I have a 5.5 hour layover at Newark airport returning from Paris. In checking the train schedule, I figure I could have about 2.5 hours in Manhattan taking the train over. I'm allowing about an hour and a quarter to go through security and get to my gate on the way back. Any other things I need to consider? I also have to decide if it's worth it.

When coming back from Paris you need to go through Immigration and then Customs with your luggage, then recheck it for the next flight. You can assume this will take at least an hour from wheels down - and possibly longer if you have to change terminals.

Separately, for any flight out of Newark the airline wants you to be there 2 hours before flight time in order to allow for security - which can be quick - or can take forever.

So - in fact you don;t have 5.5 hours - you really have only 2.5 hours - not enough time to get into the city and back. (And that assumes that your incoming flight is on time.)

I would never risk leaving the airport with that little time.

Thanks, that's what I was concerned about. I'd probably be worried the whole time in New York about getting back in time. Who needs add more stress anyway?

Depending on the time of day, if you want to get out of the airport for a bit, there are some amazing Portugese restaurants in Newark just a short cab ride away. Easily doable in your time frame.

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

Don't do it.

If you dread sitting in the terminal, consider buying a daypass ($45) at Continental's President's Club, or have a nice meal the Gallagher's in Terminal C.

Not much more than your roundtrip train tickets to Manhattan, and a lot more relaxing.

BTW, what flights are you on? If there's an earlier flight home, you can standby.

A couple of days ago Continental rescheduled my domestic flight so I had an hour and ten minute connection. I've been through customs/immigration/security there enough to know it wouldn't work, even if I went carry-on. I called them and they rebooked me free on the later flight with the 5.5 hr. layover. It seemed like the better alternative to me. I actually don't mind hanging out in the Newark airport. I just thought with the train connection there it might be possible to get into the city for awhile.

BTW, thanks for the suggestions, rk, I'll look into them.

Yes, good idea to be booked on the later flight. If you get out of customs early, you may still try to standby on the earlier flight. It's more complicated if you have checked luggage, as you have to do it before you drop off your bags.

If you have no luggage, just go straight to the gate of the earlier flight and ask to be put on the waitlist. I've done it.