What are TSA wait times at JFK?

Current TSA security wait at JFK is About 16-22 minutes right now. The fastest time to go through security is 4 AM (about 6 min). The busiest time is 6 PM (29-35 minutes). Weekends tend to be lighter.

How busy is John F. Kennedy International right now?

Current TSA security wait at JFK is About 16-22 minutes right now. Check the live conditions, weather, and FAA delay status above for a full picture of how busy JFK is right now.

What is the average delay time at John F. Kennedy International?

When flights at JFK (John F. Kennedy International) are delayed, the average delay is about 45 minutes. Overall, 72% of flights arrive on time. About 1.9% of flights are cancelled.

What causes the most delays at John F. Kennedy International?

The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace. At JFK, 72% of flights are on time, and when delays occur they average 45 minutes.

Is it safe to book a tight connection at John F. Kennedy International?

JFK sees a moderate number of delays, so we recommend at least 90 minutes for domestic connections and 2 hours for international.

What's the best time to fly from John F. Kennedy International?

Early morning flights (before 8 AM) tend to have the best on-time performance at most airports, including JFK. For shorter security lines, aim for 4 AM (about 6 min). Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) also tend to see fewer delays than weekend or Monday departures.

JFKKennedy Airport

John F. Kennedy International — New York

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) has an on-time arrival rate of about 72%. When flights are delayed, the average wait is around 45 minutes. The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace. Roughly 1.9% of flights are cancelled. The typical taxi-out time from gate to takeoff is about 25 minutes. TSA security wait is currently About 16-22 minutes right now. The fastest time through security is 4 AM (about 6 min). The busiest period is 6 PM (29-35 minutes).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, FAA NASSTATUS. Updated March 2026.

Last updated: March 2026

Checking conditions so you don't have to...

Flights here are delayed fairly often. About 72% arrive within 15 minutes of schedule.

The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace.

Planes often wait a while before takeoff. The typical wait from gate to takeoff is about 25 minutes.

This airport occasional fog (~3 days/month), rainy (~10 precip days/month), tends to be windy (avg 12 mph).

Among major airlines, F9 has the most complaints (23.2/100k) while WN has the fewest (1.5/100k).

How Busy Is JFK Right Now?

Checking live status...

JFK on-time performance by month

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TSA Wait Times at JFK

TSA Security Wait — Our Model

About 16-22 minutes right now

Fastest

4 AM (about 6 min)

Busiest

6 PM (29-35 minutes)

Weekends tend to be lighter.

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Popular routes from JFK

JFK → LAX JFK → MCO JFK → FLL JFK → BOS JFK → MIA JFK → SFO JFK → LAS JFK → DFW JFK → ATL JFK → ORD

Airlines at JFK

Delta Air Lines78% on time

Southwest Airlines77% on time

Alaska Airlines77% on time

American Airlines76% on time

United Airlines75% on time

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TSA FAQ — JFK

Source: TSA official guidelines and r/tsa community