JFK Airport Baggage Claim & Contacts

by | Airport Guides

JFK Airport Baggage Claim terminal 1 to 8 and phone numbers

If you’re coming to JFK airport to pick up baggage, chances are you’re not in for a fun time. The process of baggage claims is notoriously chaotic and frustrating. In this blog, I’ll explain the process step-by-step so that you’ll know what to expect when you get there.

What is baggage claim?

A baggage claim is a process of retrieving your bags after you’ve arrived at your destination. In most airports, this is done by going to a specific area of the terminal where Baggage Claim carousels are located. You’ll need to find the carousel that corresponds to your flight number, and then wait for your bags to come around.

How baggage claim carousels work in airports:

Once you’ve found the correct carousel, you’ll need to wait for your bags to come around. The carousels work by bringing the bags up from a baggage handling area below the terminal. The bags are then placed on the conveyor belt, which moves them around the carousel until they reach the end.

There are usually multiple carousels for each flight, so if you don’t see your bags right away, don’t worry. They may be on a different carousel.

It’s also worth noting that not all airports have baggage claim carousels. In some airports, you’ll need to go to a specific Baggage Claim office to retrieve your bags.

JFK airport baggage rules

The following items are not allowed in checked baggage:

  • Aerosols
  • Gases
  • Liquids
  • Gels
  • Creams and pastes
  • Oxidizers and organic peroxides
  • Toxic materials
  • Corrosives
  • Flammable solids and liquids
  • Matches and lighters
  • Electronics with lithium batteries

Baggage Weight limits:

  • The maximum weight for checked baggage is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.The maximum size for checked baggage is 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).Carry-on Baggage Weight and Size limits:The maximum weight for carry-on baggage is 40 lbs (18 kg).

Where is baggage claim jfk?

Baggage Claim is located in the Arrivals Hall of each terminal. After you exit your aircraft, follow the signs to Baggage Claim.

If you’re having trouble finding the Baggage Claim area, ask a member of airport staff for help.

For JFK’s terminals 1, 2, 4, and 8, the Baggage Claim is on the first floor.

For JFK’s terminal 5, the Baggage Claim is on the ground floor.

For JFK’s terminal 7, the Baggage Claim is on the second floor.

Baggage claim JFK

You can retrieve your baggage at JFK’s different terminals. If you have any questions, please contact your airline.

JFK Airport Baggage Claim Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves flights such as Air France, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and more. The Baggage Claim for these flights is located on Level 2 of the Terminal.

At Terminal 1, you can claim your baggage on the carousel located right after you exit customs. You’ll need to proceed to the lower level and look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel.

Baggage claim JFK Terminal 2/Delta baggage claim JFK airport

Terminal 2 serves flights such as Delta. The Baggage Claim for these flights is located on Level 1 of the Terminal.

To find your baggage carousel, proceed to the lower level and look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel. Note that this is exclusively Delta terminal and they took over after the collapse of Pan Am Air.

If you need compensation for lost luggage by Delta at JFK, visit their customer support located just outside the arrival gates on Terminal 2. They’ll ask you to leave you to contact details and will be in touch regarding compensation.

The 2 Delta baggage claim jfk phone numbers are 800-325-8224, and 404-209-3043. Read more about lost property by Delta at JFK on their website here.

You’ll need to fill out this form shown on the screenshot below;

JFK Airport Baggage Claim Terminal 4

At Terminal 4, the Baggage Claim is located on Level 1, near the exit of customs. After you exit customs, look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel.

This Terminal serves flights from international airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and more.

Phone: (718) 244-4444 

Baggage claim JFK Terminal 5:

The Baggage Claim for Terminal 5 is located on the ground floor. After you exit customs, look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel.

This Terminal serves domestic flights such as JetBlue and United Airlines.

Baggage claim JFK Terminal 7:

The Baggage Claim for Terminal 7 is located on Level 2. After you exit customs, take the escalator or elevator up to Level 2 and look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel.

This Terminal serves flights such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.

JFK Airport Baggage Claim Terminal 8

Baggage claim JFK Terminal 8/British Airways (BA)

The Baggage Claim for Terminal 8 is located on Level 1/Arrivals level. There are two baggage claim locations at this terminal, the arrivals section. Look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel after you exit customs. Call this number, 1 (800) 828-8144 for British Airways baggage claim. For British Airways, fill out the form on their website here.

The snapshot below shows a map of JFK’s Terminal 8 with a pointer showing where the baggage claims are located in T8;

This snapshot shows map of JFK's Terminal 8 with a pointer showing where the baggage claims is located in T8;

This Terminal serves flights such as British Airways, and Jet Blue.

FAQs

Q: Can non-passengers go to baggage claim?

A: No, only passengers who are arriving on a flight at JFK are allowed in the baggage claim area. This is for security reasons. However, in some airports such as Jacksonville Airport in Florida allows non-passengers to access the baggage claim area as it is next to ground transportation.

Q: Do you need to go to baggage claim for connecting flights?

A: You will need to claim your baggage if you are arriving to JFK on an international flight and still need to connect to another domestic flight. If you are flying domestic, you do not need to claim your baggage as you can claim it at your final airport destination. For international travelers, you need to claim your baggage then check in again after customs clears you at JFK.

Q: how to find lost baggage at airport?

A: If you’ve lost your baggage at the airport, the first thing you should do is go to the Lost and Found office. This is usually located in the baggage claim area. You will need to fill out a form and provide a description of your lost baggage. The staff will then search for your luggage and try to locate it.

Q: Do i need to recheck my luggage at JFK?

A: Yes, if you are traveling internationally you will need to recheck your luggage at JFK. This is because you will need to go through customs and immigration. You will also need to claim your baggage after you exit customs. For domestic travellers, you will not need to recheck your luggage as it will be checked through to your final destination.

Q: what terminal is baggage claim at jfk?

A: Baggage claim is located in the Arrivals Hall of each JFK terminal. For terminals 1, 2, 4, and 8, the Baggage Claim is on the first floor. For terminal 5, the Baggage Claim is on the ground floor. For terminal 7, the Baggage Claim is on the second floor.

Q: Can I leave JFK airport and come back in?

A: Yes, you can leave the airport and come back in as long as you have a valid boarding pass. However, keep in mind that if you leave the airport, you will need to go through security again. This means that you will need to take out any liquids, gels, or aerosols from your carry-on baggage and put them in a clear, quart-sized bag. You will also need to take off your shoes and jacket and place them in a bin for x-ray screening.


Q: Where is emirates baggage claim at JFK?

A: The Baggage Claim for Terminal 4 is located on the ground floor. After you exit customs, look for signs directing you to your specific baggage carousel.

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