If You Prefer to Fly
Since New York City is truly a city that never sleeps, you can fly into one of the three major airports (LaGuardia, in northern Queens, JFK, in southern Queens, and Newark, in New Jersey), get a cab, and check into a hotel at any hour. Make sure the hotel knows ahead of time when you plan to arrive; otherwise, it may make you wait for your room, which can be exhausting when you are traveling with kids. Flying at night is a good way to avoid crowds at the airports and traffic en route to Manhattan.
Follow the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 guidelines. All liquids must be carried in 3-ounce bottles in a 1-quart clear plastic resealable bag. Each passenger is allowed one bag. The only exceptions to the 3-ounce rule are prescription medications, baby formula, breast milk, and juice; you must declare these items to a security official. Check
All three city airports are varying distances from Manhattan. LaGuardia is the closest, but not by much. If you're staying in Brook-lyn, Queens, or the Bronx, Newark Airport would be a less desirable choice, since the other two airports are located close by. Otherwise, let the cheapest airfare guide you.
Airport GuidelinesGive yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check in for your flight, and get through security. Generally, you must arrive an hour ahead of time for a domestic flight and two hours early for an international flight, but some situations add an hour to both. Airlines bump tardy passengers from overbooked flights, so be aware of that.
At the security checkpoint, children and adults alike must remove belts and shoes when going through the metal detector, so make sure your family dresses accordingly. All passengers are expected to have photo ID at check-in.
Save money on a flight to New York by flying into one of the lesser-known airports — White Plains Airport (HPN) in Westchester County or Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Long Island. There are often seats available during the more crowded times since fewer people know about them. However, this only saves you money if you are renting a car or have someone to pick you up at the airport. Otherwise, a cab ride to midtown will run you $100 to $120.
Make sure all bags have zippers or clasps that can be closed for security. Remember to label all bags so that they are easily identifiable at the airport luggage carousel. If you plan to carry bags onto an airplane, security rules at the time of this writing limited you to one carry-on to fit in an overhead and a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or small backpack. There are also additional items that do not count toward your carry-on allowance, including a child car seat, infant diaper bag, collapsible umbrella-type stroller, coat, camera, medical devices, and reasonable reading material. Check with your airline and the TSA (
New York is a major hub. Every major airline and most of the smaller ones offer frequent flights into and out of the city. Depending on where home is, you should have an opportunity to choose among several carriers to find the best deal.
Air Canada
1-888-247-2262
Service fee: $15 per passenger, $37 maximum per booking (four-hour Canadian stopover required)
American Airlines
1-800-433-7300
Service fee: $10 per ticket, $15 for award tickets
Continental Airlines
1-800-523-3273
Service fee: $10 per ticket
Delta Airlines
1-800-221-1212
Service fee: $10 per ticket
JetBlue Airways
1-800-538-2583
Service fee: None
Midwest Airlines
1-800-452-2022
Service fee: None
Northwest Airlines
1-800-225-2525
Service fee: $10 per ticket
Southwest Airlines
1-800-435-9792
Service fee: None, but prices may be $10 cheaper online
United Airlines
1-800-864-8331
Service fee: $15 per ticket
US Airways
1-800-428-4322
Service fee: $10 per ticket
Try to make your reservations as far ahead of time as possible. Airlines may give you a better deal if you book at least twenty-one days in advance, but the old rule that you'll get a better airfare if your stay includes a Saturday night isn't true anymore. Check prices on various airlines, and look for advertised specials. If you're planning your visit around a major holiday, you need to book even further in advance. Tickets go quickly during the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays.
Farecast (
Always push for a better price; you have nothing to lose. Computer pricing has allowed airlines to fine-tune seat pricing to the smallest degree, so airfares vary widely depending on your departure point, the type of seats you are purchasing, and when you purchase them. On an airplane, everyone on board may have paid a different ticket price.
JFK International Airport (JFK)
718-244-4444
JFK International Airport is one of the world's busiest. Opened as Idlewild International Airport in 1948, its name was changed in the 1960s to honor President John F. Kennedy. All major carriers land at JFK. Transportation information counters are located on the lower level near baggage-claim carousels, and taxis, buses, shuttles, and limousines pull up just outside. Car rental facilities are also nearby and can be reached by rental company shuttle buses.
Although the airport is located some fifteen miles outside of Manhattan in Queens, travel by taxi to Manhattan takes about fifty to sixty minutes — longer during busy times. Taxis charge a flat rate of $45 plus tolls and tips. The tip should be roughly 15 percent depending on service.
Shuttles run from the airport to all areas of the city: Grand Central, Penn Station, and the Port Authority on Forty-second Street, as well as to midtown hotels and other locations. During the day and early evening, this is a good way to save on cab fare. However, if you are traveling with a large family, an SUV cab might be cheaper because you'll pay a flat fee rather than a per-person charge, as you would on a shuttle.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
718-533-3400
Smaller than JFK, the 680-acre LaGuardia Airport handles all of the primary carriers and offers mostly domestic flights. Originally opened commercially in 1939 as New York City Municipal Airport, the name was later changed in tribute to former Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Located less then ten miles from Manhattan, the trip from this Queens-based airport can be anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes. Taking a cab that charges by the meter will cost around $35 plus tolls and tips. Cabs are easy to find at any number of taxi stands.
Taxi drivers are not allowed to solicit fares in the airport. Always wait in the taxi stand line and let the dispatcher or the cab line do the work. If a cab driver or anyone else meets you in the terminal and offers you a ride — even at a low rate — refuse it. So-called “gypsy cab” drivers are not legal and are not authorized by the city.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
973-961-6000
In nearby Newark, New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport is some thirty to forty minutes from Manhattan (more during rush hour) by car or bus. New Jersey's largest commercial airport, Newark has enjoyed major renovations over the years, including monorail service from terminal to terminal. If you're heading to the west side of Manhattan, you might consider flying into Newark. Also, Newark is generally less crowded than Kennedy or LaGuardia. Taxis cost $55 to $65 plus tolls and tip.
