6 May 2025, 03:05 PM
Hi there! Just a quick and sincere note regarding our experience at JFK Airport Norse Terminal. With my family, it can get pretty hectic traveling with us, but this terminal was surprisingly streamlined. Check-in was efficient, employees were truly kind, and the area wasn't too crowded. We discovered clean bathrooms, comfortable seating, and reasonable food options to make everyone happy. The children particularly enjoyed observing aeroplanes via the large windows. It was not luxurious but peaceful, sanitary, and ordered — just what we required in advance of an extended flight. We'd truly prefer to pass through here next time!
Arrival and Check-In:
We arrived at the airport approximately three hours in advance to provide ourselves with some breathing space. The Norse area of the terminal, at first glance, appeared more tranquil than the rest. There wasn't that sea of travelers pushing in all directions that one might find at other airports, which was a relief in itself. Norse check-in counters were simple to locate, clearly marked, and not flooded with passengers. We were met by a courteous staff member who showed us through the check-in procedure. She even smiled and asked the children if they were looking forward to their holiday, which, as straightforward as it sounds, actually went a long way to set the tone for a good experience. The queue moved along well, and although we had a couple of large bags to check in, the entire process took less than 20 minutes. Staff appeared to be knowledgeable, without rushing us, but without also letting things take too long — a pleasant balance. We liked that there was room to stand without needing to be out of other people's way, and it was far less noisy and chaotic than we were accustomed to in other terminals.
Security:
Then came security, which is normally one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of flying with children. But once more, we were surprised. The security personnel here were quick but not brusque. One officer even joked when my daughter's backpack triggered the scanner. It may seem like a small thing, but that small bit of humor kept the mood light and prevented a breakdown. The line itself was rolling along, and the lanes were well marked, so there wasn't any misunderstanding about where to proceed. It seemed like the employees had a nice flow going, and unlike some previous experiences at large airports, we didn't feel like we were being rushed or herded through like livestock. After passing through, we reunited at an adjacent seating area and took a moment to catch our breath — something we don't usually get to do at this point in the trip!
Inside the Terminal:
The terminal itself was clean, up-to-date, and unexpectedly comfortable. It wasn't garish and littered with designer stores like some of the newer terminals but had all we required — and more to the point, everything functioned. Abundant seating, power at most gates, good air conditioning (something that concerns people more than they realize when you're carrying backpacks and trying to corral children), and generous walkways that didn't make us feel claustrophobic. The children enjoyed the wide windows with unobstructed views of the tarmac and airplanes. They sat there for a whole 30 minutes just observing what's happening outside — fueling trucks, loading the luggage, pilots passing by. It was like having a live show, and it helped my husband and me to take a little respite and recharge our phones. There were a few food choices nearby — nothing super fancy, but plenty of variety to have something for everyone. We picked up sandwiches, fruit cups, and beverages without a problem. Prices were airport-typical (read: a bit steep), but not outrageous. There were also clean bathrooms nearby, including a family bathroom, which made life so much easier.
Atmosphere and Staff:
What stood out most to me was the overall vibe. It was calm. Travelers weren’t panicked, staff weren’t yelling instructions, and there was enough space to sit, walk, and wait comfortably. It honestly didn’t feel like, in the best way possible. I’m sure the time of day and season can affect this, but our experience felt organized and well-paced. The Norse crew at the gate were also welcoming and professional. They made boarding announcements loudly and patiently, and even read back key information without sounding frustrated (trust me, that's not common in airports). They invited families with small children to board first, which allowed us to get settled and skip the typical gate crush. One of the gate agents even assisted us in locating a place to store our stroller prior to boarding — a little thing that made a huge difference.
Boarding and Departure:
Boarding was efficient and we were on the plane in maybe 20 minutes from the initial call. Everything was running smoothly but not hastily. The flight attendants on board were friendly, and our seats were adjacent to each other — something I fret about while traveling in a group. Once we took off, I couldn't help but think about how much smoother this departure was than other flights we've had. No mad dashing, no confusing signs, no surly employees — just a slick, well-organized experience that made us begin our journey on a positive note.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I would highly recommend the JFK Norse Atlantic Terminal to anyone who is flying, particularly families. It does not have the upscale glitz of some of the newer international terminals, but that is more than compensated for in terms of functionality, comfort, and tranquility. For a family of four attempting to stay together when flying internationally, those aspects are worth their weight in gold. It is a large, bustling airport — no question about that — but this specific terminal felt much more laid-back, human. The employees were actually friendly and helpful, the area was clean and well-organized, and we never felt rushed or neglected. If you're flying Norse and are wondering what to anticipate, breathe easy. In our experience, the Norse Terminal provides a remarkably smooth, family-friendly airport experience. We departed feeling relaxed and ready for our adventure, which is precisely how traveling should be.
