Cheapest time to fly to New York John F. Kennedy (JFK)
Return flights to New York's JFK Airport are cheapest in early spring and autumn. Prices peak during the height of summer, and again in December through to the end of the festive period in mid-January. Events throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving and Easter holidays, can see flights to JFK rise temporarily despite the normally lower cost of travel in November and spring.
Flying to New York John F. Kennedy (JFK)
JFK flights serve New York City and also the wider tri-state vicinity. The airport is located in the borough of Queen's which sits about 29 miles from the centre of Manhattan. Cheap flights to JFK are available from all major UK airports including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. Direct flights are available with Delta, American Airlines, BA, Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian. Other airlines offering return flights include Aer Lingus and Lufthansa, however, these do require a short layover.
On arrival and getting around JFK
JFK is a huge international airport with an impressive six terminals. A little confusingly, they are numbered one to eight, as terminals three and six have been demolished in years prior to 2025 / 2026. All six operational terminals are equipped to handle international traffic and your arrival terminal will be dictated by the airline you book your cheap flights to JFK Airport with. All terminal buildings are connected to other ground facilities by the Air Train.
Getting to the city from the airport
There are a number of ways to reach New York after you disembark JFK flights. The Air Train ferries passengers to the subway for onward travel to the city. Buses Q3, Q6, Q7 and Q10 also connect the airport to the subway, but the train is much easier to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the transit system. If you are taking a taxi from the airport, remember that the fare will exclude tips and toll fees.
Don't forget before you fly
While passengers travelling to the United States on last minute flights don't need an official visa from the embassy or consulate, they do need to register for an ESTA arrival authorisation. It is a quick and simple application and you will be emailed after your application has been approved. It must be done at least three days before the departure of direct flights to JFK.
