JFK is one of the biggest airports in the world, so if you’re at the wrong terminal, it can take a while to get to the right one and you may end up missing your flight!
If you’re flying with American Airlines at JFK Airport then you need to head to Terminal 8.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some flights listed as American Airlines are actually codeshare flights that are in fact operated by other airlines. Therefore, Terminal 5 can also be used for codeshare flights that are listed as American Airlines.
However, terminals can always be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before you head to the airport.
What Is American Airlines?
American Airlines is one of the most famous aviation brands in the world. Frequent flyers love the airline for its loyalty rewards program, and the fact that it is partnered with numerous airlines.
However, it didn’t become the world’s biggest airline overnight. The airline had its humble beginnings in 1926, when it was just a generic brand name for smaller, independent carriers.
Colonial Air Transport combined their fleets of around 80 small planes in 1930 to create American Airways.
Due to the success of the airline it quickly grew and by 1961, American Airlines was the second-largest airline in the world after Aeroflot, a Russian airline.
Over the following 90 years, American Airlines joined forces with other carriers such as US Airways in 2015. Now, the airline flies to about 350 destinations all over the world and currently has a fleet of over 900 aircraft.
What Is JFK International Airport?
JFK International Airport serves New York City and the surrounding area, and is currently the 17th biggest airport in the world. Around 55 million passengers a year take off from the airport every year!
It’s also a huge flight connections platform for many airlines like Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways and, of course, American Airlines! International flights also leave JFK International Airport, taking passengers to France, Iceland, Peru, South Korea, and the UK.
JFK Airport was built on the Idlewild Golf Course in Queens. Once construction was completed, it was called Idlewild Airport.
But following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, the airport was renamed after the late president in December 1963.
The airport is home to a military station with a runway reserved for Air Force One that the public cannot access.
JFK Airport also works with NASA, authorizing the landing of space shuttles on their biggest runway. It is most commonly used as a backup landing spot.
In the 1970s, the mafia had a lot of influence over organized crime in New York City.
In 1978, the Lucchese family (one of the largest mafia families in the city) orchestrated the biggest cash robbery in American history from a cargo shed at JFK airport. They stole cash and jewelry totaling $21 million dollars.
JFK also has a pets-only terminal called the ARK at JFK. This luxury pet terminal has a few areas offering different services according to what animal is travelling.
ARK includes special areas for birds, cats, dogs, horses, and more! ARK is also home to a pet oasis which is billed as a ‘pet wellness center.’ ARK also provided veterinary care for pets.
How Do You Transfer Between Terminals At JFK?
The 24-hour JFK AirTrain is the simplest and quickest way to travel around JFK.
The train system connects every passenger terminal to airport parking lots, the rental car center, the hotel shuttle pick-up area, and NYC’s public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations that connects you to the Long Island Rail Road, public buses, and the subway.
AirTrain is free, but if you start or end your journey at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations it costs $8.
What Should You Do At JFK If You Are Lost, Missing Your Passport Or Money, Or You Have Missed Your Flight?
If you find yourself in this situation, the Traveler’s Aid (a non-profit organization) has employees and volunteers who give emergency assistance to travelers who are confused or lost, have misplaced airline tickets or documents such as their visas, passports, or birth certificates, have lost their traveling companions, or don’t have enough money.
They also help elderly or disabled passengers travelling by themselves to have a safe, stress-free flight.
Traveler’s Aid Volunteers are found at the Welcome Center in every JFK terminal, or you can call them on (718) 656-4870.
What Should You Do If You Have A Long Layover At JFK?
JFK had many duty-free stores in Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 7, and every terminal has places to eat (see also “Amazing Places To Eat In St. George“).
The airport also provides many other amenities such as a Beauty salon and Spa, Charging Stations, Nursing Suites, Service Animal & Pet Relief, and places to worship.
JFK is also home to a few VIP lounges in every terminal where you can relax, enjoy a drink, or have something to eat.
If you have a layover lasting several hours, you can also check into the TWA hotel (see also “Best Hotels In Syracuse NY“).
Can You Store Luggage At JFK?
Terminals 1, 4 and 8 have a luggage storage service. Terminal 1 stores luggage between 7am and 11pm, while Terminal 4 stores luggage for 24 hours a day.
If you have left your property on the aircraft or you did not receive your checked baggage, you must contact the airline straight away. Meanwhile, if you have left any property in the airport – whether in security areas or in public areas, contact 561-408-0101.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has shed some light on which terminal you need to head to when flying with American Airlines from JFK, and also taught you some interesting JFK facts and highlighted some of the services available at one of the world’s largest airports!
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
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