Things to Do During a Layover at JFK Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers annually. Located in Queens, New York City, JFK is a hub for both domestic and international flights, and it’s well-equipped to offer a wide variety of activities to help pass the time during a layover. Whether you’re in transit for a couple of hours or have an extended layover, JFK provides plenty of options for dining, shopping, relaxing, and exploring.

1. Relax in a Lounge

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to relax, work, or even take a nap, JFK has several airport lounges across its terminals. Many lounges are open to members, first-class and business-class passengers, or those who purchase a day pass.

Lounge Options:

American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 8): Offering complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Day passes are available.
Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2 & 4): A premium lounge with high-end amenities including meals, premium beverages, and Wi-Fi.
The Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4): Available to American Express cardholders, featuring high-quality food, a cocktail bar, and shower facilities.
Primeclass Lounge (Terminal 4): Open to Priority Pass holders and day-pass purchasers, this lounge offers comfortable seating, a buffet, and drinks.

These lounges provide a peaceful escape from the busy terminals, with many offering shower facilities and charging stations to refresh and recharge during your layover.

2. Grab a Bite to Eat

JFK Airport offers a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick snack or enjoy a full meal, you’ll find many options to suit your tastes.

Best Dining Options at JFK:

Shake Shack (Terminal 4): Famous for its burgers and shakes, Shake Shack offers an American fast-food experience with high-quality ingredients.
Blue Smoke on the Road (Terminal 4): A popular BBQ joint serving ribs, brisket, and other delicious Southern comfort food.
Deep Blue Sushi (Terminal 5): For something lighter, head to Deep Blue for sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies.
Le Grand Comptoir (Terminal 4): A chic French wine bar offering an extensive selection of wines and a menu of light bites like cheese plates and salads.
Piquillo (Terminal 5): For authentic Spanish tapas, Piquillo offers small plates with bold flavors, perfect for sharing.

For those short on time, there are plenty of grab-and-go options, including Pret A Manger, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts located throughout the terminals.

3. Shop for Gifts or Luxury Items

If you want to pick up some last-minute gifts or treat yourself, JFK has a wide range of shops, from high-end luxury brands to duty-free shopping and souvenir stores.

Popular Shops at JFK:

Duty-Free Shops (Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7): Great for purchasing tax-free items like alcohol, fragrances, cosmetics, and designer accessories.
TUMI (Terminal 5): Known for its premium travel gear, this shop is ideal if you need luggage or travel accessories.
Coach (Terminal 1): Browse luxury leather goods, handbags, and accessories from this well-known American brand.
John F. Kennedy Airport Souvenir Shop (Terminals 1 and 4): Perfect for picking up souvenirs such as “I ❤️ NY” t-shirts, magnets, and other New York-themed items.
L’Occitane (Terminal 4): For luxury beauty products and skincare, L’Occitane offers a wide range of creams, lotions, and fragrances.

4. Explore the TWA Hotel

For longer layovers, consider exploring the TWA Hotel, located right at JFK in Terminal 5. This 1960s-themed hotel is a tribute to the golden age of aviation and offers a variety of amenities for travelers, including:

Observation Deck: Watch planes take off and land from the rooftop deck, which also features a heated infinity pool.
Vintage Cars & Exhibits: Take a trip back in time by exploring the vintage cars and aviation-themed exhibits located in the hotel lobby.
Restaurants and Bars: Visit the Paris Café by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or sip on cocktails at the Sunken Lounge, a stylish bar reminiscent of mid-century modern design.
Fitness Center: If you’re in need of some exercise, the TWA Hotel has a Fit Gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway.

5. Unwind at a Spa

Need to relax after a long flight? JFK has several spa options where you can enjoy massages, facials, and other beauty treatments.

Spa Options at JFK:

XpresSpa (Terminals 1, 4, and 5): Offering quick services such as neck and back massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials. No appointment necessary.
Be Relax (Terminal 5): Another great option for travelers looking to pamper themselves with massages, nail services, or aromatherapy treatments.

6. Visit the 9/11 Memorial at JFK

Take a moment to reflect at the JFK 9/11 Memorial, located in the JFK Airport Fire Station. This memorial honors the crew members and passengers of the two flights (American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175) that departed from JFK and were tragically lost on September 11, 2001.

The memorial offers a quiet place for contemplation and remembrance, making it a meaningful stop during a layover.

7. Stay Connected with Free Wi-Fi and Workspaces

For business travelers or anyone needing to stay connected, JFK provides free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. You’ll also find numerous charging stations and workspaces, especially in Terminals 4 and 5.

Best Workspaces:

Work Pods in Terminal 5: Dedicated workstations with outlets for charging devices, perfect for getting some work done during your layover.
Gate Seating with Power Outlets: Many of the gates are equipped with power outlets and USB ports, making it easy to charge your devices while waiting for your flight.

8. Stay Active

If you have an extended layover and want to stay active, JFK offers some unique ways to get moving.

Walking Routes:

JFK Terminal Walking Routes: While there isn’t a formal walking path, you can easily explore the terminals by foot, particularly Terminals 4 and 5, which are more extensive and feature a variety of shops and restaurants.

If you need to stretch your legs further, consider heading over to the TWA Hotel for more space and scenic views from their observation deck.

9. Take a Quick Trip into NYC (for Layovers of 6+ Hours)

If you have a layover of more than 6 hours, you can venture out and explore nearby parts of New York City. JFK is connected to the city via AirTrain and subway, making it relatively easy to take a quick trip into Manhattan or nearby neighborhoods in Queens.

Things to Do in NYC During a Layover:

Explore Central Park: If you have the time, hop on the AirTrain and subway to Manhattan for a walk in Central Park or grab a bite at one of New York’s famous restaurants.
Visit the Empire State Building: Head to the top of this iconic building for stunning views of the city. Time permitting, you can visit nearby attractions like Times Square or Bryant Park.
Visit Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Located just 20 minutes from JFK, this large park is home to the Unisphere and offers outdoor spaces for a quick stroll.

Make sure to keep track of time to avoid missing your connecting flight, and allow extra time for airport security when returning to JFK.

10. Get Some Rest

If you’re feeling tired and need some rest during your layover, there are a few options at JFK to help you recharge.

Minute Suites (Terminal 4): Rent a private suite with a bed, TV, and workspace by the hour. Perfect for a nap or catching up on work.
TWA Hotel Day Rooms (Terminal 5): For longer layovers, you can book a day room at the TWA Hotel, where you can rest in luxury and take advantage of amenities like the rooftop pool and fitness center.

Conclusion

Whether you’re spending a few hours or half a day at JFK Airport, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your layover. From exploring the iconic TWA Hotel to indulging in spa treatments, dining at local and global eateries, or even taking a quick trip into New York City, JFK offers something for every traveler. With so many activities and amenities, your layover can feel like part of the adventure rather than a dull wait for your next flight.