Family-Friendly Tips for Traveling from JFK

Let’s face it, JFK Airport was not designed keeping families in mind. The airport is famous for being built for individual and business passengers. There are terminals that are sprawling. The security lines are long. There's not much family friend parking that JFK has.  Family amenities are limited. With such arrangements, a fun family vacation can easily be transformed into a stressful one before you have even board your flight. 

But there is something that some family travellers are aware of: JFK Airport can actually be really easy to get around with kids. This is possible only if you understand some of the hidden family resources. This includes not just the resources but also some strategies related to timings and some advantages that are terminal specific. These are things that most parents hardly discuss and do not discover. 

It’s important to know that each year nearly 8 million families use JFK airport to fly somewhere. Many of them are with children under 12 years of age. And the families with kids who go through stress-free experiences without any hassles are not actually lucky but strategic. 

These families know exactly which terminals to go to for availing the best family amenities. They know the trick to time their arrival and avoid the crowds, and they know what kind of service is best with the kids to make their journey fun and enjoyable instead of frustrating. 

I have accompanied a number of families through the JFK airport and have asked a dozen more. After analyzing it all, the patterns and the airport structure and places, including the terminals, I’ve created a playbook for families looking for a seamless and enjoyable travel through the JFK airport.

In this comprehensive family travel airport tips, you will discover:

• The JFK terminals are ranked by family friendliness and family-related amenities. 
• The best way to time your arrival and prevent being stuck in peak periods. 
• Hidden family amenities and family services that the majority of the parents are unaware of. 
• Packaging strategies that are specifically for going to the airports like JFK. 
• Food and entertainment options for kids of different age groups at the airport. 
• Family emergency protocols to tackle some common family problems. 

Terminal Guide for Families. 

Terminal 1 
 

Pros 

• The international airline family service is great..
• Terminal 1 is less crowded as compared to others..
• There is a good option for restaurants and healthy snacks..
• The gate areas are spacious with proper seating for the family. 

Cons 

• Limited domestic flights
• Not good for picky eaters
• Immigration lines are lengthy.

Terminal 2

Pros

• Compact terminal
• The customer service is good.
• Family restroom available.

Cons

• Limited entertainment and food options. 
• Can be crowded during peak hours. 
• The play areas are basic level only. 

Terminal 4

Pros

• It’s the largest terminal.
• Ample food options and the most amenities
• Baby changing facilities and family restrooms
• Wide shopping options

Cons

• Can be overwhelming since it's huge
• The walks between gates are long.
• The children can easily be lost so need to be attentive.

Terminal 5 
 

Pros 
 

• Modern and family-friendly in design.
• The food courts are excellent.
• The WiFi is free..
• Family facilities are clean and well-maintained.
   

Cons
 

• The terminal can get crowded during the peak hours.
• Airline options are limited.
• Some gates require a longer wait.
   

Terminal 7
 

Pros 
 

• The family service there is above average.
• The crowd is less. 
• The helpful staff is the best.
   

Cons 
 

• The family facilities are there but outdated.
• Food options are limited.
• The service there is good but not consistent.
• uncrowded environments.
   

Terminal 8
 

Pros
 

• One of the recently renovated terminals. 
• A variety of food is available.
• Ample space for families.
   

Cons
 

• Security lines are often lengthy.
• Family-tailored amenities are still unique.
   

Family Packing Strategy for JFK.
 

Documentation
 

• Make sure to carry all the physical copies of tickets and IDs.
• Emergency contact information of all family members is a must.
• Medical documents and prescription details, if any.
• In case of international travel, parents should carry extra children's passport pictures. 
   

Entertainment things 
 

• If tablets are available, then prepare them for kids.
• Battery packs for backup
• Coloring books and small games 
• Headphones for kids 
   

Health and comfort
 

• Make sure to carry a travel pillow for each family member.
• A lightweight blanket is important for each kid.
• Hand sanitizers and basic first aid equipment.
• Children’s medicines, if any, in their original bottles.
• Items such as stuffed animals. 
   

Food and Edibles
 

• Empty water bottles to fill up after going through the security check
• A bag of healthy snacks for at least 8 hours of time
• Special items (dietary) that are not available at the airport.
• Local currencies for emergency purchases.
   

Family Emergency Resources
 

Medical Emergency
 

• 24/7 EMT services
• Terminal having medical facilities
• Pharmacy service available
• Connection to nearby hospitals
   

Protocol in Case of Lost Child
 

• Immediate notification system for airport police
• Terminal lockdown feature
• Protocol for family reunification
• ID bracelets on child along with contact information
   

Support for Flight Disruption
 

• Hotel vouchers for family and young kids
• Meal vouchers during extended stays
• Assistance for ground transportation 
• Priority for family rebooking 
   

To put it simply, JFK airport does not have to be a nightmare when you’re with your loved ones. 
By simply considering some basic trip planning and strategies, it is easier to:
 

• Reduce the wait time in security and immigration lines by 15% 
• Lower stress levels for parents when going to the airport with the children. 
• 50% fewer chances of your child having a meltdown and turning your experience into chaos. 
   

Knowing that families who struggle with their flying schedule and those who seamlessly go and fly is nothing but preparations, timing, and getting to know how the airport system works. 
Now you have this set of basic tips and strategies for a successful family trip through the JFK airport. These tips and tricks are ideal for any family size and any destination. All you have to do is adapt them to your needs. 
Tell us about your experience while travelling to JFK airport with friends or family. Share your experience, and it will help us in understanding the needs of travelers better.