JFK Holiday Travel 2025: Construction Chaos, Best JFK–Newark Shuttles, and New TSA Rules You Need to Know Today

New York — November 23, 2025

New York City is heading into one of its busiest Thanksgiving travel periods ever just as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) undergoes a once‑in‑a‑generation rebuild and the TSA rolls out some of the biggest security changes in years. ^[1]

If you’re flying into or out of JFK today — or racing between JFK and Newark for a tight connection — the combination of construction, record crowds, and new security rules can turn a simple trip into a high-stress puzzle.

This guide pulls together today’s most important updates: how JFK’s $19 billion construction project affects your drive and pickup plans, which JFK–Newark shuttles are actually comfortable and reliable, and what the TSA chief’s new statement means for IDs, shoes, luggage and your time in line. ^[2]

JFK’s $19 Billion Rebuild Meets Record Holiday Crowds

JFK is in the middle of a complete, $19 billion transformation that’s adding more than 4 million square feet of terminal space and rebuilding much of the airport’s roadway network. Two brand-new terminals (New Terminal One and Terminal 6) are under construction, while Terminals 4 and 8 are being expanded and modernized, with first gates slated to open in 2026. ^[3]

The long-term payoff: more gates, smoother connections, and upgraded amenities. The short-term reality for holiday travelers this week: lane closures, detours, rerouted pickups — and a lot of confused drivers.

Which parts of JFK are hardest hit right now?

Recent construction and traffic advisories highlight several key pressure points for late November 2025: ^[4]

Terminal road network:
Ongoing realignments around Terminals 1, 4, 6 and 8 mean shifting lanes, cones, and last-minute detours — especially during overnight work windows.
Terminal 4 pickups:
Many ride-share and for‑hire vehicles can no longer pick up curbside at Terminal 4 during peak hours. Instead, they’re being routed to an off‑site lot, reached by a free shuttle, adding roughly 15–30 minutes to the post‑arrival journey.
Terminals 5 and 7 pickups:
For a large portion of the day, Uber/Lyft pickups have been shifted to the Howard Beach AirTrain Station rather than the curb in front of the terminals, forcing travelers to ride the AirTrain just to meet their driver.
Access changes to Terminals 7 & 8:
Direct access from the Van Wyck Expressway has been permanently closed, with traffic rerouted via alternative internal roads — a major reason congestion now builds earlier and clears later each day.

On top of that, the Port Authority is warning of nightly closures on key airport approaches around November 23–25, and advising drivers to allow extra time and to watch for dynamically changing signage. ^[5]

How early should you arrive at JFK?

Multiple agencies are using the same phrase this year: earlier than you think.” For Thanksgiving‑week travel, regional and airport authorities are recommending: ^[6]

At least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights
At least 4 hours for international departures
Even more if you’re driving yourself to the airport in the late afternoon or evening, when construction and holiday traffic overlap.

The combination of detours, packed parking lots, and heavier security screening means a normal” two‑hour window is now a gamble — especially today, with Thanksgiving outbound travel ramping up across all three NYC airports. ^[7]

Smart ways to reach JFK today

Given the construction, experts are pushing travelers to avoid driving themselves whenever possible and to lean on: ^[8]

AirTrain + rail (LIRR/NJ Transit/Subway)
Pre‑booked shuttles or car services that track flights and road conditions in real time
Airport‑authorized shuttles and buses between terminals and parking/ground‑transport centers

If you must drive, check the JFK construction impacts” page and Port Authority alerts before leaving home, and build in a sizable buffer for last‑minute lane closures. ^[9]

Best JFK–Newark Airport Transfers in 2025: Comfort vs. Cost

For many travelers flying in or out today, JFK isn’t the final stop: you may be connecting overland to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to catch a cheaper fare, an international connection, or a rebooked flight after a disruption.

The distance between JFK and Newark is roughly 33–36 miles, and, on a good day, the drive takes about 55–70 minutes. In typical New York traffic — especially around the holidays — it can stretch to 75–95 minutes, even when everything goes smoothly. ^[10]

1. Premium private shuttles: Comfort and predictability

A new wave of premium shuttles and chauffeur services has stepped into the spotlight this year, positioning themselves as the stress‑free” way to move between JFK and Newark.

