Question about connecting through JFK - First time

[dvcdisney]

Hi,

I am looking at booking a flight from Halifax, NS to MCO with Delta. The connection is at JFK. This is the first time we would be connecting here so I was wondering if anyone can help with my questions:

Will the connecting flight arrive and depart in the same terminal at JFK?

Will we need to go through security again at JFK to go onto the connecting flight?

I assume that we will not be going through customs in JFK since we have a customs area in Halifax. Is this correct?

Also, are there food/restaurants in the secured area or do we have to leave to get snacks?

I would appreciate any info and suggestions. This is our first time connecting here and I'm a little nervous.

Thanks.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Good luck - I personally do anything to avoid JFK. It's one of my least favorite airports.

If you are clearing customs in Canada, that's it, You won't do it again in the US.

You can get airport maps and information about airport services by checking the JFK website:

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airport-guide.html

It appears that Delta uses several terminals, but if you are coming from Canada going to Orlando, looks like you will stay in Terminal 3:

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-airlines.html

That means you won't have to go through security again unless you leave the terminal.

Terminal 3 services:

http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-shops-restaurants-services.html

 

[disneyholic family]

i too hate JFK with a passion...that said, i always fly that way.......

since you clear customs in canada, you enter the US as a domestic flight which means you go into terminal 3 - or possibly terminal 2......i'm not sure which planes are stuck in terminal 2...it happened to me in June....i ended up having to get myself to terminal 2, which is the most revolting terminal at kennedy....but whatever....

if you arrive in 3 and depart from 3, you don't have to cross security again....and yes there's food on the plane side of the terminal....i was stuck there for a few hours and went from place to place eating....

 

[WDWisTheBest]

i too hate JFK with a passion...that said, i always fly that way.......

since you clear customs in canada, you enter the US as a domestic flight which means you go into terminal 3 - or possibly terminal 2......i'm not sure which planes are stuck in terminal 2...it happened to me in June....i ended up having to get myself to terminal 2, which is the most revolting terminal at kennedy....but whatever....

if you arrive in 3 and depart from 3, you don't have to cross security again....and yes there's food on the plane side of the terminal....i was stuck there for a few hours and went from place to place eating....

Like you, many, including myself, would do almost anything to avoid JFK. Whether it is terminal 2 or terminal 3, it is a mess to get around.

 

[dvcdisney]

I appreciate the honest opinion about JFK airport. I was already nervous about booking with Delta. I think I'll pass on connecting at JFK.

The fare is quite good, but I don't think it's worth it if it will be a trying experience especially with young children.

I'm glad I checked here before I booked it. Thanks.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I appreciate the honest opinion about JFK airport. I was already nervous about booking with Delta. I think I'll pass on connecting at JFK.

The fare is quite good, but I don't think it's worth it if it will be a trying experience especially with young children.

I'm glad I checked here before I booked it. Thanks.

Have you considered the Continental Airlines flights connecting through Newark?

 

[dvcdisney]

Have you considered the Continental Airlines flights connecting through Newark?

Yes, we usually choose Continental for our August trips (no direct flights from Halifax in the summer and with a connection in Newark we can go through customs here).

However, when I saw the Delta flight for $100 less per person, I started to consider it. But I'm not a fan of Delta and we've taken Delta flights connecting through Boston or Altlanta before but not JFK.

At this point, I'm waiting for the Continental fares to be a bit lower. Otherwise, I will book through Westjet (which I love, but don't like the idea connecting through Toronto).

Thanks.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew RIC-JFK-PIT in September. Both flights were RJ's and the gates were right next to each other. But it was very crowded, looked like a bus terminal.

 

[disneyholic family]

yes, it looks like a bus terminal.....very good description of JFK....

and it has that feel to it....awful awful awful....but the route i always take..

as for Delta - i forgot to mention how much i hate Delta....but it's the only way for me to get to my family when i go home for a visit.....although every trip i consider renting a car at JFK and driving the 13 hours to detroit....that's how much i hate delta....

on the other hand, i've recently had some very good experiences with continental...

but in general, flying has become a legal form of torture.....and we get to pay for the privilege...

 

[disneywlf]

Dvcdisney, since you are flying from Canada to the US, you will not have to reclear security. However, Delta is spread across Terminals 2, 3, and 4 at JFK. The terminals are connected to each other, so you will not have to go through security again. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by a moving walkway and from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, there are buses that will take you from certain gates so security can be avoided. As a note on where flights usually depart from: Terminal 2 is usually domestic and regional jet flights, Terminal 3 is usually international, domestic, and regional jet flights, and Terminal 4 is usually international flights. With the exception of Terminal 4, as the other Disers state, the terminals are dirty and dilapadated. For grabbing a bite, there is a restaurant by Todd English, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Sbarro, Manchu Wok, Burger King, Wendy's, and Smoothie King. Hopefully, your flights will be better than JFK as Delta has always provided me with a good flight in economy. Hope this helps and that you enjoy your trip.