I have a flight out of JFK at 4PM on a Monday. I have arranged for a car service to pick us up from the Red Roof inn at 1:30PM is that enough time for us to get to the airport and checked in?

Is JFK a really busy airport??

Thank you
Kim

I would allow 45-60 minutes at least from that location. You will have to drive through Manhattan streets before you get on the faster roads in Queens.

Yes, JFK is very busy and confusing compared to more modern airports.

Of course your travel time will depend on which Red Roof Inn you are staying at - there are 8 or 10 different ones in the NY/NJ metro area.

sorry it is the one near the Empire State Building

My note assumed the one at which you are actually staying.

I would want to be there at least 2 hours before flight time. I would err on the side of caution and allow an hour to reach the airport. Therefore , for a 4PM flight, I'd leave at 1PM.

I've been stuck in traffic too many times on the way to JFK. If you make great time and arrive early, relax and get a beverage. At least you'll be sure you're not stuck somewhere in a traffic nightmare.