John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) is a prominent global gateway located on the East Coast of the US. It is the nearest US airport to Europe and a significant entry point for transatlantic travelers. The airport is well-positioned for flights to Europe and enjoys the presence of many European airlines. One such carrier is Lufthansa, which operates regular non-stop flights between JFK and its German hubs. The German flag carrier directly connects Kennedy Airport to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. But which terminal does Lufthansa use at JFK? This guide will provide you with a detailed insight into Lufthansa terminal JFK.
Lufthansa Terminal JFK
JFK Airport, the primary air facility serving New York, hosts five active terminals to facilitate passenger processing. Cologne-headquartered Deutsche Lufthansa uses Terminal 1 to conduct its flight operations at JFK. All departing and arriving Lufthansa flights take place at JFK Terminal 1.
Flights in and out of Lufthansa Terminal JFK
German flagship airline Lufthansa serves New York Kennedy Airport from Frankfurt and Munich hubs. JFK Terminal 1 handles Lufthansa passengers headed to/from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC).
At present, Lufthansa performs two daily non-stop flights from FRA to JFK. The MUC-JFK service is limited to 1non-stop flight per day.
The flight itinerary on the FRA-JFK route is published as:
- LH 400: FRA-JFK; 11:00-13:55; time duration-8 hours 55 minutes
- LH401: JFK-FRA; 15:45-05:40 (+1); time duration-7 hours 55 minutes
- LH404: FRA-JFK; 17:10-20:05; time duration-8 hours 55 minutes
- LH405: JFK-FRA; 21:50-11:45 (+1); time duration-7 hours 55 minutes
Likewise, Lufthansa’s flight itinerary on the MUC-JFK route is as follows:
- LH410: Depart Munich International (MUC) at 12:10 and arrive at New York Kennedy International (JFK) at 15: 00; flight duration-8 hours 50 minutes
- LH411: Depart New York JFK at 17:30 and arrive at MUC at 07:35 the next day; flight duration-8 hours 5 minutes
John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 1 details
JFK Terminal 1 is a modern passenger facility served by a consortium of foreign carriers representing all three global alliances. Lufthansa is one of the key operating airlines in this building, alongside Air France, Korean Air, ITA Airways, etc.
Lufthansa Terminal 1 consists of 11 boarding gates to facilitate an orderly transition of flyers from the terminal building to their plane. Because many airlines operate out of T1, Lufthansa doesn’t get all gates to itself. It shares the terminal space as well as gates with 24 other carriers.
The luxurious terminal 1 is capable of accommodating the behemoth Airbus A380 aircraft. Only two JFK terminals, i.e., T1 and T4, are equipped to host the double-decker superjumbos.
Also Read: Delta JFK terminal, JFK Terminal-2 and Terminal 4 of JFK Airport
Lufthansa terminal JFK: Facilities available
Lufthansa passengers headed to/from JFK can expect the following facilities and services in Terminal 1:
- Free, high-speed Wi-Fi to stay connected, work, or stream videos and music for entertainment
- Gifts and souvenir shops (e.g., 24-Hour Flower)
- ATMs and currency exchange (in both pre and post-security areas)
- Shops and stores like Bvlgari, Hermes, Cartier, Xpres Spa, New York Gifts, iS Duty-Free Beauty, etc.
- Restaurants and cafes like Eat & Go New York/Istanbul, The Local, Starbucks, Dunkin’, McDonald’s, SOHO BITES, PZA, Pizza Pub, Wok & Roll, etc.
- Baggage storage
- Charging station
- Pet relief area
- Medical office
- Airport Plaza
- JFK Traveler Center, etc.
Lufthansa JFK terminal 1 lounges
As a premier airline, Lufthansa offers exclusive lounge services to its valuable customers. The European carrier has set up the Lufthansa Business Class Lounge and Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Terminal 1 to deliver an unparalleled customer experience.
Lufthansa Business Class Lounge is an ideal retreat for travelers seeking nourishment and the luxury of private space before their flight. It’s a flashy hangout for business-class travelers, outfitted with well-appointed facilities and secluded seating. Guests will enjoy a seamless experience in a serene atmosphere with warm hospitality and attentive staff when they step inside. Special features of Lufthansa Business Class Lounge include:
- Versatile and spacious seating area with plush leather chairs and sofas
- Sweeping views of the airfield, serene and sophisticated ambiance
- Elegant and comfortable surroundings
- Signature hospitality where each guest feels welcomed and valued
- Well-stocked buffet, made-to-order snacks, and decadent desserts
- Extensive bar offering an impressive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Access to Lufthansa Business Class Lounge is granted to business class travelers and priority pass members. However, priority pass cardholders can’t visit the lounge between the busy hours of 14:00 and 19:00. The lounge opens every day from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Children below two years old accompanied by qualifying customers can gain entrance to the Lufthansa Business Lounge free of cost.
