If you’re like me, and prefer to get to the airport unreasonably early (better to be sat at the airport for an extra hour doom scrolling than missing your flight!) there’s a hidden perk you may not know about, and it could come in handy next time your travel companions scoff at your suggestion to get there three hours early. Tucked away in JFK’s Terminal 5 is a secret rooftop garden that’s open to all passengers.
The T5 Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge—get it, because it’s dog-friendly—is open daily from 6am to 10pm. Stretching across 4,046 square feet of peaceful oasis, the T5 rooftop is the perfect place to unwind ahead of a busy travel day. Not to mention, it has stellar views of the Manhattan skyline.
Visitors are invited to take their pup for a walk at the first airside, post-security dog walking zone, take advantage of free Wi-Fi, grab a New York-centric snack at a food cart or kiosk, and admire the landscaped greenery.
Owned by JetBlue, the entire rooftop landscape was designed by global architecture firm, Gensler. JetBlue also announced its first-ever airport lounge coming to Terminal 5 this year.
Fliers can find the door to the rooftop across from Terminal 5’s Gate 28. All travelers are welcome, even if you’re departing from a different terminal. Of course, to gain access, one must get cleared through airport security. It’ll be your responsibility to make it to your appropriate departure terminal and through that separate security in time.
Jamie Perry, vice president, brand and product development at JetBlue said:
As New York’s Hometown Airline, T5 was designed to show off the pride we have for our city. We brought many elements of New York into T5, including the new T5 Rooftop…As rooftop bars, sunbathing and summer enjoyment are such a big part of living in New York City, we wanted to bring this unique aspect to customers traveling through T5.
Though the space initially opened in 2015, many fliers still don’t know about this hidden paradise. Learn more about the rooftop and Terminal 5 on JetBlue’s website. Plus, find more travel hacks and tips with our full guide.