What to do while waiting at JFK

I've got 3 hours or so to kill at JFK on a Saturday afternoon in a couple of weeks time, and I wanted to see if anyone knew of any cool [8D]things/places to see in/around the terminal (I'm not going to be leaving the airport)?

Also, a few days later I'm catching the 07:30 back to LHR from JFK on the Sunday morning - can anyone advise on what's a reasonable time to get to check-in as I really would prefer not to go with the 3 hour prior to departure as recommended by the FC Silver team [:0]

Thanks.

[Neil]

Personally I found JFK to be one of the worst airports for things to do I have ever known - as the terminals are all individual they are quite small and have limited things to do in them, 3 hours is a long time to wait - we had just under 2 and that was bad enough, so all I can suggest is iPod or book!!

Neil:)

I agree with Neil here, there's no comfy seats there, not many shops, so unless you want to spend three hours at the bar, take a Sony MP3 player, a good book, or blag your way into the Clubhouse? [:w]

[Neil]

Originally posted by locutus
I agree with Neil here, there's no comfy seats there

I had forgotten about the seats, those stupid concrete things by the windows, god how horrible are they, tut...

At least the shops and restaurants are largely land side, so if you have come with friends, they can wait with you until you are called through security.

I'm afraid I can't advise on the right length of time to allow to get through security, as I have only travelled J, and been called from the CH.

Of course, the CH is a fantastic way to pass time at JFK...

I have to agree with the previous posters. If you can get into a lounge, all well and good. But if not then you can get a shoe shine (10 minutes), look at the shops (10 minutes), have something to eat (10 minutes) and go to the loo (35 minutes). But that is about it.

If you are a train freak I guess you could take the inter-terminal train. But about the only positive thing that can be said for it is that it is free!

[Neil]

Originally posted by sailor99
and go to the loo (35 minutes).

[:0] - I know your toilets habits have been discussed before Jeremy, but I think you need to see a doctor;)

How else would you finish a good book?

[mcmbenjamin]

Free WiFi for all in the jetBlue terminal. Could spot too.

When I was there last year waiting for an internal flight, I just grabbed a couple of seats near a power socket and plugged my laptop in so that I could watch episodes etc I'd put on it before the trip.....easily passes the time that way.

Shops wise, I have to agree there isn't much.......couple of cafes/bars, a Starbucks, some luggage and electrical shops although small and the usual WHSmith type place.

When I was at SFO, I just sat on the floor as it was just as comfortable

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
Could spot too.

Oh yeh! Forgot about that one - it is an airport after all[:I]

[Neil]

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
Could spot too.

Are you trying to suggest that the members of this site are plane spotters/geeks?[:0]........ well then you'd be right[y] and all proud of it too.

From the bridge from the T6 station to the B6 terminal, you get some good views of the runway (IIRC).
However, I've found a good way of passing the time there (well about 20 mins anyway[:I]) is doing a few circuits on the train:D

Otherwise, it's pretty boring -sorry. We had to wait there for about six hours at Easter - we also had a look round all the terminals[:I] As you can tell, it was a loooooooong wait;)[|)]

VS.