The 1.58-million-square-foot facility includes a new U.S. Customs and Immigration facility that can handle 1,600 travelers per hour, security checkpoints capable of handling 1,800 travelers per hour, expanded ticketing positions and self-service check-in machines, as well as a state-of-the-art, in-line security baggage system to expedite passenger processing times. All told, the terminal can handle 12.8 million passengers per year.

By 2016, the Port Authority’s airport system is expected to handle more than 127 million passengers a year. Through long-term strategic planning and public-private alliances, the Port Authority and its airline partners are leading the way to ensure the region’s airports are prepared for this growth. To further these efforts, the Port Authority’s own 10-year strategic plan earmarks nearly $4 billion for airport improvements and technological enhancements.

AirTrain JFK' s entire fleet of 32 cars has been re-outfitted with new seats and floors, maps and directories. The upgrades were completed as more and more riders discover the benefits of using the system. AirTrain JFK paid ridership over Labor Day weekend was the highest ever at approximately 16,700. AirTrain Newark’s ridership is setting records as well—ridership was 13 percent higher in the first six months of this year than in the same period last year. The moderate costs of AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark make both services popular “green” alternatives to driving to the airports.

Customers of Kennedy International — and especially those who are dropping them off — are taking advantage of Kiss & Fly, which offers an easier, faster alternative to circling the airport. Kiss & Fly is conveniently located at the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Boulevard Station. AirTrain service to the airport is free from there, and travelers will arrive at their terminals in less than 10 minutes.

Also conveniently located adjacent to the AirTrain JFK Station at Lefferts Boulevard is Valet Parking, available around the clock, seven days a week. Customers simply drop off vehicles and board AirTrain JFK for free transportation to their passenger terminals. The cost for this convenient service is $36 for the first 24-hour period or part thereof, and $18 for each 12-hour period or part thereof thereafter.