Complete travel information for your November journey
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) operates with all main passenger facilities year-round, and in November you’ll still find open duty-free shops, car rental desks, lounges, and multiple ground transportation options. Seasonal staff levels are usually stable after the high winter season ramps up, but expect busier early evenings as flights from North America increase. Check airline notices and the airport website before travel for any temporary service changes.
For international departures from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before scheduled departure. November travel can include increased demand around Thanksgiving and long-weekend travel, so allow extra time for check-in, security, and any health screening. If you have checked baggage or need special assistance, add another 30–45 minutes.
Yes — several carriers operate seasonal and year-round nonstop flights between Sangster International Airport (MBJ) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during November. Frequency increases with winter demand, especially on popular Montego Bay to New York routes. To get the best nonstop options, book earlier and monitor schedules from airlines like JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta.
Baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare class you purchase for your MBJ to JFK flight; economy fares typically include one personal item and one carry-on, while checked baggage rules vary. In November, check your airline’s official rules for seasonal promotions or changes, and always verify weight limits to avoid fees at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Consider prepaying checked bags online to save money and time at the counter.
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) offers taxis, shuttles, private transfers, and car rentals year-round; in November these services remain reliable though demand can rise during holiday weekends. Many travelers use licensed metered taxis to Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Kingston, while resorts often provide private shuttles. Book transfers ahead if traveling during late-November holidays to secure the best rates and pick-up times.
November is generally outside Jamaica’s hurricane peak, so Sangster International Airport (MBJ) usually operates normally; however, occasional weather or maintenance notices may appear. Check official airport and airline alerts before travel and sign up for flight notifications, especially around late-November holidays when schedule adjustments are more common. For COVID-19 or health-related rules, follow the Jamaican Ministry of Health updates prior to departure.
Upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in November, expect typical U.S. customs and immigration processing times which can vary between 20 minutes and over an hour depending on flight volumes. November includes increased traveler traffic for Thanksgiving, so prepare documents, fill out forms when required, and use Global Entry/CBP Mobile Passport if eligible to speed processing. Collect checked luggage at the designated carousel and follow signs to ground transportation or connecting terminals.
Flights from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) commonly arrive at multiple terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), depending on the carrier — for example, JetBlue typically uses Terminal 5, while American Airlines often uses Terminal 8. Airline schedules change seasonally, so check your itinerary for the exact arrival terminal before travel and allow time if you need to transfer between terminals at JFK.
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan in November, popular options include the AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a fast rail connection, licensed yellow taxis with flat fares to Manhattan, rideshares, and private airport shuttles. November weather can be chilly; if you travel during peak holiday periods, allow extra time for traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway and plan for longer taxi or rideshare wait times.
New York City in November is generally cool with average highs near 10–12°C (50–54°F) and lows around 2–6°C (36–43°F), and you should be prepared for brisk winds and occasional rain. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) coming from warm Montego Bay. Weather can change quickly in late November, especially around Thanksgiving, so check forecasts before departure.
Yes — November sees higher passenger volumes due to fall tourism and Thanksgiving; arrive prepared with documents, expect longer waits at baggage claim, and consider enrolling in trusted traveler programs to expedite processing. If you have onward connections, leave extra time between flights because domestic connections through JFK can be impacted by winter weather or increased ground traffic. For late arrivals, prebook a hotel near JFK or in Queens to avoid long overnight transfers.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) provides access to New York City boroughs including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and nearby areas such as Long Island, Newark, and Westchester via rail, subway, regional trains and highways. From JFK you can reach top destinations like Times Square, JFK to Newark by transit or taxi for connecting flights, and popular day trips to the Hudson Valley or Philadelphia with prebooked transfers. Use public transit maps and live traffic updates in November to plan realistic travel times.
November features a mix of cultural and seasonal events on both ends of the MBJ–JFK route. In and around Sangster International Airport (MBJ), look for local market festivals, reggae concerts, and early cruise-season cultural events in Montego Bay and Negril. In New York, Thanksgiving parades, pop-up food markets, and arts events dominate November; tourists arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) can plan for seasonal lighting ceremonies, Broadway previews, and museum exhibits.
The best time to fly from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in November is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and during the first two weeks of the month to avoid Thanksgiving spikes. Early-morning flights often have lower fares and fewer crowds, while late-November (Thanksgiving week) typically commands higher prices and fuller flights. If you must travel around holidays, book as early as possible and consider flying the day before or after peak travel dates to save.
Direct nonstop flights from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are faster (around 3.5–4 hours) and more convenient, especially for short trips or travelers with limited luggage. Connecting itineraries often cost less, provide more schedule options, and can be suitable for flexible travelers willing to trade time for savings. In November, weigh the premium for nonstop travel against potential delays from busy connecting hubs during holiday travel.
JetBlue typically offers frequent nonstop service between Sangster International Airport (MBJ) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), often praised for legroom in economy and free inflight entertainment. American Airlines and Delta operate a mix of nonstop and one-stop services with extensive network connections if you need onward domestic travel. Seasonal charter carriers may add capacity during November; they can be cost-effective but often have stricter baggage rules and fewer loyalty perks.
In November, pack layers for quick temperature transitions between Sangster International Airport (MBJ) warm departures and cooler arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket, versatile footwear, and travel-size toiletries; if visiting Jamaica, include sunscreen and reef-safe products. For holiday travel, allow extra time for check-in and security, confirm terminal info, and keep an eye on Thanksgiving-week schedule shifts.
Nonstop flights from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) typically take about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on winds and routing. One-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or Charlotte (CLT) can extend door-to-door travel time to 6–10+ hours including layovers. In November, carriers often add early-morning and evening frequencies to accommodate winter-season demand; check specific carrier schedules for exact departure and arrival times.
To get cheap MBJ to JFK flights in November, search 6–8 weeks in advance and monitor mid-week departure prices (Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares). Use flexible-date searches and fare alerts to catch sudden sales from carriers serving Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Consider one-stop itineraries via U.S. gateways for deeper discounts, but weigh the trade-off in total travel time. Sign up for airline newsletters and compare prices across major booking sites for the best Montego Bay to New York deals.