JFK has 4 main passenger terminal clusters: T1 (international carriers), T4 (Delta hub, largest terminal, international arrivals hall), T5 (JetBlue), and T8 (American Airlines). Terminals are connected by the free AirTrain running a loop every 7-10 minutes (5-15 minutes between terminals). AirTrain requires a $8.50 fare card to exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach, but is free for inter-terminal transfers. Most international connections into JFK arrive at T4 or T1. Security recheck is required for all terminal transfers. JFK is notoriously complex for connections — bag re-check may also be required on separate tickets. Recommended minimum connection: 90 minutes same terminal, 2.5 hours cross-terminal.

["AirTrain inter-terminal loop runs every 7-10 minutes — missed trains add significant time", "Terminal transfers always require security recheck, adding 20-40 minutes to cross-terminal connection times", "JFK is one of the most delay-prone major airports in North America — buffer generously", "Separate-ticket connections may require bag re-check through customs, effectively making JFK connections very risky under 3 hours"]

Delta One Lounge (T4, between Concourses A-B, next to main security) — rated 5.0 across 2 reviews, spa, showers, and private rooms; the best jetlag recovery lounge at JFK, accessible to Delta One Business Class passengers. Soho Lounge (T8, Concourse B, near gate B14) — rated 4.4 across 5 reviews, showers; top-reviewed shower lounge at JFK for AA/BA First and Business passengers. For Priority Pass and credit card holders: Minute Suites (T4 near gate B39, and T8 near gate C36) offer private sleeping suites with shower access on an hourly rate — the best sleep option at JFK without airline lounge access. Capital One Lounge (T4, near B Gates, level 3) has showers and private rooms with Capital One Venture X card access.