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New York City may be known as the City That Never Sleeps, but its airports are just as restless.
With flights taking off at all hours, it’s no surprise that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has officially climbed the ranks to become one of the most connected airports on the planet.
According to OAG’s Megahubs report, JFK now holds the 6th spot globally, making it easier than ever for travelers to jet off from the Big Apple to, well… basically anywhere.
The Gateway To The World
Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, South America, or beyond, chances are you’ll find yourself at JFK sooner or later. And honestly? You could do a lot worse.
With flights to nearly 200 destinations operated by over 70 airlines, JFK is basically the travel world’s version of Grand Central Station—chaotic, yes, but undeniably efficient.
Whether you’re escaping winter with a last-minute Caribbean getaway or starting a multi-leg international adventure, JFK offers a buffet of flight options to get you there.
New Options To Get To JFK
If you’ve ever been to NYC you know how insanely expensive it can be to get an Uber or Taxi to the airport from the city (we’re talking $80+ here).
Yes, you could take a train to the airport and save some money, but sometimes it’s more convenient to hop in a vehicle.
Well I’ve got good news for you! Uber just expanded their shuttle service to JFK, which is significantly cheaper than calling a traditional Uber.
Plus, if you have a wacky connecting flight and need to get from JFK to LaGuardia, you can snag a seat for just $10 through April.
What Makes JFK A Megahub?
JFK isn’t just a busy airport—it’s a global powerhouse. Here’s why it ranks among the most connected in the world:
- ️ Nonstop flights to 6 continents: From New York to Nairobi or Queens to Qatar, JFK offers direct access to destinations around the globe. No awkward multi-stop layovers required.
- A mix of major carriers: The airport is a key hub for both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, but you’ll also spot plenty of international heavyweights, including British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.
- Frequent connections: Even if you can’t fly direct, JFK’s connections are so frequent and seamless that you’ll still feel like a VIP hopping from one bucket-list spot to the next.
Basically, if you’re trying to get somewhere and JFK can’t get you there, you might need to rethink where you’re going.
Where Can You Go From JFK?
From JFK, you can practically spin a globe, close your eyes, and book a flight. Direct routes will take you to:
- 🇮🇹 Rome, Italy: Wine, pasta, and ancient ruins? Say no more.
- 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan: Where neon lights and ancient temples collide.
- 🇧🇷 São Paulo, Brazil: Samba, skyscrapers, and sizzling street food.
- 🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya: Your gateway to an unforgettable African safari.
- ️ Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Because sometimes you just need to sip a piña colada on a white-sand beach.
Honestly, if there was a direct flight to Narnia, JFK would probably have it.
Delta: The King Of JFK
If you’re flying through JFK, there’s a good chance you’ll be in Delta’s kingdom. The airline runs the show here, operating 35% of all flights.
And let’s be real—if you’re going to get stuck with a layover, Delta’s JFK experience makes it pretty painless. With their flagship lounge offering cocktails, gourmet bites, and even showers, you might secretly wish for a flight delay.
Delta’s network out of JFK makes it easy to:
- Island-hop to the Caribbean for a sun-soaked weekend.
- Escape winter blues with flights to warm-weather favorites like Cancun and Montego Bay.
- Go big with a Euro trip, whether you’re heading for the coast of Portugal or the streets of Paris.
Why JFK Is Actually Kinda Awesome
JFK might not have the sparkle of Singapore’s Changi Airport or the posh vibe of Dubai International, but it’s still a surprisingly cool airport—if you know where to look.
- The Iconic TWA Hotel: Even if you’re not staying the night, the TWA Hotel is worth a visit. With its swanky 1960s retro design, rooftop pool overlooking the runway, and a vintage cocktail lounge inside an old Lockheed Constellation plane, it’s basically a mini time-travel experience.
- Actually good food: Forget sad airport salads—JFK has some legit New York eats. You can grab a bagel that’s chewier than a New York taxi driver’s attitude, or if you’re feeling fancy, go for a steak at The Palm.
- Lounges you’ll want to move into: JFK’s got a lounge game that could rival a boutique hotel. Delta Sky Club offers craft cocktails and runway views, while the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse feels more like a trendy NYC bar than an airport lounge.
Honestly, you might start hoping for a flight delay just so you can hang out a little longer.
The Future Of JFK: Bigger And Better
As if being a global megahub wasn’t enough, JFK is about to get even more impressive. The airport is currently undergoing a $19 billion glow-up, and once it’s done, you might actually want to arrive early (just to hang out).
- A massive new Terminal 1: Coming soon with fancy shops, upgraded restaurants, and world-class passenger services.
- Better transportation links: The AirTrain is getting a facelift, making it faster and more reliable.
- ️ Even more flight connections: The expansion will allow for more routes, more airlines, and fewer delays.
Basically, by the time they’re done, JFK might look better than half the destinations you’re flying to.
The Verdict: JFK Is A Powerhouse
New York City has always been a global icon, but now its airport is proving it can hold its own on the world stage. Ranked 6th globally for connectivity, JFK is officially a megahub—and not just by U.S. standards.
So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t sleep on JFK. Whether you’re catching a last-minute beach escape or embarking on a multi-country adventure, this airport’s nonstop connections and epic amenities will have you traveling like a pro.
And who knows? With the new upgrades in the works, you might actually look forward to your next layover.
Tyler Fox
Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.
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