Air travelers are urged to prepare for significant changes and ongoing construction impacting access to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport, according to a new travel advisory issued by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, May 27.
As of this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer accepts state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant at airport security checkpoints. All airline passengers age 18 and older must present either a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport or Global Entry card. Travelers without a compliant ID should be prepared for additional screening procedures. A full list of acceptable IDs is available on the TSA website.
With high demand expected through the summer travel season, the Port Authority strongly encourages travelers heading to JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty International Airport to use mass transit whenever possible. Drivers planning to park at the airports are advised to pre-book parking spaces at least 24 hours in advance. Those who do not pre-book may face a peak period drive-up surcharge and could be turned away due to limited availability.
Due to the $19 billion redevelopment project at JFK, travelers should anticipate extensive roadway detours, terminal access changes and for-hire vehicle pickup relocations.
Van Wyck Expressway Closures
May 27–28 (5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and May 28–29 (11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m.): Exit C (southbound Van Wyck) closed. Detour signage is in place via Exit B. Motorists should allow an additional 10 minutes of travel time.
Terminal 1
Until further notice, the JFK Expressway is closed for customers traveling to/from Terminal 1. Drivers will be detoured via on-airport roads. Allow 10–15 minutes of extra travel time.
Terminal 4
For-hire vehicle pickups have been relocated to Lot 66. A free shuttle service runs every 1–2 minutes from Terminal 4’s arrivals level.
Ramp access from both JFK Expressway and Van Wyck Expressway to Terminal 4 is modified; drivers should follow signage and expect delays.
Terminal 5
For-hire vehicle pickups now occur at the Howard Beach Ride App & Car Services Lot. Passengers must take the AirTrain JFK to reach the lot.
The taxi stand has moved to the ground level of the Terminal 5 Yellow Parking Garage, accessible via the fifth-floor skywalk.
Level 1 of the Yellow Parking Lot is now designated for individuals with special needs. All other vehicles must park on levels 2–6.
Terminals 7 & 8
For-hire vehicle pickups for both terminals have also moved to the Howard Beach lot. Free AirTrain service is available from the terminals.
Ramp from inbound Van Wyck Expressway to Terminals 7 and 8 is closed; motorists should follow detour signs via JFK Expressway and allow 10–15 additional minutes.
The Terminal 7 taxi stand has been relocated to the departures level.
Travelers are urged to check airport updates and use the free drop-off and pickup lot at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station whenever possible.
LaGuardia Airport: Free bus service to encourage mass transit
To reduce roadway congestion and encourage public transit use, the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus remains fare-free year-round. The bus provides direct service between LaGuardia and major subway and Long Island Rail Road hubs in Queens.
For more information on using public transit to travel to LaGuardia Airport, visit the MTA’s dedicated airport travel page.
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and stay updated on airport changes to avoid delays and missed flights.