Arrival and Check-In:
We arrived at the airport approximately three hours in advance to provide ourselves with some breathing space. The Norse area of the terminal, at first glance, appeared more tranquil than the rest. There wasn't that sea of travelers pushing in all directions that one might find at other airports, which was a relief in itself. Norse check-in counters were simple to locate, clearly marked, and not flooded with passengers. We were met by a courteous staff member who showed us through the check-in procedure. She even smiled and asked the children if they were looking forward to their holiday, which, as straightforward as it sounds, actually went a long way to set the tone for a good experience. The queue moved along well, and although we had a couple of large bags to check in, the entire process took less than 20 minutes. Staff appeared to be knowledgeable, without rushing us, but without also letting things take too long — a pleasant balance. We liked that there was room to stand without needing to be out of other people's way, and it was far less noisy and chaotic than we were accustomed to in other terminals.
Security:
Then came security, which is normally one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of flying with children. But once more, we were surprised. The security personnel here were quick but not brusque. One officer even joked when my daughter's backpack triggered the scanner. It may seem like a small thing, but that small bit of humor kept the mood light and prevented a breakdown. The line itself was rolling along, and the lanes were well marked, so there wasn't any misunderstanding about where to proceed. It seemed like the employees had a nice flow going, and unlike some previous experiences at large airports, we didn't feel like we were being rushed or herded through like livestock. After passing through, we reunited at an adjacent seating area and took a moment to catch our breath — something we don't usually get to do at this point in the trip!
Inside the Terminal:
The terminal itself was clean, up-to-date, and unexpectedly comfortable. It wasn't garish and littered with designer stores like some of the newer terminals but had all we required — and more to the point, everything functioned. Abundant seating, power at most gates, good air conditioning (something that concerns people more than they realize when you're carrying backpacks and trying to corral children), and generous walkways that didn't make us feel claustrophobic. The children enjoyed the wide windows with unobstructed views of the tarmac and airplanes. They sat there for a whole 30 minutes just observing what's happening outside — fueling trucks, loading the luggage, pilots passing by. It was like having a live show, and it helped my husband and me to take a little respite and recharge our phones. There were a few food choices nearby — nothing super fancy, but plenty of variety to have something for everyone. We picked up sandwiches, fruit cups, and beverages without a problem. Prices were airport-typical (read: a bit steep), but not outrageous. There were also clean bathrooms nearby, including a family bathroom, which made life so much easier.
Atmosphere and Staff:
What stood out most to me was the overall vibe. It was calm. Travelers weren’t panicked, staff weren’t yelling instructions, and there was enough space to sit, walk, and wait comfortably. It honestly didn’t feel like, in the best way possible. I’m sure the time of day and season can affect this, but our experience felt organized and well-paced. The Norse crew at the gate were also welcoming and professional. They made boarding announcements loudly and patiently, and even read back key information without sounding frustrated (trust me, that's not common in airports). They invited families with small children to board first, which allowed us to get settled and skip the typical gate crush. One of the gate agents even assisted us in locating a place to store our stroller prior to boarding — a little thing that made a huge difference.
Boarding and Departure:
Boarding was efficient and we were on the plane in maybe 20 minutes from the initial call. Everything was running smoothly but not hastily. The flight attendants on board were friendly, and our seats were adjacent to each other — something I fret about while traveling in a group. Once we took off, I couldn't help but think about how much smoother this departure was than other flights we've had. No mad dashing, no confusing signs, no surly employees — just a slick, well-organized experience that made us begin our journey on a positive note.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I would highly recommend the JFK Norse Atlantic Terminal to anyone who is flying, particularly families. It does not have the upscale glitz of some of the newer international terminals, but that is more than compensated for in terms of functionality, comfort, and tranquility. For a family of four attempting to stay together when flying internationally, those aspects are worth their weight in gold. It is a large, bustling airport — no question about that — but this specific terminal felt much more laid-back, human. The employees were actually friendly and helpful, the area was clean and well-organized, and we never felt rushed or neglected. If you're flying Norse and are wondering what to anticipate, breathe easy. In our experience, the Norse Terminal provides a remarkably smooth, family-friendly airport experience. We departed feeling relaxed and ready for our adventure, which is precisely how traveling should be.