Terminal 5 — Local services in New York

My recent experience flying out of Terminal 5 was mixed. Checking in at the kiosk was smooth, and dropping off our luggage was straightforward, though we had to show our passports to the agent. We then proceeded to the security screening line, where the agent quickly identified me as a priority passenger and directed me to a shorter line.

The security process itself was efficient. I removed my shoes, placed my bag on the table, and put my electronics in the bin before going through the scanner. However, the scanner seemed to malfunction, as the agent informed me that it indicated something in my groin and buttocks area, leading to a pat-down. The agent found nothing but remarked to a colleague, “This is the second one, that’s crazy,” which made me feel like there was an issue with the scanner. I’ve never experienced a pat-down before; I’ve had my bag searched, but never a body search.

Upon returning, the walk from the plane to the immigration line was manageable, but there was no clear signage or assistance. I saw the lines for Global Entry, visitors, and American citizens. Initially, I joined the American citizens line but realized I needed to be in the Global Entry line due to my online forms. Switching lines took only 10 minutes, but it would have been quicker with an agent to clarify the correct line.

After passing through immigration and retrieving our suitcase, we had a long walk to get a taxi. We had to take two escalators up, walk a long distance to exit, take an elevator down to the lobby, and then walk to the taxi line. Fortunately, getting a taxi was quick, and we were on our way promptly.

Overall, while the process was manageable, I’d prefer to avoid Terminal 5...

Beautiful terminal, impeccable service from all airline personnel that we encountered on our many, many JetBlue flights. Our flights have been delayed ( which does occasionally happen), and once we even almost boarded the wrong flight, but were helped by friendly staff.

I've only ever had 2 negative experiences here. When coming back home from Chicago, an individual in the pick up zone tried to persuade me to get into an Uber with him. Very scary. Always be careful if traveling alone. Thankfully, I had someone coming to pick me up. I walked over to nearby security, and when he saw me heading to them, he hastily walked away. I voiced my concern to the security officer, who promptly put out an alert for the man. He offered for me to stay by him until my ride arrived, and I was so grateful to him. Secondly, I purchased breakfast from Piazza breakfast one morning while trying to catch an early flight. My waitress did not introduce herself, but her nametag said "Marie". I specifically ordered a Home Run meal, and she supposedly heard me say "home fries". Not only did she not repeat my order back to me to confirm, when she brought out the home fries, and I mentioned to her that I ordered the Home Run, she curtly told me that I had expressly stated "home fries" when I am 100% sure that I did not do so, as I was starving that morning and a small bowl of home fries just would not do before a long flight. Anyway, I guess I can attribute her poor customer service to the early hour, the fact that I had a mask on and maybe she misheard me, or that everyone has been stressed or...

Terminal 5 is all Jet Blue. There is a curb side checkin service for a few extra dollars (5$per bag if I'm right) if you want to get things done quickly and go straight to security checks. The entrance was a little confusing for some as it has automatic rotating doors, but we were fine with it. You just have to keep clear of edges and just keep moving with the door. If you hold a US passport, you can get the boarding pass, checkin tags, etc., at the kiosks and go straight to the security check. If you don't, there is a help desk which you can go to and get things done. You don't need to do any of this if you don't have any checkin luggage. You can Web checkin and go straight to the security check using the boarding pass from web checkin. I like the way the security check is managed in this place. Well staffed and nicely organized with different queues. There are several restrooms and water filling stations across the terminal that are decently maintained. After the secure check, there are a lot of restaurants and shopping...