We are trying to decide our flights. The one we like best has us form Indianapolis leaving at 6pm with a 2 hour 18 mi. Layover at JFK before departure.
We’ve never flown one less than 3 hour 30 min layover. I worry about missing our flight there for any reason. Do you think that’s enough time, or are you more comfortable with a longer layover time?
When Lulu because if it's summer, I'd fly earlier in the day and just sit around JFK reading, eating and drinking the time away . You know that summer storms are more likely later in the day, and both airports are vulnerable to summer storms. And when that happens, the smaller planes have less priority. And those are fairly small planes between IND and JFK.
Since it's JFK, I would be more comfortable with a longer layover time. If it was a smaller or more compact airport, it might be okay but JFK can be difficult at times and it's big. I would shoot for at least 3 hours. That said the fact that you're connecting TO an international flight, rather than from, probably helps so if you can't change it, you might be okay.
Ok, thanks. That’s what I thought. I think 3 hours minimum somewhere.
I am going to say that if it is all on one ticket, I would be ok with that connection.
What airline are you flying internationally?
If you need to change terminals (with the exception of between terminals 2 & 4), you will need to leave security, take the Airtrain to your departing terminal, & go through full security AGAIN. In that case, 3.5 is the minimum assuming your inbound to JFK is on time.
So which airlines will you be flying & what time of year?
JFK is my favorite airport to depart from when flying to Europe. If your connecting flight through JFK is with the same airline/carrier (for example Delta to Delta) then that time may be enough if flights are on time.
If on the other hand you connect Delta to Air France or KLM then you’ll need more time because each might use a different terminal. These terminals are connected by the free AirTrain however it is on the non secure side. Thus you’ll have to go through TSA at the connecting terminal. It’s a simple process but annoying.
For connecting through Amsterdam (AMS) I select 1 & 1/2 hours as a minimum. Allotting more time is a plus.
For connecting through Paris (CDG) I allow a minimum of 2 & 1/2 hours. Without fail it has always taken me at 1 & 1/2 hours from plane side to the next gate with the bottleneck occurring at the security checkpoint. That’s while using fast track or priority security lines. These have been my experiences.
A tight layover assumes the incoming flight is on time. That’s a risk I never make. Just me. I’d rather add a night at an airport hotel.
I’m on Delta all legs of the trip.
I agree with previous posters who advised a longer layover time. JFK can present a lot of walking, even within the same terminal. No point in adding that rush and stress to your trip. And by the way, my Delta meal from JFK to Brussels last August was inedible, and I am not a picky eater. Best to allow a longer layover and plan to eat at JFK before your departure.
Delta’s flights use terminal 4 exclusively now. You should have absolutely no problem making that connection if your originating flight arrives on time. Terminal 4 is seemingly long. People movers make the walk a bit less tedious. You may only have a few gates to go or quite a few. Navigating is very easy. You will not encounter any security or passport checkpoints or trains. Simply go from one gate to the next.
If you’re on Delta all the way, you will not need to leave security. Your 3.5 hours will be enough.
If you’re inbound flight arrives at terminal 2, look for signs for the Jitney to terminal 4.
If you do land in terminal 4, expect to walk a while to your gate as Terminal 4 is long. There are people movers. Also expect the possibility of a gate change for your international flight. Download the Delta app as the app will alert you if there is a gate change.
@ continental - just an update - terminal 2 at JFK closed in January. It was in need of serious updating. Thankfully it is slated for demolition.
I’d be fine with a 2h20m connection in the same terminal at JFK.
Delta is also notorious for padding thier schedule to same “on time arrival” data. Chances are you’ll arrive even a little early and have extra time.
@ continental - just an update - terminal 2 at JFK closed in January. It was in need of serious updating. Thankfully it is slated for demolition.
Thanks raymonelee!
