China Southern Airlines flies from Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), for both departures and arrivals. Terminal 8 is also home to American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and other international carriers. This guide covers Terminal 8, connections and the quickest ways to get there from Manhattan.
China Southern Terminal JFK
The phone number and terminal below come from the Port Authority's JFK airline directory. Terminal assignments can change, so confirm with China Southern before you travel.
| Airline | Phone Numbers | IATA Code | Departures Terminal | Arrivals Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Southern | (888) 338-8988 | CZ | Terminal 8 | Terminal 8 |
Key Takeaways
- China Southern uses Terminal 8 at JFK, not Terminal 1 or Terminal 4.
- Terminal 8 has more than 60 shops and restaurants, and you can order food from your phone.
- AirTrain JFK is free between terminals. To or from Jamaica or Howard Beach, the fare is $8.75.
- BLADE offers flights between Manhattan and JFK in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat.
China Southern Airlines at JFK: Terminal Guide
Terminal 8 is one of JFK's international terminals. Besides China Southern, the Port Authority's directory lists Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian, among others.

Older guides sometimes place China Southern in Terminal 1 or Terminal 4. The current airport directory lists it in Terminal 8, so head there unless your airline tells you otherwise.
Checking In with China Southern
China Southern sets its own check-in opening and cutoff times, bag allowances and boarding deadlines. Check them in your booking or with the airline before you leave, and allow extra time for document checks on a long-haul flight.
China Southern Lounge Access
Terminal 8's lounges, as listed by the Port Authority, include the American Airlines Admirals Club and the Chelsea, Greenwich and Soho lounges. Access depends on your ticket, status and the lounge's own rules. Ask China Southern which lounge, if any, your fare includes.
Departures and Arrivals
After security, the Port Authority lists these walk times to the Terminal 8 gates:
| Gates | Walk time from security |
|---|---|
| 1-10 | 2-5 minutes |
| 12-20 | 2-4 minutes |
| 31-41 | 6-12 minutes |
| 42-47 | 6-8 minutes |
Check the departure screens for your gate, and use the airport's interactive map for step-by-step directions. Arrange wheelchair or other assistance with China Southern in advance.
International arrivals go through U.S. Customs before leaving the airport. If you are connecting to a U.S. flight, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires you to collect your bags, recheck them and pass through security again.
Navigating JFK Airport: Essential Info
JFK has five active passenger terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8. AirTrain JFK connects them all, along with parking, the rental car center and the train connections at Jamaica and Howard Beach.
- The ride between terminals is free and takes under 10 minutes, with trains every 5 to 15 minutes.
- If your connecting flight leaves from another terminal, budget time to go through TSA screening again there.
Amenities and Services at Terminal 8
Terminal 8's concessions include more than 60 shops and restaurants, from sit-down dining to grab-and-go, with brands and New York favorites. You can browse menus, order and pay from your phone, then pick up your food.

The terminal's relaxation options include private spaces to rest, work or sleep, and services such as currency exchange. The Show, Terminal 8's entertainment center, has a large LED video wall used for live performances and streamed sporting events.
Transportation to and from JFK Terminal 8
AirTrain JFK Connection
- Subway. Take the E, J or Z to Jamaica, or the A to Howard Beach, then AirTrain to Terminal 8. The total one-way fare is $11.75, including the $8.75 AirTrain fare.
- Long Island Rail Road. Ride to Jamaica, then AirTrain. The combined fare is $14 off-peak or $16 peak.
You can pay the AirTrain fare with any contactless card, a phone or an OMNY card.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis charge a $70 flat fare between JFK and Manhattan, plus surcharges, including a $5 surcharge on weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m. Use the official taxi stand. If you are picking someone up, the free Cell Phone Lot is the closest wait lot for Terminals 5, 7 and 8.
Parking Near Terminal 8
The Red lot serves Terminal 8. With the Terminal 1 (Green) lot closed, the Port Authority directs Terminal 1 drivers to the Red lot as well, so allow time to find a space.
What is the fastest way to get to China Southern at JFK Terminal 8 from Manhattan
By road, the time it takes to reach JFK depends on traffic. A helicopter flight with BLADE takes about 5 minutes.
BLADE offers scheduled flights between Manhattan and JFK from $195 per seat. BLADE's Manhattan lounges are at the West 30th Street Heliport, the East 34th Street Heliport and the Wall St. Heliport. After you land at the airport, a BLADE vehicle drives you to your departure terminal, in this case Terminal 8. All BLADE flights in the United States are operated by DOT and FAA licensed carriers.
- Booking. You can book in the BLADE app up to 30 minutes before takeoff. A $45 late booking fee applies to flights to NYC airports booked within one hour of departure.
- Bags. Each passenger can bring one carry-on (22 x 16 x 9 inches) and one personal item, up to 25 lbs combined. For checked-size bags, BLADE offers Tote Taxi and Bags VIP delivery upgrades.
- Coming home. BLADE tracks your incoming flight, and a BLADE vehicle meets you at the arrivals terminal for the short drive to your helicopter.
Find airline terminal locations at JFK airport if you are connecting from another airline.
Bottom Line: China Southern Terminal JFK Airport
China Southern departs from and arrives at Terminal 8 at JFK. Check your airline's check-in deadline, allow time for the walk to the outer gates, and use AirTrain if you are connecting from another terminal. From Manhattan, BLADE can get you to JFK in about 5 minutes, with a BLADE vehicle taking you on to Terminal 8.

FAQs about China Southern Terminal at JFK
Which terminal is China Southern at JFK Airport?
China Southern uses Terminal 8 at JFK for departures and arrivals.
What terminal is Air China in JFK?
Air China is in Terminal 1 at JFK, alongside airlines such as China Eastern, Air France and Turkish Airlines.
What airlines use Terminal 4 at JFK?
Airlines in Terminal 4 include Aeromexico, Air India, Delta, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, among others.
Which Terminal is China Eastern at JFK Airport?
Find China Eastern terminal JFK here. China Eastern is in Terminal 1 at JFK.
Which Terminal is Condor at JFK Airport?
Find Condor terminal JFK here. Condor is in Terminal 7 at JFK.
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