As of 2025, Alaska Airlines is transitioning its operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8. This move aligns Alaska Airlines with American Airlines, its partner, making Terminal 8 the primary location. Some flights may still operate from Terminal 7 during the transition, so passengers should always check their boarding pass or the Alaska Airlines app for the latest gate information.
Lower gate numbers usually indicate Terminal 7, while higher gate numbers (30+) are assigned to Terminal 8.
Alaska Airlines Departures Terminal JFK
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Check-in Counters: Located at the respective terminal’s departures hall.
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Self-Service Kiosks: Available for faster check-in and baggage tag printing.
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Boarding Gates: Assigned based on transition status (Terminal 7 or Terminal 8).
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Security Checkpoint: TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers.
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Arrival Time Recommendation: Two hours before domestic flights, three hours before international flights.
Passengers should confirm their departure terminal before arriving at JFK to avoid delays.
Alaska Airlines Arrivals Terminal JFK

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Domestic Arrivals: Processed at the terminal listed on the boarding pass.
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International Arrivals: Alaska Airlines passengers clear customs at JFK facilities in Terminal 8.
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Baggage Claim: Located on the lower level of the respective terminal.
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Ground Transportation: Taxis, rideshare services, and AirTrain connections are available outside arrivals.
Alaska Airlines Lounge Access JFK
Alaska Airlines passengers with a lounge membership or elite status may access partner lounges at JFK. With the move to Terminal 8, Alaska Airlines customers benefit from shared lounge facilities with American Airlines, offering seating, dining, and Wi-Fi.
Terminal Map of JFK Airport – Alaska Airlines Section
The terminal map of JFK Airport for Alaska Airlines highlights:
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Check-in counters in Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 departure halls
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Security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck lanes
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Boarding gates (lower numbers for Terminal 7, higher numbers for Terminal 8)
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Baggage claim areas on the lower levels
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Ground transportation zones outside arrivals halls
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AirTrain connections to other terminals and NYC subway lines
Connections and Ground Transportation
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AirTrain JFK: Links Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 with other terminals, parking garages, and Jamaica transit hub.
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Partner Airlines: Alaska Airlines partners provide onward connections through codeshare agreements.
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Ground Transport: Taxis, rideshare services, and shuttle buses are available outside arrivals.
Flat taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan is $70 plus tolls. Rideshare pick-up zones are clearly marked outside both Terminal 7 and Terminal 8. Public buses connect JFK with Queens and Brooklyn, offering budget-friendly travel options.
Customer Support
Alaska Airlines maintains service desks at both Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 during the transition. Staff members assist passengers with rebooking, baggage issues, and general inquiries.
Lost baggage claims can be filed at the Alaska Airlines desk in arrivals. Customer service is available in English and Spanish.
Popular Routes
Alaska Airlines operates nonstop flights from JFK to major destinations, including:
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Seattle (SEA)
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Los Angeles (LAX)
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San Francisco (SFO)
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Portland (PDX)
These routes connect New York with Alaska Airlines’ primary hubs, offering access to the West Coast and beyond.
Quick Facts Table
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Service Area |
Location / Details |
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Check-in Counters |
Terminal 7 & Terminal 8 departures halls |
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Security Checkpoints |
TSA PreCheck lanes available |
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Boarding Gates |
Lower numbers (T7), higher numbers (T8) |
|
Domestic Arrivals |
Baggage claim at the respective terminal |
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International Arrivals |
Customs clearance at Terminal 8 |
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Ground Transport |
AirTrain, taxis, rideshare, shuttle buses |
|
Customer Support Desk |
Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 concourses |
|
Popular Routes |
Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland |
Alaska Airlines is in the process of moving from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 at JFK Airport, with some flights still operating from Terminal 7 during the transition.
Check-in counters and boarding gates are located in the respective terminal, with TSA PreCheck lanes available.
International arrivals are processed at Terminal 8, while baggage claim remains on the lower levels of both terminals.
Passengers should always confirm their gate and terminal using the Alaska Airlines app or boarding pass before arriving at JFK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska Airlines is transitioning from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.
Check-in counters are located in the departures hall of Terminal 7 or Terminal 8, depending on the flight.
Alaska offers nonstop flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland.
Baggage claim is located on the lower level of the respective terminal.
Check the Alaska Airlines app or boarding pass for the latest gate and terminal details.