jill777

I arrive in New York on a Monday 5:30pm and have tickets for the Met. Opera at 8pm. My husband arriving at 3pm on a different flight can either wait for me with a rental car and we can drive straight to the opera,with our luggage in the trunk but what about monday traffic? is this doable, or we can take the subway but then we will have to stop at Manhattan hotel to drop off the luggages, what's the best way with our time limits?

nytraveler

Well- I definitely would not rent a car if you can avoid it. (You don;t want to waste time looking for a garage and waiting to get rid of your car.)

Does the Met have a checkroom where you can leave your luggage? If so, I would have your husband meet your arriving flight then grab a cab to the Met and just leave your luggage in the checkroom. Or, for the same price - about $60 including tip and toll you can have a car service take you into the city and avoid the taxi line. Try Carmel or Dial 7 web site for coupons. (Both know the short cuts and where traffic is worst and can get into the city faster than you can.

Also, I would have only carry-on luggage - so you're not stuck waiting for checked luggage to arrive(can take an hour or more in prime time when you arrive).

Also, I would look up the usual arrival time of your flight - to see how late it usually is. If it's typically late I would consider an earlier flight into NYC.

Bunkhedena

I suggest that your husband take your luggage and his and that he go straight to the hotel to check in when he arrives. That way you get the luggage out of the way. You should just take a carryon bag. This way there is no delay waiting for the luggage after you arrive. Then you can take a cab/car service and meet your husband at the Met or at a restaurant if you arrive on time.

doug_stallings

This definitely calls for a taxi or car service. Make a quick stop at your hotel to drop off the luggage (your husband should have already checked in because that can take some time in a busy NYC hotel). Have the car or taxi wait (you need to arrange this waiting time in advance if you do a car service, so a taxi might be preferably in this isntance). Then your husband jumps in the taxi and you head off to Lincoln Center (it's a bit chaotic there right now because of construction, so you may need a few extra minutes to find your way to the opera house).

Be sure you have a cell so you can connect with your husband and he can be waiting downstairs at the hotel when you arrive. If you are running short of time, you can probably check your own bags at the hotel and pick them up after the opera.

mclaurie

If it's possible for hubby to take your luggage, that would be ideal. Let him check in with luggage. Then, depending on what time your flight actually lands, you can either meet him at hotel (which one?) or you head straight to Lincoln Center and meet him there.

mclaurie

It depends on which hotel you're staying at and whether you're able to rid yourself of the luggage as to what is the best form of transportation (imo).

yk

Just so you know, the Metropolitan Opera starts at 8pm sharp (once in a while, it may start at 8:05pm). DO NOT count on being allowed in once the music starts, you'll have to wait outside until the first intermission.

ellenem

Do verify the performance start time. Some longer operas might begin at 7:30, 7:00, or even 6:30.

Union musicians get a much higher rate for playing past midnight, so performances for long operas begin earlier rather than run later.

sobster

If you do rent a car-which will use up valuable time-you can park under the opera in their parking garage.
And hide your luggage in the trunk.

maryanntex

Speaking from experience, I'd recommend that you and your husband each have in your possession your own ticket. That way, if your plane is seriously delayed, at least your husband will have his ticket and you both won't have to miss the opera.

And yes, if at all possible, let your husband take your luggage in addition to his own.

Gekko

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as 'fast' from JFK to Manhattan (except perhaps at 3am, but I've hit traffic then too!).

Do NOT rent a car.

Take a cab to your hotel, drop off the bags, and head to the opera.

Good luck!

nstevey

How about shipping your luggage to the hotel?

You didn't say where the hotel was, but you'd save much time on your commute not having to deal with it, no? 5:30 arr, 5:50 curbside, 7ish, 7:15 Met arrival. Plane comes a bit late, you have some slack.

Pack some minimal space usage clothing to hold you over, worst scenario is you have an excuse to go shopping.

I assume you already tried for an earlier flight or considered standby?

nstevey

Oh and there is fast from JFK - helicopter.

Practical was not mentioned