Originally known as Idlewild, JFK is among the most heavily trafficked airports on the globe. If you live in the New York area, and you've ever driven to JFK, you know what a harrowing experience it can be. While it's certainly an adventure, before you make the decision to drive to JFK, consider taking a cab, town car or limo. It may cost you more, but it will also save a lot of stress.

JFK Airport, operates under The Port Authority, with a lease, going back to 1947. JFK airport is well established, and has improved dramatically over the years, with 2003 showing over 32 million passengers passing through this world-class airport, certainly those numbers have only increased since then.

Whether or not you wish to drive to the JFK Airport is entirely up to you, however, you should sincerely consider taking a taxi or limo. at times the traffic is so severe, and the terms of soul, confusing, it's a very easy to get lost. By the same token, if you wish to save money, there are multiple ways to get to JFK airport.

KENNEDY TERMINALS

-Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and more - Terminal 1

-Delta - Terminals 2 and 3

-Continental Airlines - Terminal 4

-JetBlue Airways - Terminal 6

-British Airways - Terminal 7

-United Airlines - Terminal 7

-American Airlines - international flights - Terminal 8

-American Airlines - domestic flights - Terminal 9

While driving directions to JFK airport will depend on which part of the city or state you're starting from, Long Islanders on the south end of LI would use the Southern State Parkway, If you come from eastern Long Island, take the Belt Parkway West to Exit 20-JFK Expressway. From Upstate NY, take the thruway South to the Major Deegan Expressway. After that take the Cross Bronx E to I-678 S to the Van Wyck S right into the airport. If you're from south of the city, take the New Jersey Turnpike to exit 13. When you get to Staten Island via the Goethals Bridge, take I-278 to the Verazano bridge. Take the exit for the Belt Pkwy E and at exit 19 head to NY 878. This leads to JFK Airprot. Once you arrive at JFK, moving between terminals is actually rather fun (in a cattle car sort of way) and using the Air Train you can travel from terminal 8 to terminal 1 (an excruciating walk) in about 10 minutes.

1998 was a year that the air train began construction, with the idea of an easing the tremendous amount of surface traffic going into and out ofKennedy Airport.

If you're a fan of Seinfeld, there is an expression which runs through several episodes, "You took the Van Wyck? What were you thinking?" This is merely means that the Van Wyck is often congested and can cause significant delays.

There is a great radio station in the local New York area, radio 1010 AM, which offers continuous traffic updates. Make certain to tune the radio station in, if you decided to drive to JFK.

If you've made the decision to drive, make certain you consider the time of day. NYC and the surrounding areas are always heavily trafficked. Consider this when deciding what time you need to leave, in order to make your flight. Remember that most flights request that you arrived two hours prior to departure.