Around 90 airlines operate at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), making it one of the most connected airports in the world and the USA's leading international gateway. This guide lists the main airlines flying to and from JFK, the terminal each is based in, and practical tips for check-in — so you know exactly where to go before you travel.
Airlines at JFK by terminal
Your terminal depends on your airline, so always check your booking. The main groupings are:
- Terminal 1 — a range of international carriers such as Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and Turkish Airlines. A brand-new Terminal 1 is opening in phases through 2026–2030 and will consolidate many international airlines.
- Terminal 4 — Delta Air Lines (its main JFK hub) plus major international airlines including KLM, Air France, Emirates and Etihad. This is the airport's largest terminal.
- Terminal 5 — JetBlue, JFK's biggest domestic carrier, and selected partner airlines.
- Terminal 7 — international carriers, currently part of the redevelopment programme.
- Terminal 8 — American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, including British Airways.
All terminals are linked by the free AirTrain, so if you arrive at the wrong one you can move between them at no charge. See our JFK terminals guide for maps and facilities.
Domestic vs international airlines
For domestic travel, JetBlue, Delta and American carry the most passengers, with heavy schedules to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and other major U.S. cities. For international travel, JFK is served by flag carriers and global airlines across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America — see our flights to and from JFK guide for routes.
Alliances at JFK
All three major airline alliances are represented: SkyTeam around Delta at Terminal 4, Oneworld around American and British Airways at Terminal 8, and Star Alliance members such as Lufthansa at Terminal 1. Loyalty status can give you lounge access and priority services on partner airlines.
Check-in tips
- Check in online 24 hours before departure and confirm your terminal on your boarding pass.
- Arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight — see our departures guide.
- Bag-drop desks and self-service kiosks are available in every terminal; airlines close bag drop 45–60 minutes before departure.
Frequently asked questions
How many airlines operate at JFK?
Around 90 airlines operate at JFK across its five terminals, covering domestic routes and international destinations on every continent, which makes it the busiest international gateway in the United States.
Which terminal is my airline at JFK?
Delta and many international carriers use Terminal 4, JetBlue uses Terminal 5, American and Oneworld partners (including British Airways) use Terminal 8, and other international airlines use Terminals 1 and 7. Always confirm on your booking, as assignments change during the airport's redevelopment.
Which airlines are the biggest at JFK?
JetBlue (Terminal 5), Delta (Terminal 4) and American (Terminal 8) are the largest carriers by flights, alongside major international airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
Can I connect between airlines at JFK?
Yes, but JFK terminals are not linked airside, so you use the free AirTrain to change terminals. International-to-domestic connections must clear customs, re-check bags and pass security again, so allow at least two to three hours.
Do domestic and international flights use the same terminal?
Not always — it depends on the airline. Terminal 4 handles both Delta domestic and many international flights, while Terminal 5 is mostly JetBlue domestic and Terminal 8 mixes American domestic and international services.
