V-Flyer

Hi Folks,

We want to go to Austin, Texas - but Virgin don't have any connections to Austin via New York. Going via New York because under the economy miles sale, we can get 2xPE for 59,000 miles + Amex vouchers + Tax, not a bad deal we thought!

Anyway, we'd be arriving at Newark on VS17 and flying onward from JFK on JetBlue in the morning. (Direct Newark - Austin flights are hugely more expensive for some reason.)

So, the question is how would we be best off getting between the airports, and also where would be best to stay for the night - JFK or Newark hotels?

Cheers!
James

Check the new York port authority web site. Think there's a transit system/train between the two. Id always stay near your departure airport then there's less stress about getting there on time. If you want to see something of Manhattan then I think Newark is closer, plus the statue of liberty park is really close to Newark

The VS17 gets in at about 11pm.

Depends what time your flight the next day is.

There is public transit between EWR and JFK but its not integrated. It is getting a train from EWR to Penn Station, then onwards from there to JFK and its environs by subway. I'd allow a couple of hours at least (probbaly more because of the late hour).

There are a couple of car compaines you could look at - Carmel is one and has generally good reports and you can book on line.

Have never stayed at or close to EWR / JFK so can';t recommend anywhere but its only for a night to rest your head and probbaly cheaper than staying in mid town.

Thanks for the replies, we'll be departing around 8am from JFK. Using JFK because JetBlue have got sensibly priced direct flights whereas from Newark it's an indirect with US Airways or similar which we don't fancy!

Can you use the Amex vouchers with the Miles sales seats? I had always thought they wouldn't do that. Might be tempted now then!!
Ed

I have the details of a company I found to do exactly that when I was looking at the same thing to go into EWR then from JFK on jet blue will pm them to you when I get home later (eventually manged to get flights to JFK)

And yes you can use the PE upgrade vouchers with sale reward miles we've done exactly that for our flights to NYC in October

Take the train from EWR to Penn Station and transfer there to the Long Island Rail Road service to Jamaica and then the AirTran from there to JFK. It's pretty seamless

Thanks for the replies!

How about tranferring from Newark to Laguardia?

no trains or subway to LGA so its taxi or bus.

Will be detailed info on the LGA website.

I'd go to Penn and grab a taxi there to LGA, but not in the morning - the lines for cabs at Penn are often scary, though hopefully not so bad at 6am, and if you have a flight to catch ...

Which is unfortunate 'cause I think Newark has a hotel just opposite the terminals which is both reasonable and very convenient, and given your arrival time, that might be your best option if you actually want some sleep.

Some observations from the viewpoint of a local:
1. There are two terminals named "Penn Station"; Penn Station in Newark and Penn Station in New York City. There are trains between the two. Be cautious of late night schedules as the departures decrease in frequency. The Long Island Railroad mentioned earlier is available only at the New York City Penn Station.

2. A cab from New York Penn Station to either JFK or LGA is a possible solution. A cab from Newark would be rather expensive.

3. I would not employ the subway system late in the evening. You will likely be tired, carrying luggage, spotted as a non-local. All of this adds up to making you an attractive target. My intent is not to instill fear, but caution is in order.

4. The hotel on the grounds at EWR is the Marriott.

5. Traffic in the NY Metro area is horrendous in the morning. Leave a lot of extra time should you decide to overnight in Newark.

6. You may want to check the fares from Allentown, PA (ABE) to Austin. I travel to Austin fairly often and always try to depart from ABE. It is a far more 'civilized' environment than the three NY Metro airports. There are no direct flights ABE to AUS, but a simple transfer at either Chicago (ORD) or Washington (IAD) will get you there. ABE is approximately a hour and a quarter drive from EWR. The advantage there is you will be going counter to the rush hour traffic. It may actually be less expensive to arrange a rental car you pick up at EWR and drop at ABE.

I am rambling. Feel free to PM me if I can be of any assistance.

Jack

Thanks for your replies - really appreciated

Decided in the end to catch the VS45 on the Saturday and fly onwards from JFK, saving us the hassle of a late night NYC car/bus/train ride!

Does anyone have any PE seat recommendations/avoids on the LHR 747 configuration? I think one or two seats are lacking an aligned window?

Good choce!

Enjoy the trip