Operated by Travelers Aid International (TAI), the mission of this 501-c-3 non-profit organization is to aid people in transit who are in distress or are experiencing unexpected challenges in making cross-country connections.
Travelers Aid at John F. Kennedy International Airport is part of a network of 20 other Travelers Aid Transportation Centers, which includes airports, train stations, and bus terminals. The JFK Airport program provides direct services and services provided by their member organizations and is funded by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Since 1957, when Travelers Aid opened its first information booth at what was then New York International, more commonly known as Idlewild Airport, Travelers Aid has assisted passengers at the airport who experience problems such as missed airline connections, flight delays, and lost luggage.
At the heart of Travelers Aid are its dedicated core of volunteers who staff their information desks and can guide passengers with answers to questions about the airport or the New York metropolitan area. In the year 2016 alone, volunteers at JFK Airport assisted more than 440,000 passengers. With a warm welcome, volunteers help passengers navigate the airport by providing flight information, lodging, transportation options or guidance on making a connecting flight. The Travelers Aid professional staff manages the volunteer program and offers social service referrals to individuals and families that are stranded or encountering challenges while at the airport.
Travelers Aid International exists with a constant vision to ensure that people in transit receive assistance when and where it is needed in communities and travel hubs throughout the country. TAI remains committed to uplifting the human experience, using the skills and talents of a diverse group of volunteers and trained staff and their programs share a combined passion and desire to create a culture of caring and support.
Visit www.travelersaid.org/jfk for additional information about volunteer opportunities.