Airport guides · New York, NY

Flying into JFK: what to expect

John F. Kennedy International, New York, NY. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeJFK / KJFK
Runways (FAA)4
Elevation13 ft
Longest runway14,511 ft
Flying to or from JFK?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at JFK right now

Clear skies; wind 3 mph; 11°C / 52°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 6 mph.

What pilots reported nearby in the last 3 hours: 2 turbulence reports (0 smooth, 1 light, 1 moderate). Reports cover all altitudes and aircraft sizes; small aircraft feel bumps more.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KJFK. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

JFK has 4 runways in FAA data: 04L/22R (12,079 ft), 04R/22L (8,400 ft), 13L/31R (10,000 ft), 13R/31L (14,511 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at JFK changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into JFK: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at JFK?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 4 runways at JFK (04L/22R, 04R/22L, 13L/31R, 13R/31L); the longest is 13R/31L at about 14,511 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at JFK?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at JFK to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at JFK?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official JFK website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

LGA

LaGuardia

EWR

Newark Liberty International

PHL

Philadelphia International

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.