FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher overall at 8.7/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Zurich Airport New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.7 7.2
On-Time Performance 8.8 6.8
Passenger Experience 8.7 7.0
Facilities & Comfort 8.8 7.8
Lounge Score 8.9 8.4
City Zurich New York
Country Switzerland United States
Terminals 1 terminal (single-roof design) 6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening)
Annual passengers 28M+ 62M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy ZRH — Zurich JFK — New
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Zurich, Switzerland · ZRH · #1 in this comparison

Zurich Airport

1 terminal (single-roof design) · 28M+ passengers/year

8.7 / 10

How good is Zurich Airport?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.8), passenger experience (8.7), and facilities (8.8). Lounge quality rates 8.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Zurich ZRH is rated 8.7/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.9/10. SWISS Senator lounges serve Star Alliance business and Gold. Single-terminal design makes connections fast. Train to Zurich city in 10 minutes. See /guides/zurich-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 8.7 Excellent
On-time 8.8 Departure reliability
Experience 8.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.9 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.8
Passenger Experience
8.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.8
Lounge score 8.9/10

Highlights

  • Single-terminal layout simplifies Schengen and intercontinental connections within 20–30 minutes airside
  • SWISS Senator and Business lounges with Swiss dining and chocolate stations
  • On-time score 8.8/10 — among Europe's most reliable hubs
  • Efficient rail link to Zurich HB in 10 minutes — ideal for business trips

Overview

SWISS and Star Alliance hub — among Europe's highest on-time scores, compact single-terminal design, and excellent Senator lounges.

SWISS lounges and single-terminal efficiency

SWISS operates Senator and Business lounges airside with Swiss buffet dining, Rösti stations, and premium chocolate. Star Alliance Gold access on international departures.

The airport's compact design means most gates are reachable within 15 minutes — compare favourably with Frankfurt or CDG for tight connections.

New York, United States · JFK · #2 in this comparison

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening) · 62M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.8), passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

JFK (JFK) is New York's primary international airport, rated 7.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 4 has the deepest lounge mix (Delta, Virgin, Centurion, Priority Pass). Terminal 8 is American's flagship hub. Allow extra time — security and terminal transfers are slower than European hubs. See /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 for terminal-by-terminal access.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 6.8 Departure reliability
Experience 7.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.8
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 4 is the international hub — Delta Sky Club, Virgin Clubhouse, Amex Centurion, and Plaza Premium
  • Terminal 8 hosts American Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club for AA long-haul departures
  • No unified post-security connector — lounge access is terminal-specific; misconnects often require re-security
  • FlightLogic lounge score 8.4/10 — among the strongest US airport lounge ecosystems when you depart from the right terminal

Overview

Primary US gateway for transatlantic traffic — terminal-specific lounges, fragmented airside connections, and strong premium options in T4 and T8.

Terminal layout and lounge access

JFK is split across six terminals with no single airside link between all of them. Your lounge options depend entirely on which terminal your flight departs from — Amex Centurion in Terminal 4 is useless if you depart from Terminal 8 without a long landside transfer.

Terminal 4 serves Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and many SkyTeam and international carriers. Terminal 8 is American Airlines' home. JetBlue Mint Lounge in Terminal 5 is among the best domestic US airline lounges. British Airways still uses Terminal 7 on select departures.

UK traveller notes

Most UK–JFK routes arrive into T4 (Virgin, Delta, BA on some flights) or T8 (BA, AA). For connections onward within the US, verify whether your itinerary stays airside or requires baggage reclaim and re-check — many JFK connections are not protected through a single terminal.

Global Entry and Mobile Passport can shorten immigration; TSA PreCheck helps on domestic connections. Pair with /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and Heathrow guides for round-trip transatlantic planning.

FAQ

Which is better, Zurich Airport or New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher overall at 8.7/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, ZRH or JFK?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher for lounges at 8.9/10, versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport at 8.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, ZRH or JFK?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) has stronger on-time performance at 8.8/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 6.8/10.