I have some friends arriving at JFK from the UK for a visit to NYC. They have visited before, but not with me. They are all adults, 2 males and 1 female, who is expecting her first baby later this year. I will meet them when they arrive at the airport and I would like to make their welcome special, so I was wondering...what special, creative, memorable welcomes have you experienced (or provided) upon arrival? Looking forward to your replies! Thanks.

Well, in the last ice age - when I was a child and you could still go out on the tarmac and meet people coming down the runway my uncle took me to meet a cousin (14) coming to visit from Cleveland. He stopped at a florist on the way and bought several large bunches of roses (he was quite impulsive) and when she stepped off the stairs he bowed and presented them to her. When we got home we had trouble finding enough tall vases to put them in.

BUT, since now you can;t meet people until after they get through customs, your best option for a memorable welcome is a huge stretch limo (perhaps giant white mercedes) to take them into the city - perhaps supplied with champagne. but it won;t be cheap.

Something simple yet fun would be several mylar helium balloons and you holding a big, colorful sign with their name. It would stand out from all the glum faced, black suited limo drivers holding small name signs.

I like J62's idea, and if it were me, I'd love nothing more than to have someone ELSE take my bags and deposit me in a comfy ride. With a nice cold drink.

A limo would be lovely but it wouldn't have to be a strech limo. But if that doesn't work with your budget J62's and and sheri's suggestion would be wonderful. Friends did that for me when I arrived at their airport and I will always remember how special it was.

Have a slice of NY pizza waiting for each of them in the car, and be sure to have "New York New York" playing on the car stereo.
Maybe present them each with a pass to ride the subway for a week, and a little map of attractions/visitors guide?

If you have a couple weeks before their visit, you may also contact your city council person and ask for a welcome letter for your friends.

They're usually more than happy to do little things like that for constituents. You could then present it while you're riding into the city and the council person may also add a small city flag, lapel pin or other give-aways.