Flight Delayed or Cancelled at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)?
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York's main international gateway and a hub for Delta and JetBlue. New York airspace is some of the most crowded in the world, so even small problems can cause long delays.
Airlines and terminals
Delta and JetBlue are the largest US airlines at JFK, with American also running a major operation. Dozens of international airlines fly there too.
JFK's terminals are numbered (1, 4, 5, 7, and 8), and the airport is in the middle of a major redevelopment, with new terminals under construction. Check your terminal before you leave.
Your options depend on the airline operating or selling your ticket. Airline guides: Delta, JetBlue, American.
Common causes of delays at JFK
- Crowded New York airspace and air traffic control flow programs
- Summer thunderstorms across the Northeast
- Nor'easters and winter snowstorms
Crew and many maintenance problems are generally within the airline's control; weather is not. See our weather delay guide.
The DOT refund rule
Under the US DOT refund rule (14 CFR Part 260), if your JFK flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you turn down the changed flight, the rebooking, and any voucher or credit, the airline has to refund your fare, taxes, and unused paid extras to the card or method you paid with. The cause doesn't matter.
A significant change includes departing 3+ hours earlier or arriving 3+ hours later than scheduled on a domestic trip (6+ hours international), a different airport, extra connections, or a cabin downgrade. Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit cards and 20 calendar days for other payment types. Accepting the rebooked flight or a credit generally ends the refund right.
Meals, hotels, and rebooking
On the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard, large US airlines commit to free rebooking and a meal or meal voucher for 3+ hour waits when the disruption is within their control. All except Frontier also commit to a hotel and ride for overnight disruptions. Weather and air traffic control usually fall outside these commitments.
A local tip for JFK
Many JFK passengers are on international itineraries. If your flight departed from Europe or the UK, EU261 or UK261 may also apply on that leg. See our EU261 page.
What to do
- Note the original and new times, and the reason given.
- Don't tap accept on a new flight or credit until you've decided.
- Ask about meal and hotel vouchers for controllable delays.
- Save receipts for anything you pay yourself.
- Send a clear, dated letter to the airline.
Related guides: Flight cancelled, Missed connection, How to request a refund in writing, All US airport guides. Not sure where to start? Check your flight.
FAQ
Does EU261 apply to my flight from JFK to Europe? EU261 covers flights departing the EU, and flights into the EU on an EU airline. A JFK departure on a US airline usually isn't covered, but the return flight from Europe may be.
Where can I complain if the airline doesn't respond? You can file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation. A clear written request with your records makes the next step easier.
Can I request a refund if my JFK flight was cancelled for weather? Yes. The DOT refund rule covers cancellations for any reason, as long as you decline the rebooking and any voucher or credit.
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, professional letter you send to your airline yourself. Delay Draft is not a law firm and does not file claims.