laurie_ann

I am flying to JFK tomorrow morning on Jet Blue and meeting a friend arriving just after me on SunCountry. The JFK website seems to show that JB arrives Terminal 5 and SC arrives T4.

When I meet someone at an airport where we arrive in different terminals I usually plan to meet them at whatever baggage claim station is for their flight. Even if they have only carryon it is usually the best choice you know you have to leave the secure area so you can't get ot their gate yourself.

Would that be a good plan for me tomorrow or would anyone have another suggestion?

It has been many years since I have had to ge between terminals at JFK. I remember they had buses and that where to get off wasn't all that clear. I travel a lot so I am sure I can figure it out. But if anyone has any other advice it would be much appreciated.

RoamsAround

Meeting at the Baggage Claim area is a very good idea.

There's a SKY TRAM you can take between terminals - It's quick & easy - just follow the overhead signs to the Tram Station. Once on the Tram listen for the announcement or read the "lighted screen" - it will tell you when to get off. There's also an attendant at each station platform who can direct you, if need be.

Go here for more info: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airport-map.html

laurie_ann

Thanks. The sky tram must be new since I last had to do this. I remember getting on a bus, everyone stuffed on with their large luggage, the windows fogged up so you couldn't see where you were and everyone with all their different languages trying to get the driver to tell them where they should get off, was something like the 6th circle of H - E - double toothpicks.

DonTopaz

There's a <s>SKY TRAM</s> SKY <b>TRAIN</b>

rkkwan

It is called AirTrain. No Sky, Tram or space in between. The walk from JetBlue's T5 to the Airtrain station is a good 10 minutes.

RoamsAround

Long (10 minute) walks are not limited to just Jet Blue but almost every airline in every terminal. Depending on your airline & arrival gate it can easily take 10 or even 15 minutes to deplane and walk to the terminal exit. Once outside, the station for the AirTrain (or whatever name one chooses to use- sorry could help the dig) is another minute or so away.

rkkwan

I beg to differ. The walk between the T5 station to the actual terminal is significantly longer than most of the others at JFK. That's because the terminal is set much further out from the train loop due to the existence of the old TWA terminal building.

RoamsAround

Last time we flew into JFK on American we had a long walk (probably about 10 minutes) from our arrival gate to the AirTrain.

Regardless, since the AirTrain station is outside the terminal and OP has to leave T5 anyway to meet her/his friend in T4 so the time it takes to get from the plane to the terminal exit is irrelevant. It is what it is.

JessBlake

Meeting at baggage claim is usually the best, most courteous place, since it usually takes forever to get your luggage in the first place. Depending on where you exit, or where you have to walk in JFK it's almost guaranteed to take longer for your luggage to arrive.

laurie_ann

Thought I would report back. As I was leaving T5 I asked one of the security persons. She said I could either take the train or walk and that it was just a 5 minute walk. It was a beautiful day so I walked. Not especially scenic but a decent sidewalk was available the whole way so I just rolled my little carry on and then met my friend at her baggage claim. More like 2.5 minutes walks. If you are doing it yourself use that baggage claim method (nice and quiet and good wifi reception there in domestic luggage claim in T4) or there is also nearer the front of the terminal but still inside a big flag that says "MEETING POINT" with plenty of seating right there.seating.