New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers non-stop flights to the SAA hub Johannesburg as well as to connections throughout South Africa and the continent.

 

Terminals

There are 6 passenger terminals at JFK. SAA operates from Terminal 4.  

All terminals are connected via the JFK Airtrain.

 

Check-in

Airport check-in and bag drop

All SAA check-in desks are located within Terminal 4, Row 5

Airport check-in and bag drop: opens at 7:30 AM

Online check-in: opens 24 hours before departure

Please ensure to check-in at the airport at least three hours prior to scheduled departure time due to enhanced security screening

Online check-in

To avoid queuing at the airport, online check-in opens 24 hours before each flight and will remain open up to 2 hours before each international departure.

You can select your seats free of charge and print your boarding pass in advance.

 

Connections

Connecting at JFK International airport is simple and easy.

The AirTrain system operates between all passenger terminals. For journeys between terminals, it’s free.

To make your connection, follow signs for AirTrain. You will need to reclear TSA security once you arrive in your departure terminal.

For international arriving passengers, you must claim all checked bags at Customs and recheck with your departing airline, even if the bags are checked to your final destination.

 

Lounges

The lounges are situated in the transit area in Terminal 4, Wingtips Lounge for the period of August 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 (due to the temporary closure of the Swiss Lounge) . Eligible SAA passengers may use the Wingtips Lounge  located on the departure level after security control to the right.

 

Getting to and from the Airport

Car

The airport is approximately a 60-minute drive from New York City.

Taxi

Fixed price (yellow) taxis operate from John F Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan.

Fares to other locations including Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island are metered.

Competively priced private car services are also available and can be pre-booked.

Train

The AirTrain departs regularly to Jamaica Station where connections are available to the New York City Subway system. Visit John F. Kennedy Airport for current fares and timetables.

Travel on the 'E' line to Manhattan, journey time from Jamaica Station is approximately one hour.

Travel on the Long Island Railroad System to Manhattan, journey time is approximately 30 minutes from Jamaica Station

Car hire

Finding your rental is easy at JFK.  On the Arrivals level of each terminal (usually near the baggage carousel), there is either a rental car counter or courtesy telephone with instructions on contacting each of the companies listed below. For car pickup, take AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station.

 

Hotels at the Airport

A number of hotels are located close to the terminal . You will find more information on the hotel options at https://www.jfkairport.com/at-airport/airport-hotels.