Flying out of JFK? Here's what to do while you wait

When I'm at Kennedy Airport, it usually means I'm flying domestic on JetBlue. Even though LaGuardia is easier for me to get to, fares are typically cheaper out of Kennedy because it's JetBlue's home base. Over the years, I had become quite familiar with the retail and restaurant offerings throughout the airport, but after they kicked things up a few notches a couple of years ago by renovating the JetBlue terminal into the state-of-the art T5, I pretty much don't budge from the central plaza until my flight is boarding. 

I like to hit the food hall, where there's a much-nicer-than-you'd-expect salad bar with soup, too. And I like Pommes Frites, which, although it's good, lacks the charm and the menu options of its Manhattan namesake, and Jamba Juice. If I had a little extra money to spend, I'd like to try Deep Blue, an Asian restaurant and sushi bar by Michael Schulson (formerly of Buddakan). 

There's also an Xpres Spa, which will pamper you while you wait with a massage, manicure or facial. The only downside is a lack of privacy.

When my international travels take me elsewhere in the airport, I'm sorry to report I usually keep it fairly simple, usually heading to La Famiglia, which makes pretty solid specialty pizzas, or -- dare I say -- Burger King, which has consistently abused its right to call itself fast food, once keeping me waiting 17 minutes for onion rings. But, it's not like I had anywhere to go.

What are your favorite shops, watering holes and eateries at Kennedy? Share them with fellow Direct Flighters in the comments below.