All the information you need to enjoy a smooth journey through New York JFK airport.
Flight information
British Airways operated flights arrive at and depart from Terminal 8 at New York JFK airport.
Experience the luxury of the newly renovated airport terminal with a bright and open check-in area, with dedicated lanes for a more efficient check in and connections. Indulge in some airport shopping before you fly with a wider range of shops, or relax in one of the elegant lounges available to Club and First customers.
You must meet the following times, or you will not be allowed to travel:
Check in closes 60 minutes before your flight departs.
Pass through Security at least 45 minutes before your flight departs.
Be at your boarding gate at least 30 minutes before your flight. Please check how long it will take you to get to the gate. If we have your contact details, we will try to contact you when it is about to close but we will not delay the aircraft's departure to wait for late customers.
Lounges
British Airways and American Airlines have partnered to offer three premium lounges at New York JFK Terminal 8. On your next trip, discover our take on some very famous neighbourhoods in London and New York – meet the Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich lounges. Whether you fly with British Airways, American Airlines or a oneworld® airline, you can enjoy these relaxing and luxurious spaces before you fly, depending on your choice of cabin. Check your lounge eligibility.
Chelsea
Sit at the circular champagne bar or pull up a chair for fireside cocktails in this elegant lounge. A la carte dining is also available to fuel you for your journey ahead. Available to customers travelling on a longhaul flight in First.
Soho
Take in the runway views while enjoying the food and drinks on offer. Catch up on emails in the work pods, read in the library, or rest in the quiet area. Available to Executive Club Gold Members.
Greenwich
This premium lounge offers chef-inspired meals and a stylish gin and cocktail bar to help you relax before you even step on to the plane. Available to business (Club World) customers and Executive Club Silver Members.
If you have baggage to check in, drop it at a Bag Drop desk. Desks open three hours before the flight departure time but not before the earliest opening time of 05:30.
If you are travelling with hand baggage only and have already checked in, you can go straight through security to the gate. If your hand baggage exceeds your allowance, you may need to check it in and charges may apply.
Like many airlines, we are unable to accept cash payments at many of the airports we operate from, including New York JFK. Please check with a member of our staff at the airport to find out if options are available for converting cash to a payment card.
You need to be at the gate no later than 30 minutes before the flight departs. If we have your contact details, we will try to contact you when it is about to close but we can't delay the aircraft's departure to wait for late customers.
You will notice a ‘Group’ number on your boarding pass which shows your boarding priority. Please be ready to board the aircraft when your group is called.
If you're arriving in JFK Terminal 8 and have a US or Canadian passport, a B1/B2 tourist visa or if you're travelling on the ESTA Visa Waiver Programme, you can use an Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk to speed up your travel through immigration.
Instead of filling out a paper customs form, you can scan your passport, take a photograph, and answer a series of customs-related questions using the APC kiosk. Please then take your receipt and passport to a US Customs and Border Patrol officer to finalise your documents for entry into the USA.
If you're travelling on an ESTA or a B1/B2 tourist visa you will need to have entered the USA at least once since 2008.
Families or people living at the same address can also complete their transaction together at a single APC kiosk.
If you need additional help for your journey, e.g. for getting through the airport, boarding the aircraft, or reaching your onward travel connections, please let us know at least 48 hours before you travel at Manage My Booking and we can arrange this for you with New York JFK airport.
The JFK AirTrain and the Long Island Rail Road operate train services into Manhattan. AirTrain stations are located at all terminals at JFK. The journey time between JFK airport and Penn Station in Manhattan is around 35 minutes.
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the Arrivals area at each terminal. The journey time to and from Manhattan is around 40 - 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Bus services
Bus services operate every 20 to 30 minutes to and from Grand Central Terminal at Park and 41st (East Side), and Penn Station. Buses depart and arrive at the Express bus stop at each terminal. The journey time is around 75 minutes.
Arrivals
British Airways operate from Terminal 8 at New York JFK airport.
After passport control, follow the yellow signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage reclaim' and look for your flight on the information screens to see which carousel your bags will arrive on.
Once you have your baggage, you may need to pass through customs.
Book a flight to New York
It's time to book your flight to the Big Apple and explore all that New York has to offer. Summit the Empire State, stroll through Central Park and enjoy your favourite American delicacies. The bright lights are beckoning you.
