American Airlines Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

American Airlines operates from Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and is a dedicated hub for a US-based carrier. The American Airlines Terminal at JFK handles the departures and arrivals. Besides, the airline also serves as a oneworld alliance partners for British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways.

Passengers flying with American Airlines use this terminal for domestic as well as international travel.

American Airlines JFK Departure Terminal

American Airlines operates its departure from Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airline flies to numerous domestic and international destinations from American Airlines JFK Terminal.

American Airlines offers non-stop flights from  JFK to major U.S. cities, including:

• Los Angeles (LAX)

• San Francisco (SFO)

• Miami (MIA)

• Chicago (ORD)

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

• Charlotte (CLT)

• Boston (BOS)

The airline also operates long-haul international flights from Terminal 8 to destinations such as:

• London Heathrow (LHR)

• Paris (CDG)

• Tokyo (Narita/Haneda)

• São Paulo (GRU)

• Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and other Canadian cities

• Tel Aviv (TLV)

Check-in: American Airlines counters at JFK are located on Level 3 (Departures Floor) at Terminal 8. The airline opens both domestic and international check-in counters four hours before departure. Passengers must complete baggage drop at the designated check-in counters. 

• American Airlines also provides curbside check-in, outside Level 3. Travelers with checked luggage can use this option for faster service.

Security screening: After checking in and dropping luggage, passengers proceed to TSA security on Level 3. American Airlines provides a dedicated TSA PreCheck and CLEAR security lane for eligible travelers to speed up the security process. 

International departures: Passengers traveling internationally must complete all required immigration formalities. Travelers must keep their passports and travel documents ready before proceeding to the boarding gate.

Boarding gates: After clearing security, passengers walk to Concourse B or Concourse C gates to reach their assigned gates. Travelers should check their boarding pass or airport monitors for the correct gate information.

American Airlines closes domestic boarding gates 30 minutes before departure, and international boarding gates 45 minutes before departure.

Lounge at JFK: Eligible travelers can access the American Airlines Admiral Club located on Level 4 after clearing security.  

American Airlines Arrival Terminal JFK

When an American Airlines flight lands at JFK Terminal 8, the procedures differ for domestic and international arrivals.

After landing, passengers exit the aircraft and follow signs toward the arrivals corridor at American Airlines JFK Arrival Terminal. Domestic travelers continue directly to the baggage claim. International travelers follow signs to Immigration and Customs.

Domestic arrivals: Passengers exit the aircraft and follow signs to Baggage Claim on Level 1. They check airport monitors to locate the correct baggage carousel and collect their luggage. After collecting their bags, passengers exit the terminal, and ground transportation options include NYC Yellow Taxis, rideshare services, public transportation, or connecting flights.

International Arrivals: International passengers proceed to Immigration and Passport Control. They present their passport and required travel documents to officers from U.S. Customs & Border Protection. All international arriving passengers must complete this process.

• After clearing immigration, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their checked luggage.

• With baggage in hand, passengers move next to the Customs inspection. Travelers should keep their customs declaration form ready. Eligible passengers may use Mobile Passport or show their Global Entry card for expedited screening. 

Connecting to international or domestic airlines: If passengers have a connecting flight to catch after international arrivals:

• Post customs, they may see a bag-recheck counter where they can drop bags again for the next flight. 

• They then proceed through TSA security screening again to re-enter the departure area and continue to their onward gate. 

American Airlines JFK Terminal Map

The American Airlines JFK Terminal comprises three public levels.

Level 1 has arrivals and baggage claim. The U.S. Immigration counter is located here.

Level 3 handles departures, check-in counters, and security screening checkpoints. 

Level 4 houses airport lounges for eligible passengers.

The terminal map clearly marks Concourse B gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. It also shows Concourse C gates 31 through 47.

The map also identifies essential facilities with clear icons, including currency exchange, elevators, pet relief areas, and nursing suites.

The American Airlines Terminal at JFK Airport serves as a complete hub for both domestic and international travel. Passengers transition easily from check-in on Level 3 to security to gates in Concourse B or C. At the arrival level, there are clear signs that guide travelers to baggage claim on Level 1 and ground transportation outside.

The American Airlines JFK Terminal map helps travelers locate every service with ease, allowing them to easily find lounges, restrooms, shops, and dining options. Passengers can check the flight status onthe app before reaching the terminal.