One example highlighted in today’s coverage is JfkShuttles.com, a luxury airport transfer provider that runs private sedans, SUVs and vans between JFK, Newark and other New York‑area airports. ^[11]

Typical features offered by services in this category include:

Dedicated vehicle for you or your group
Professional chauffeurs who know airport layouts and current construction detours
Plenty of luggage space in sedans, SUVs or sprinter vans
Comfort upgrades like better legroom, climate control, Wi‑Fi and charging ports
Flight tracking and meet‑and‑greet service, so your driver adjusts if your inbound flight is delayed

These premium shuttles tend to be more expensive than shared vans or public transit, but much more predictable — a major advantage when you absolutely cannot miss a long‑haul connection out of Newark.

Best for: business travelers, families with kids, groups with lots of luggage, and anyone whose connection is too important to risk on a patchwork of trains and ride‑shares.

2. Shared airport shuttle vans: Budget‑friendly, still relatively easy

If you’re watching your budget but still want door‑to‑door service, shared shuttle vans remain a strong option on the JFK–EWR route.

Services like ETS Airport Shuttle and other NYC shuttle operators advertise: ^[12]

Approximate travel times of 45–90 minutes depending on traffic
Fares commonly in the $25–$60 per person range
Fixed pickup points at each terminal
The ability to pre‑book online

Because these shuttles may circle the airport to collect multiple passengers and drop them at different terminals on the other end, they’re slower than a private car but still simpler than navigating multiple train systems with luggage.

Best for: solo travelers or couples on a budget who still want someone else to handle the driving.

3. Taxis and ride‑share apps: Flexible but pricey and traffic‑dependent

You can always jump in a yellow cab or hail an Uber/Lyft between JFK and Newark. But around Thanksgiving, these options come with trade‑offs: ^[13]

Cost:
Expect roughly $70–$100 for a taxi and anywhere from $60 up to $200+ for a ride‑share in heavy demand periods or surge pricing.
Time:
When traffic is light, taxis and ride‑shares can be as fast as a private shuttle. But with construction and holiday congestion, there’s a much higher risk of being stuck in bottlenecks on the Belt Parkway, Van Wyck, or New Jersey Turnpike.
Pickup headaches at JFK:
Because of the construction rules outlined earlier, ride‑share pickups at some terminals now require detours to off‑site lots or AirTrain stations, adding steps and time before you even get in the car.

Best for: travelers who value flexibility above all else and are less sensitive to price swings.

4. Public transportation: Cheapest, but slowest and most complex

New Yorkers love to debate this route, but almost everyone agrees: public transit between JFK and Newark is doable, but it’s not for the faint of heart — especially with luggage and holiday crowds.

The most common path: ^[14]

AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station
Either the E subway or LIRR to Penn Station Manhattan
NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Newark Airport Rail Station
AirTrain Newark into the correct EWR terminal

Total time can easily exceed 90 minutes, and that’s before factoring in delays or missed connections.

Best for: solo, very budget‑conscious travelers comfortable with transfers, stairs, and potentially crowded trains.

How much layover time do you really need between JFK and Newark?

Given today’s traffic outlook and holiday demand, a safe rule of thumb for same‑day airport‑to‑airport transfers is: ^[15]

4–5 hours minimum between scheduled arrival at JFK and departure from Newark
More if your first flight is prone to delays or if weather is deteriorating

That accounts for immigration/customs (if arriving from abroad), baggage claim, the road transfer, and a full TSA screening at Newark under the new rules described below.

TSA’s New Rules for 2025: What the Chief’s Statement Means for You

Alongside the airport construction drama, the TSA chief has issued a new statement summarizing major changes that affect how every passenger in the U.S. flies this year. The headline points: REAL ID is now fully enforced, most travelers can keep their shoes on, and there are new rules for batteries, liquids and ID alternatives. ^[16]

Here’s what matters most if you’re flying today.

1. REAL ID is now required for domestic flights

As of May 7, 2025, state driver’s licenses and ID cards that don’t meet REAL ID standards are no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints. Travelers must present either: ^[17]

A REAL ID–compliant license or ID
A U.S. passport or passport card
Another acceptable form of ID (such as certain military or trusted traveler cards)

Officials say over 93% of travelers are now using compliant IDs, but that still leaves millions who may show up today with the wrong license.

What if you forgot your REAL ID?

A newly announced policy allows travelers without acceptable ID to use a modernized alternative identity verification” program — but it comes with an $18 fee and no guarantee that you’ll be cleared to fly if your identity can’t be confirmed. ^[18]

Today’s tip: Before you leave for the airport, double‑check your wallet. If your driver’s license doesn’t have the REAL ID star (or equivalent marking), bring a passport instead.