In addition to Lufthansa Business Lounge, the German flag carrier runs Senator Lounge at terminal 1 of JFK. It is a luxurious haven with upgraded amenities reserved for Star Alliance Gold status members. The beautifully designed Senator Lounge is inside the Security Departure Area, right after the TSA checkpoint on the left, in JFK Terminal 1.
It is a go-to space for discerning passengers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle and exceptional services. Standout features of this lounge include:
- A spacious seating area and wonderfully-designed interior with modern furnishings
- Panoramic runway views
- A rich assortment of elaborate dishes to tantalize tastebuds
- A well-stocked bar with a fair selection of beer, wine, and spirits
- Shower facilities to freshen up
The JFK Lufthansa Senator Lounge is accessible for qualified passengers between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 p.m. daily.
Lufthansa terminal JFK: Aircraft type used
Currently, Lufthansa JFK Terminal 1 accommodates two different aircraft types of the Cologne-based carrier for takeoff and landing. They are Airbus A340-300 and Airbus A380-800. Lufthansa-operated A340-300 flights arrive at JFK Terminal 1 from Frankfurt Airport. Likewise, A380-800 is deployed for the carrier’s Munich-New York services.
Lufthansa’s A340-300 can carry 279 passengers in 3 configurations (C-30, W-28, and Y-221). The Airbus A380-800, the largest passenger airliner, can accommodate 509 passengers. It is set up in a 4-class configuration with eight seats in first class, 78 in business class, 52 in premium economy, and 371 in economy class.
A short overview of Lufthansa’s operations in New York
New York, the US’s cultural capital and key economic hub presents an important air market for Lufthansa. The European carrier made a foray into long-haul operations by launching flights from Hamburg to New York City in 1955. It utilized Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft to operate international flights to the Big Apple with stops in Dusseldorf and Shannon.
In the dawn of the jet age, the flag carrier replaced the Lockheed Super Constellation with long-range Boeing 707 aircraft. With the arrival of jetliners into Lufthansa’s fleet, the European giant shifted its main operational base from Hamburg to Frankfurt.
In March 1960, Lufthansa made its first-ever jet journey between Frankfurt and New York City. This route still forms a significant part of the carrier’s international operations six decades later.
Currently, Lufthansa provides air services to the Big Apple through John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark Liberty Airport. While the carrier operates flights to key New York hubs, its greater concentration is on the JFK Airport.
About John F. Kennedy International Airport
JFK Airport, serving the New York metropolitan area, is the busiest international gateway into North America. It hosts over 90 airlines and has one of the world’s most extensive flight networks spanning hundreds of destinations in all six inhabited continents. Here are some facts about JFK Airport:
- The most frequently used port for international arrivals and departures in the US
- The busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area handles a significant volume of passengers, crossing 50 million every year.
- America’s largest int. cargo gateway in terms of shipment value
- Presence of over 90 airlines from 50+ countries
- Primary transatlantic hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines
JFK Airport has five active terminals (1, 4, 5, 7, and 8) and four runways (3 concrete-surfaced and one asphalt-surfaced). While terminal 1 is a consortium of international carriers, terminals 4 and 5 operate primarily for Delta and JetBlue. Terminal 7 doesn’t have a primary tenant and hosts many foreign carriers. Terminal 8 is a major Oneworld hub, managed largely by American Airlines, the third-largest airline at JFK.
About Lufthansa
Lufthansa, serving as the flag carrier of Germany, is the second largest European airline by passengers carried. It is headquartered in Cologne, Germany, and consolidates its operations from Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. It is one of the founding members of the world’s largest global airline alliance ‘Star Alliance’. The German giant utilizes a fleet of 274 aircraft to serve an extensive network spanning 205 destinations worldwide.
Outside of its existing home markets, the United States of America is Lufthansa’s most prolific market. The German flagship airline serves around 20 US destinations, including New York JFK, Newark, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, etc.
