability of PreCheck at each terminal at JFK Airport, as well as the average TSA wait times:
| Terminal | Location | Average TSA Wait Time |
| Terminal 1 | Gates 1-11 | 1 Minute |
| Terminal 4 | Gates A3, A5, B20-B55 | 13 Minutes |
| Terminal 5 | Gates 1-30 | 14 Minutes |
| Terminal 8 | Gates 1-16, 31-47 | 8 Minutes |
Wait Times for Customs and Immigration at JFK Airport
Below are the key details about customs and immigration processing at Terminal 4 for visitors arriving in New York from international destinations:
- At JFK Airport, customs wait times are 15-30 minutes.
- This timeframe covers the final 24 minutes of the first customs processing for passengers with non-B1/2 visas and new ESTA holders.
- Processing times for travellers could be reduced by using Automated Passport Control or Mobile Passport Control.
Contact details for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Get JFK Airport’s official contact information, including inquiries, emergencies, and more, in the following table:
| General Query | 718 244-4444 |
| Official Website | https://www.jfkairport.com/ |
| TSA Helpline | 855 787-2227 |
| @JFKairport | |
| E-mail Address | contact@jfkiat.com |
Navigating John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) becomes much easier when travelers know what to expect at TSA security, customs, and immigration. With the right resources and thoughtful planning, passengers can move through security with ease. Moreover, to expedite screening, travelers can enroll in TSA PreCheck, which provides access to dedicated lanes and significantly shorter wait times. This guide provides brief details to help travelers navigate airport procedures smoothly, including specific checkpoint operating hours and average security wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need assistance and your travel date is within 72 hours, call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227.
The average immigration wait time at JFK Airport is around 24 minutes.
The security wait time at JFK Airport’s Terminal 8 is typically around 14 minutes, providing most travelers with a relatively quick, smooth experience through the checkpoint.
The average TSA wait time at JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 is approximately 13 minutes.
Yes, JFK offers the TSA PreCheck for pre-approved passengers.
