Overview of filming at JFK Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport is owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Port Authority handles film shoots, photo shoots and special events across its facilities, including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and New York Stewart airports, the bridges and tunnels, PATH and the World Trade Center.
There are two different situations to keep apart:
- A commercial production (a TV show, film, advertising or a staged photo shoot) needs Port Authority approval, an application and fees.
- A traveler filming on a phone is covered by everyday airport rules. TSA, for example, does not prohibit photographing or filming at security checkpoints, as long as you do not interfere with screening or reveal sensitive information.
News media reporting on the Port Authority go through the Port Authority's Press team instead of the film office.
Obtaining permissions and permits
Permission comes in two steps: a conversation with the Port Authority, then a formal application.
Contacting Port Authority
Start with a conversation, not a form. The Port Authority asks you to contact its staff before you submit an online application, to discuss the details of your request. Its film page lists facility contacts, including a dedicated contact for JFK Airport and AirTrain JFK.
With advance notice, many Port Authority facilities can accommodate scouting visits. Ask about one when you first call.
Submitting documentation
After that first conversation, you submit an Online Application and upload your event plan. The system requires the free Salesforce Authenticator app.
The key rules:
- Lead time: file at least 30 days before your shoot date. Applications filed with less than 30 days' notice may not be reviewed in time.
- Filing fee: a non-refundable $300 fee applies to every commercial application, with no exceptions. It is separate from any facility use fees.
- Review: on average, the full review takes several weeks. You work with a Port Authority team member who keeps you updated.
- Costs: the Port Authority sends a cost estimate, including a daily rate and personnel fees for Port Authority Police and other staff assigned to your shoot.
- Approval: once approved, you sign a filming agreement before the shoot date. You also provide a W9 for invoicing after the shoot.
Every request needs, at minimum, the online application with event plan, your organization's Certificate of Insurance, and a filming agreement. Depending on the shoot, the Port Authority may also ask for:
- Load-in and load-out plans, delivery schedules, and equipment plans.
- A description of the scenes being filmed.
- Security plans and a description of any potentially hazardous material or equipment, such as pyrotechnics, smoke or simulated weapons.
- Signed and sealed drawings and code analyses, for example load capacity or emergency egress.
Choosing and preparing equipment
Camera selection
Choose your camera and crew size with the approval in mind. A small, mobile setup is easier to fit into a busy terminal, and the Port Authority asks about equipment, furniture and fixtures in your logistics plan. Whatever you bring should match what you described in your application.
Preparing for security screening
If your crew and gear go through a TSA checkpoint:
- Check the TSA's carry-on rules for batteries, tripods and lighting gear before the shoot day.
- Keep cases organized so screening is quick.
- Remember that TSA allows filming at checkpoints only as long as screening is not interfered with and no sensitive information is revealed. You may not film equipment monitors that are shielded from public view.
Filming locations and regulations
Restricted areas
Runways, taxiways and other aircraft movement areas are inside the airport's secured air operations area. They are not public filming locations. Any access beyond public areas has to be arranged through your Port Authority application and agreement.
Drones need their own review. To fly a drone or uncrewed aerial system for commercial filming, answer YES to "Do you intend to fly any drones/UAS?" in the Port Authority application. You will be asked for additional information, including a copy of the drone operator's license. Federal rules also apply: under Part 107, small drones must be registered, flown within visual line of sight, and generally kept below 400 feet above ground level, and registered drones must comply with Remote ID.
Public areas
Terminal buildings and other public areas are where most productions shoot, but approval is still required for commercial work. Plan around passengers: keep walkways clear, keep your footprint small, and follow the directions of Port Authority staff and police assigned to your shoot. Get consent and releases from anyone you feature on camera.
Tips for successful filming
Importance of planning
- Call the Port Authority early, ideally before you lock your schedule.
- Build the 30-day minimum and several weeks of review into your production calendar.
- Budget for the $300 filing fee plus the daily rate and personnel fees.
- Keep a backup date in case your preferred day does not work for the airport.
Cooperation with airport staff and security
Your Port Authority contact is your partner throughout the review. On the day, the staff and police assigned to the shoot are there to keep it safe and to keep the airport running for travelers. Follow their direction, keep to the areas in your agreement, and raise any change with them before you make it.
FAQs about How To Film At Jfk Airport
How do I get permission to film at JFK Airport?
Contact the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's film and special events team first. Its film page lists a contact for JFK Airport and AirTrain JFK. After that call, submit the online application with your event plan at least 30 days before your shoot.
What types of equipment am I allowed to use when filming at JFK Airport?
It depends on your approval. List your equipment, furniture and fixtures in your plan. Drones must be declared in the application and need extra review.
Where are the best locations to film at JFK Airport?
Most shoots use terminal buildings and other public areas. Runways and taxiways are secured aircraft movement areas, not public filming locations. Your Port Authority contact can advise on which spaces suit your project.
Can I film passengers and airport staff at JFK Airport?
Plan to get consent and signed releases from anyone you feature, and follow the terms of your filming agreement.
What kind of background checks do crew members need to undergo to film at JFK Airport?
Requirements depend on where you shoot and what you need access to. Ask your Port Authority contact during the review process.
How much does it cost to obtain a permit to film at JFK Airport?
Every commercial application has a non-refundable $300 filing fee. After review, the Port Authority provides a cost estimate that includes a daily rate and personnel fees for police and staff.