JFK airport wait times and layout
 

I will be going to Ireland in March but have booked an odd flight to save $. Taking Delta to JFK and AerLingus from JFK to Dublin on a Saturday evening. The tickets were booked separately so I believe I will have to leave Delta terminal and go through security again in international terminal. Delta flight arrives at 4:30 in JFK and AerLingus departs at 6:30. Does anyone have experience on wait times at JFK. I have only connected there. Do you think I am cutting it too close? I will likely have to check a bag but if it means missing my flight I will find a way to carry on. Once I go to baggage pick up will I be able to take the airport shuttle to T4?

kf - Personally I think you are cutting it close - I do not believe you can book your luggage thru no matter what as I just came back from Paris on American and they announced everyone had to pick up their luggage before they transferred to their next flight. When I left for Paris on AA I got to terminal about 1 hour and 45 minutes before flight and it took most of that time to check in and then get thru the security line. By the time I got to the gate and went to the washroom, the flight was boarding. If I were you, I would try to change my connecting flight. You can see JFK layout at www.panynj.gov. Hope this helps, I was really surprised at the time as this is the third intl flight I've made since 9/11 and by far the worst! Have a wonderful time!!!

JFK is a horrible airport IMHO. Changing terminals there is very challeneging. There are few walkways and you need to take shuttle buses. <BR><BR>Here is a map of the terminals http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jtframe.htm <BR><BR>Delta flys into terminal 2 for the most part (and out of 3), so you'll need to get from 2 to 4. I assume you can walk it. BUt I would guess it's a 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. So expect a hike. <BR><BR>Also, I do think you can check you bags though. I have done this before on different airlines going overseas. You should call the airlines.<BR><BR>It's a risky proposition, but if the tickets are bought, then, I would say check AerLingus missed plane policy and if it's acceptable give it a try. <BR><BR>Good luck!<BR><BR>Beth<BR><BR>I also

Opps, forgot to point out Aer lingus leaves from terminal 4.

kf,<BR>JFK is my home airport so here's my $0.02.<BR><BR>4:30 arrival time and 6:30 depart will be cutting it mighty close...maybe too close.<BR><BR>Factors:<BR>- What terminal your DL flight arrives (probably 2). Check DL site for arrival terminal.<BR>- 20-35 minute wait for checked luggage. <BR>- ~10 minute walk from DL Term 2 to Intl Term 4 - it's ~1/2 mile (max) from Term 2 to end of Term. 4 (I think AerLingus is towards the end of the Terminal). I don't think shuttle bus will save you time unless when you come out of terminal 2, it's just pulling up. Wait times are 5-15 min.<BR><BR>Suggestions:<BR>1. Familiarized yourself w/JFK and the color of the shuttle buses - www.panynj.gov will give/show you this info.<BR><BR>Bottom line:<BR>Your DL flight (if it arrives on time) arrives 1 hour after AerLingus' suggested 3 hour check-in time - minimum check in time is 1 hour. Not good.<BR>If every works properly, you'll probably get to AerLingus about 1:15 before departure but figure more like 1:00. <BR><BR>So...<BR>Rent a baggage cart ($2.00) while waiting for your luggage at DL and run like hell to Terminal 4. I would not waste time trying to &quot;interline check&quot; your bags from the DL terminal - too many issues with that.<BR><BR>Email me at [email protected] if you have any other questions.