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Layover guideNew York · JFK

Local laws that catch crew out in New York

Two legal systems apply at once, and cannabis is the trap: legal to buy in New York State, illegal to take out of the state or the country.

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All of New York

The FCDO puts it plainly: while you are in a state you are subject to both that state's laws and national law. Breaking them can affect your visa status and future travel to the US.

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. The FCDO says to expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling them, and notes that US airports use sophisticated technology to detect illegal items, including scanning the baggage of transit passengers.

New York State allows adults 21 and over to possess 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrate, but the state's Office of Cannabis Management states that leaving or coming into the state or country with any cannabis product is against the law. Buying it legally in Manhattan does not make it legal in your bag.

UK prescriptions are not valid in the US, and you cannot take some prescription drugs into the country. Getting pharmacy drugs needs a prescription from a US provider. Check the FDA guidance on bringing medicines into the US before you travel with anything unusual.

  1. UK FCDO: USA travel advice, safety and security · checked 2026-08-17
  2. UK FCDO: USA travel advice, health · checked 2026-08-17
  3. New York State Office of Cannabis Management: adult-use information · checked 2026-08-17

The rest of New York

The whole guide
Getting out of the airportYellow cabs run to Manhattan on a published flat rate from official stands at every terminal, and the AirTrain links the terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road.Ride-hailingUber and Lyft operate at JFK, but the pickup point is not always the kerb: Terminals 5 and 7 send you out to Howard Beach on the AirTrain.Staying connectedFree unlimited wifi at all Port Authority airports, no time limit.WeatherFour real seasons: 30C summers, snowy sub-zero winters, rain possible any month; hurricane season peaks Sep.Eating near the crew hotelsFood halls are the crew move — one roof, many vendors, long hours; Chelsea Market runs 7am-10pm daily.What to buyClothing and shoes under $110 per item are completely tax-free in NYC; most everything else adds 8.875% at the register.TippingTip 18-20% at restaurants (not included in the bill), $1+/drink at bars, 15-20% in taxis — it is wages, not extra.