Korean Air Terminal at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Korean Air uses Terminal 1 at John F Kennedy International Airport serves as the primary terminal that handles both departures and arrivals. Additionally, business class passengers flying from JFK Airport's Korean Air terminal can access the dedicated airline lounge located here. 

On flights between JFK and Incheon (ICN) in Seoul, including the return journey, the airline operates the Airbus A380. This is the rare wide-body aircraft that Korean Air uses on select routes, thus accommodating a higher number of passengers comfortably.

By mid-2026, Korean Air may shift its operation to the New Terminal One at JFK Airport. 

Departure at JFK Airport, Korean Airlines Terminal

Korean Air operates two daily non-stop flights from JFK to Seoul Incheon (ICN). The first flight departs around 00:50 from JFK and arrives early morning the next day at ICN. The next flight departs around 12:00 in the afternoon and arrives the following afternoon at ICN the next day. 

When preparing for departure, passengers will head to JFK Terminal 1. 

Check-in: Check-in counters are located on the departure level. To request a check-in with Korean Air at the airport, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours early. 

• Passengers with e-tickets traveling to visa-free destinations can access the self-service check-in kiosk at the Departure hall. It is also located at the Korean Air lounge at JFK Terminal 1. 

• Passengers traveling in First Class, Prestige Class, and elite members of SKYPASS Morning Calm Club or SkyTeam Elite Plus can benefit from priority check-in lanes, which are separate from general counters. 

Baggage: There are dedicated baggage drop-offs located next to the check-in counters. The airline allows two complimentary checked bags to Economy Class and 3 checked bags to Business Class passengers. 

Security screening: The security screening zone is located at Level 2 of the Korean Air JFK Terminal. The acreage security wait times at JFK Terminal 1 range between 20-35 minutes during peak travel hours. 

Arrivals at JFK Airport Korean Airlines Terminal

Korean Air operates a daily non-stop return flight to New York. It departs from ICN at 10:00 am local time and lands at JFK same day, mid-morning. Upon arrival, passengers will proceed through:

Immigration: The U.S. Immigration and Customs is located on the first floor of the Arrivals Hall, where passengers need to present their passports. Expect a wait time of 25-40 minutes, depending on the queue. To expedite the process, there are Global Entry kiosks available.

Baggage claim: The baggage claim section is located in the Arrival Halls. The overhead monitor will display the arrival flight and the baggage carousel assigned for your flight. 

Services Available to Korean Air Passengers at JFK Terminal 1

Passengers traveling through the Korean Air terminal at JFK Airport can access airline-specific service, especially for last-minute travel. These services include:

• Last-minute flight changes or cancellation - Approximately 250 USD, plus any fare difference, provided the flight must be canceled or changed up to 3 hours before departure. 

• Upgrade to Business (Prestige) Class - 300 USD upgrade fee plus fare difference will apply at the terminal, subject to availability.

• Book a last-minute flight ticket. 

• Add an infant to the existing reservation 

• Request pet travel assistance

• Unaccompanied minor travel

Special Assistance Service at JFK Korean Air Terminal

JFK Airport Korean Air terminal meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which features accessible ramps for level change, elevators, and broad walkways that allow smooth passengers with mobility devices. 

• Wheelchair assistance - Korean Air passengers seeking wheelchair assistance from the Entry Hall can request it 24 hours in advance. In addition, the airline staff assist passengers at the curbside area till check-in, security, and to the gate of departure. 

For arrival, the assistance for wheelchairs will be offered from the aircraft to baggage claim and during ground support. 

The other specialised services that Korean Air passengers have access to at Terminal 1 include:

• Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities

• Support for hearing/visual impairments

• Special resources for sensory sensitivities. 

• Accessible parking

Korean Air JFK Airport Terminal 1 Map

Refer to the interactive map below to help first-time travelers easily locate the check-in counter, boarding gate, security screening area, and other checkpoints needed for both departure and arrival. 

JFK Airport Korean Air terminal handles all aspects of travel for Korean Air passengers, including departures, arrivals, check-in, and baggage claim; all at one location. Passengers here can also access services like self-service kiosks and priority lanes for elite members. Besides, premium passengers also have free access to the lounge, WiFi, and a complimentary buffet before the flight. 

There are daily non-stop Korean Air flights from JFK to Seoul Incheon. Arrival processes include immigration followed by a quick baggage claim. Any lost items get handled through the airlines at the dedicated Lost and Found counter. 

The terminal meets the ADA standards and offers wheelchair assistance and other accessible services for all-inclusive travel.