When preparing to travel it is always a good idea to do your research about where you are going, including airports. JFK airport is a gateway into North America so there are lots of domestic and international flights going in and out making it the sixth busiest airport in the country. When going through such a busy airport it is good to know everything that will help make your travels easier and as stress free as possible.
About JFK Airport
Nestled in Queens, about sixteen miles from Midtown Manhattan, JFK airport sees approximately sixteen million passengers a year. This makes it one of the busiest airports in the country and helps passengers get into the United States or overseas. Because of how many passengers they see a year, they have all kinds of things to help make traveling easier. If you are traveling with pets, have a layover, or New York City is your final destination, it is good to know everything you can to make the most of your traveling experience. Here are some important things to know about traveling through JFK Airport.
Traveling Pets
Many people travel with their pets for a variety of reasons, and JFK offers a luxury pet terminal called ARK. This allows your furry friend to stretch their legs, do their business, and get some energy out. It is very stressful for animals to travel, and this gives them an opportunity to get some jitters out between flights. Knowing your pet is going to have this space and be well taken care of while flying really helps take the stress off of you. Once they get their energy out, they will be ready for a nice nap on the plane.
Transportation
It is always a good idea to have your means of transportation figured out before traveling. Here are the transit options at JFK:
- AirTrain JFK: connections to MTA subway (A, E, J, Z) and Long Island Railroad
- NYC Airporter: transfers to/from Grand Central Station and Port Authority
- MTA Regional Bus Operations: Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, B15—all of these bus lines provide transfers to the MTA subway and Long Island Railroad (LIRR)
Plan ahead and route out your trip so you do not waste time getting lost or asking for directions.
Luggage Storage
There can be expected and unexpected delays when traveling and that can mean dragging heavy luggage around. If you need luggage storage in JFK, there is a one-bag storage facility at Terminal 1. If you are going into the city for a short period of time and need luggage storage, Bounce has a variety of locations in the city. They are well-known and trusted with raving reviews. All of your belongings are backed by insurance and it takes minutes to drop-off your luggage through their app. So whether you are waiting for hotel reservations to open or have a delay and want to see some of the city without having to worry about their bags then maybe Bounce is perfect for you. Many locations are open late or even 24/7 for your storage needs. For as little as five dollars a bag, you can leave your bags in a secure location with great staff. Exploring the city in a short time has never been easier or more convenient. There are so many things to worry about when traveling, but this will help take one thing off the list.
Things To Do Around JFK
If you are passing through JFK and have some time to get out into the city. Here are a few things to see without going too far.
- Island Long Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Shooters Island
- Marsh Island
- Swinburne Island
You could also visit the sky lounges like Delta Sky Club, Bar, and Airline Lounges.
If you have a little more time and are able to go further into the city, some popular sites are:
- Grand Central Station
- Times Square
- Penn Station
- Grand Central Park
- Broadway
- One World Trade Center Observatory
- Ellis Island
- The Statue of Liberty
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- China Town
New York City is huge and there are so many things to see and do, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Make The Most of Your Trip
Traveling is exciting whether you are headed to New York City, passing through, or traveling outside of the states. It can, however, be tiring and stressful being in a busy airport surrounded by so many people. Having a plan for your trip including your pets, your luggage, places to eat, and even if you have time to sight see. Things can still happen unexpectedly, but having a plan will help you make the most of your time.
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