Pet Terminal & Space Shuttle Runway: 10 Secrets of JFK Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest in the United States. In 2022, it served more than 55 million passengers. Due to increased traffic and constant crowds, travelers are missing out on many of JFK's unique features. Simple Flying collected some unique facts about the airport that many may not know about.

1. Original title

The original name of John F. Kennedy Airport was Idlewild. This is because it was built on the site of the Idlewild Golf Course in Queens. Shortly after the death of John F. Kennedy, the airport was renamed.

2. Hidden softball field

At the far end of Federal Circle at JFK Airport is a hidden softball field. It is located next to cargo area A and very close to the cell phone charging station. However, the field is not accessible to the public and only a select number of employees of the airport's operating company have access to it.

3. Spacecraft runway

John F. Kennedy Airport has the second longest runway in the United States. This lane is called the Bay Runway, or 31L. She was considered as an alternate landing site for the space shuttle. Typically, NASA space shuttles landed at the Space Shuttle Facility. The runway at the NASA facility was only 130 meters longer than the Bay Runway at John F. Kennedy Airport.

4. Pet terminal

In addition to ample space for travelers, JFK Airport has a "pet-only terminal". Nicknamed ARK, the terminal is a luxurious space with all sorts of facilities for different kinds of animals. Its wellness areas, pools and lawns can accommodate dogs, cats, horses, birds and other animals.

On the subject: What are the lounges at Kennedy Airport and how to access them

5. Cradle of the Aviation Museum

On the territory of the airport, just a few kilometers from the terminals, is the world-famous aviation museum. The Cradle of Aviation Museum shows a brief history of aviation in New York and includes several exhibits from the era of space exploration.

6. Famous art exhibitions

Each of the airport's terminals is home to many different sculptures and paintings, many of which have been created by internationally renowned artists. The airport uses much of its open terminal to showcase the work of New York artists.

7. The first dedicated Airbus A380 terminal in the USA

The airport was the first in the United States to develop a dedicated terminal for large Airbus A380 . Terminal 4 at JFK included gates and facilities spaced far enough apart to accommodate the largest passenger aircraft in the world.

8. Abandoned hotel

There is an abandoned hotel on the grounds of JFK Airport. Ramada Plaza closed in 2009. It began to be called the "Heartbreak Hotel" after it became temporary housing for families and crews after a series of plane crashes.

9. Historic TWA Flight Center

The flight center was created for Trans World Airlines in 1962 by renowned architect Eero Saarinen. However, in 2001 the flight center was closed. Its unique design and history have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2017, it was repurposed as the now famous TWA Hotel.

10 Site Of The Biggest Cash Heist In The United States

In 1978, there was a robbery at John F. Kennedy Airport. Thieves from the New York crime family broke into the cargo building early in the morning and carried off more than $5 million in cash and almost $1 million in jewelry. This totals $21 million to date and is considered the largest cash heist in the United States.