How to survive New York JFK Airport

With nine terminals, endless security lines, and constant cancellations, JFK airport can be a traveler’s worst nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you are flying from/to this New York airport, check out these five ways to beat the baggage lugging heartache.

1. Book a massage

Both Oasis Day Spa, in Jet Blue’s Terminal 6, and XpresSpa, in Terminals 1, 7, and 4 offer facials, manicures, pedicures, and full body massages in a relaxed setting. Slots fill up fast, so if you know in advance that you’re going to have a seven hour layover, book early! There’s really no better way to transport yourself out of air traffic chaos and into blissful serenity.

2. Chomp on a few power-pellets

Let’s face it, one of the most fun ways to spend a few hours is poised in front of a pinball machine, feet planted firmly on the ground, and fingers ready against the buttons on either side. JFK Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 (opposite the food court) are home to an array of classic arcade games including Ms. Pac-Man! It’s been a while, but you never forget how to chomp your way through that irresistible maze.

3. Chow down on a sirloin

Celebrity chef Todd English opened a JFK branch of his restaurant last June. Located in Delta’s Terminal 2, Todd English’s Bonfire Steakhouse offers everything from rib eye to filet mignon, but there’s a lot more than beef. Chile relleno, paella, and tacos add a Latin twist to the locale. Wash it down with a good vintage at Vino Volo, a new wine bar in American Airlines Terminal 8, sure it’s six terminals away, but thanks to the terrific Air Train, they’re all just a short ride away.

4. Power up the laptop

How many times have you circled an airport pillar searching in vain for an outlet? With the fifty, 8.5-foot power poles known as Samsung charging stations sprinkled throughout JFK airport, firing up that long dead battery is a cinch. Installed in January of 2007, each station includes four sockets so you can have a real laptop pow-wow.

5. Charge up the Amex

It’s bling galore at “The Shops At Terminal 4.” Ultra Diamonds adds a whole lot of sparkle to the place with its new 300-square-foot space. Spend some time drooling over the glimmering stones for a while. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and the like are priced between $70, and $10,000. If crystal’s more your thing head over to the Swarovski store and pick up a sparkly little bear holding a sunflower. So precious.

Photo of New York JFK airport terminal originally posted by ricoeurian

Topic:  How to Tuesday | 1 Comment
Tags:  airports

About the author

After nearly a decade in New York, Celeste moved to Berlin where she writes about the places she loves.