Air travelers are urged to prepare for significant changes and ongoing construction impacting access to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport, according to a new travel advisory issued by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, May 27.
As of this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer accepts state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant at airport security checkpoints. All airline passengers age 18 and older must present either a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport or Global Entry card. Travelers without a compliant ID should be prepared for additional screening procedures. A full list of acceptable IDs is available on the TSA website.
With high demand expected through the summer travel season, the Port Authority strongly encourages travelers heading to JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty International Airport to use mass transit whenever possible. Drivers planning to park at the airports are advised to pre-book parking spaces at least 24 hours in advance. Those who do not pre-book may face a peak period drive-up surcharge and could be turned away due to limited availability.
Due to the $19 billion redevelopment project at JFK, travelers should anticipate extensive roadway detours, terminal access changes and for-hire vehicle pickup relocations.