General Information » Getting Around » Air Travel

New York City is currently served by three airports, although there is a plan for a fourth airport in the future (a study is being undertaken and Stewart International Airport, in the Hudson Valley, has been earmarked as a possibility). Two international airports – JFK in Queens and Newark in New Jersey - and one dedicated to domestic flights only (La Guardia in Queens) currently handle the millions of air passengers that fly into New York every year.

JFK is seen as the major point of entry for international travellers. Everyone landing there must go through passport control, even if they are only there in transit. This involves a passport check, where you have to submit the relevant visa form (p.58) and answer a few security questions. You’ll also be photographed (so smile!) and have your fingerprints taken.

Since 9/11, air travel has taken on a new level of seriousness and you should definitely allow extra time for various security checks before your flight. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) exists to make flying as safe and secure as possible. Before you travel, you should check out their website for the latest updates (www.tsa.gov).