If you've ever packed up the car before sunrise and made the trip from the Southern Tier to John F. Kennedy International Airport, getting there can be the hardest part of the journey. The good news? A new study suggests that once you get to JFK, your airfare may be a better than you think.

JFK Is One of the More Affordable Major Airports

According to Compare the Market, the average airfare at JFK is around $431. They found that when adjusted for inflation, travelers flying from JFK are paying about 11% less than they would have paid for a similar flight in 2009. That works out to a savings of almost $50 per ticket in today's dollars.

Travel Costs Have Been Getting Attention

With fuel prices and travel expenses making headlines, travelers have worried that flying is becoming more expensive. While airfare prices vary widely depending on destination, season, and how far in advance you book, the study found that average fares at JFK have become more affordable when inflation is taken into account.

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Why This Matters to Southern Tier Travelers

Many travelers from the Southern Tier fly out of JFK because of the large number of flights available there. While airports closer to home may be more convenient, JFK offers more flight options, more nonstop routes, and competitive pricing that can make the drive worth it.

Every Trip Is Different

Airfare is only one part of the travel budget. Southern Tier travelers need to factor in gas, tolls, parking, hotels, or shuttle services when deciding whether JFK is the best departure airport for their trip.

A Little Good News for Travelers

Nobody wants to pay more than they have to for airfare. While travel costs remain important for New Yorkers, this study suggests that flyers using JFK are getting a little more value for their money than travelers did 15 years ago.

The 10 Most Stressful Airports in America for 2026

Before you scroll, here’s how this list came together: researchers at Nova Kratom analyzed 358 U.S. airports using 2025 data on delays, cancellations, and diversions, combining them into a stress index score. Here's a look at the 10 Most Stressful Airports in America for 2026:

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

The 10 Worst Airports For Weather Delays in America

The saviors of vacations at InsureMyTrip had their crack researchers analyze the latest Department of Transportation (DOT) date to determine which airports in the United States Mother Nature is most inclined to mess with. Here are InsureMyTrip's Top 10 Airports with the Highest Percentage of Weather Delays.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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