Terminal Intelligence: JFK Terminal 4
Why yes, you *can* get cryotherapy at your gate.
Welcome to Terminal Intelligence. Because friends don’t let friends get stuck at the airport without any decent healthy options.
This week we’re taking off from: JFK Terminal 4 (New York, NY)
Overall: You may actually want to get to the airport early if you're flying out of Terminal 4. Not only can you get quickie cryotherapy and halotherapy treatments before takeoff, but you can also find Stumptown cold brew, matcha lattes, a not-scary-looking salad bar, plus a decent selection of natural beauty products (in case you left the moisturizer at home by mistake). If only they upgraded their water fountain situation....
I need breakfast: There are two Peet's locations, and both serve up matcha lattes and cold brew. (If you're picky about your blends, Shake Shack pours Stumptown coffee and cold brew.) For something more substantial, Jamba Juice (near gate B27) has steel-cut oatmeal and pitaya bowls, while Flatiron Coffee (in the main food court area) makes frittatas.
I need a snack: The massive Hudson News in the B section of the terminal carries a shockingly wide range of buzzy healthy-ish brands: Barnana, Rx Bars, Kind, Simply kale chips, Noka superfood "smoothies", and more.
I need a real meal: Walk past the cute trailers and food trucks at 5 Borough Food Hall to Dromos, which has a veggie platter that'll keep you full for hours. If you want a true sit-down experience, it's slim pickings—Uptown Brasserie has a few not-so-exciting salad options, while Blue Smoke has a veggie burger. Desperate for a salad? Trek to B37 to make your own salad at La Brea Bakery--or hit up the salad bar at Camden Food Co. in the main food court.
I'm hungry but my flight boards in five minutes: TBH the options are slim for vegans (there wasn't a single salad we spotted that came sans meat and cheese). If you're not strict, La Brea Bakery and Pizzavino both have decent options. If you're flexi, the best-looking pre-made salads were at the to-go section of Blue Smoke...or just grab a salmon roll from Bento Sushi (there are multiple locations throughout the terminal).
I need to relax: Cryotherapy at the airport is officially a thing, thanks to the XpressRecover outpost near gate B23. The XpressSpa spin-off (which, for the record, has multiple locations in this terminal too) serves up both localized and facial cryo, plus compression therapy and halotherapy.
I forgot something at home: The big Hudson News has practically an aisle's worth of personal-care products, including a wall of Burt's Bees products (think wipes, hand cream, and more—many of it TSA-friendly). In a pinch, hit up the Kiehl's kiosk right near the terminal entrance.
I need to fill up my water bottle: It's 2018 and this terminal doesn't have any water bottle fountains. Not cool.