2. Shoes stay on (mostly): the end of the old shoes-off” rule

The TSA is rolling out advanced CT scanners and upgraded screening procedures that finally allow most passengers to keep their shoes on at security checkpoints — a change the agency began phasing in this summer and has now expanded nationwide. ^[19]

However, there are important caveats:

If a scanner alarms on your shoes, you may still be asked to remove them.
Local implementation can vary; some airports are ahead of others in the rollout.
TSA PreCheck passengers continue to enjoy the most streamlined screening, but the agency is simultaneously launching touchless ID tech for PreCheck and standard lanes at certain airports.

In his recent statement, the TSA chief framed the shoes‑on policy as part of a broader shift toward faster, tech‑driven screening” that reduces hassle without compromising security.

Today’s tip: Travel in easily removable shoes just in case, but expect to keep them on unless a screener tells you otherwise.

3. New rules for batteries and power banks in 2025

If you’re packing gadgets for your holiday trip, pay close attention to the updated battery rules:

Portable power banks and lithium‑ion chargers are no longer allowed in checked bags; they must go in your carry‑on, where they remain within easy reach. ^[20]
Gas‑powered curling irons and similar devices must meet strict conditions (safety cover, limited quantity, no spare fuel canisters) and are often restricted to carry‑on only to avoid hazardous materials incidents. ^[21]

Today’s tip: If it has a battery or a gas cartridge and you’d be sad to lose it, put it in your carry‑on, not your checked suitcase.

4. Liquids, gels and the 3‑1‑1 rule: small but important exceptions

The classic 3‑1‑1 liquids rule (3.4 oz max containers, in a single quart‑size bag, one bag per passenger) still applies to most items in carry‑on luggage. But with the rollout of more advanced scanners, TSA has carved out new exceptions for certain categories of liquids, and some airports are testing more lenient rules. ^[22]

Behind the scenes, CT technology allows security officers to analyze liquids more effectively without forcing passengers to pull out every small bottle. For now, though, assume:

You still need to respect the 3‑1‑1 rule for toiletries at most U.S. checkpoints.
Larger liquids should go in your checked bag, where restrictions are looser (explosives and certain flammables remain strictly banned).

Today’s tip: Don’t count on your airport being one of the fully upgraded ones; pack liquids as if the old rules still apply.

Flying Through JFK and Newark Today: A Practical Checklist (November 23, 2025)

To bring it all together, here’s a quick same‑day checklist if you’re traveling through JFK, Newark, or both today.

Before you leave home

Check your ID:
Confirm you have a REAL ID–compliant license or a passport. Don’t rely on the $18 no‑ID” fallback; it’s slower and not guaranteed. ^[23]
Build in time for construction:
Add at least 30–45 minutes of buffer if you’re driving to JFK, more during rush hour or in bad weather. ^[24]
Plan your JFK–Newark transfer:
- Tight connection or high‑stakes flight? Book a private shuttle or chauffeur service.
- Want to save money? Use a shared shuttle with pre‑booked seats.
- Only if you’re comfortable with multiple transfers should you consider the full train combo.

At the airport

Security screening:
- Be ready to keep shoes on, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to remove them based on the scanner’s alarm. ^[25]
- Pack laptops and electronics so they’re easy to access if your airport isn’t fully CT‑equipped.
Batteries and gadgets:
- Power banks, laptops, and most lithium devices belong in your carry‑on, not in checked luggage. ^[26]
Liquids:
- Keep using the 3‑1‑1 rule unless your airline or airport explicitly says otherwise.

If you’re transferring between JFK and Newark

Aim for 4–5 hours between flights, including buffer for traffic and a full security screening at the second airport. ^[27]
For evening arrivals into JFK, consider pre‑booked transportation to avoid off‑site ride‑share lots and long waits in the cold. ^[28]

Bottom line

Holiday travel across New York City’s airports is always intense, but November 23, 2025 adds an extra layer: JFK’s massive rebuild is reshaping how cars move, where you can be picked up, and how long it takes to get anywhere — just as the TSA rewrites some of its biggest rules since the early 2000s. ^[29]

If you remember only three things today, make them these:

Arrive earlier than usual, especially at JFK, where construction and traffic are colliding with record passenger volumes.
Get your ground transfer sorted in advance, particularly if you’re moving between JFK and Newark on the same day.
Show up security‑ready: REAL ID or passport in hand, batteries in your carry‑on, and expectations set for new TSA procedures.

Do that, and even with detours, shuttles, and new rules, your holiday trip through New York’s busiest airports can still feel manageable — maybe even surprisingly smooth.

🇺🇸 Going Through TSA at JFK | Travel Day Reality Check