With a population of around 8,244,000, it’s no surprise that two of the busiest airports are in New York City. The LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport are notorious for being congested and impossible to navigate — two factors that can make for a nightmarish first impression of America. As a first-time flier into NYC, it’s possible to survive the chaos, and grab your bags and a taxi without wasting half your day. Here are some suggestions to help you make it through what is hopefully the first of many flights to New York.
Choosing the Ideal Flight
There are a few ways to help make sure your airport experience is less hectic:
- Always Choose the Bigger Plane. You may not prefer flying on a massive airbus, but if bad weather strikes, you’re more likely to make it to NYC on a larger plane.
- Arrive Early. Purchase a ticket that allows you to fly into NYC early in the morning. The staff at a busy airport is stressed, and problems only multiply as hours pass. The earlier you arrive, the more likely everything is on time and running smoothly.
- Choose JFK. Fly into the John F. Kennedy International Airport because, traditionally, their on-time average is better. Also, if you are flying straight from the U.K., your only option is JFK.
Your Arrival in New York
Thirty minutes before the plane is scheduled to land, use the toilet because you won’t get another opportunity for some time. Upon arrival from the U.K., your first duty is to find the queue for immigration. Be prepared to stand in line for up to an hour. Speed up the process by having your necessary paperwork available and closely following the airport personnel’s instructions.
Making Your Way to Baggage Claim
Once you’ve made it through the immigration line, grab your bags and head to customs. Ignore your first instinct to sprint to baggage claim. Once the crowds have died down, stroll over and retrieve your suitcase before heading to customs. With any luck, you’ll be whisked through immediately and on your way to finally leaving the airport.
Leaving the Airport and Finding a Taxi
If you have the extra money, the best way to enter Manhattan is in a Yellow Taxi. The entire trip will cost about $60 to $70 U.S. dollars, which includes the $45 flat-rate, tolls and a tip. If you’re in luck, the trip into the city will only take 30 minutes. There are less expensive alternatives, including the SuperShuttle. Travelling into Manhattan on a shuttle bus costs anywhere from $15 to $19, although the downside is the time it takes to board, wait for your luggage to be loaded, drive into the city and again wait for your luggage, which is easily over an hour.
Weather Delays
Your time in NYC was magnificent, but you can’t wait to board the plane and head home. Unfortunately, your plans are sullied by a sudden weather delay. Delays are an unfortunate part of any travel experience. The likelihood of being stuck an extra day or two in NYC increases during the winter months. If you’re trapped in NYC during a blizzard or heavy rainstorm, the best thing you can do is wait it out in the terminal and find a place to plug in your laptop or smartphone. JFK features several Samsung Charging Stations. Added in 2007, the stations allow you to power-up your laptop and enjoy a film while you wait for the weather to pass.
When it comes to making it through your first experience in JFK or LaGuardia, it’s all about keeping your head down, following the rules and striking up a friendly conversation with the people in line. Don’t let the potential experience scare you off. When you’re ready to plan your maiden voyage to NYC, look online for information on flights.
Image provided by Seamus Murray from Flickr’s Creative Commons
About the Author: Mona Reinhardt is a blogger and former Londoner who has lived in New York City for the past two years.
