We are arriving at JFK Intl. on United at 6:30am and leaving the same day on Singapore AL at 9:35pm in Oct. Does it make sense to go into NYC for several hours? If so, is there a place to store luggage and an easy way to get into NYC and back? Also, we fly into Frankkfurt on Singapore AL, then connect to Lufthansa to Istanbul...is it wise to check luggage all the way to Istanbul or better to pick it up with each connection? Thanks.

Regarding your second question re Frankfurt, there is no need to claim your bags in FRA then recheck them. You can check them all the way through. United, Singapore and LH are all Star Alliance partners as well so you should be able to get all 3 boarding passes at your origin.

Hi....if you type in NY Layover, there are several other threads for your perusal.

Also, here is a response to another NY Airport question from another reader - if you do explore the city, this gives Airport to Manhattan info.


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Date: 04/17/2005, 10:28 pm
I think there was a thread a while back that more thoroughly discussed getting back and forth from the airport, but here is what it boiled down to:

Going back to JFK, the Airport Express bus from Port Authority is, I believe, $15. I've done the bus, and it's fine. Allow yourself an hour for the bus ride, getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight -- so you want to take a bus somewhere around 4 or 4:30.

The new way to get to JFK is the AirTrain. You can either take the A train a loooong way and then transfer to the Airtrain (cheap, but time consuming) or else take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Jamaica, Queens, and transfer there.

But, the bus works just fine, and is a better choice, IMHO, than SuperShuttle. Others may have had different experiences.

Coming from the airport: I admit, when I come off a long flight, I splurge on a taxi, especially if jetlag is involved. The flat rate from JFK is $45, plus tip and toll -- so, something like $58-$60 all told.

The Airport Express bus is also a fine way to come in from the airport -- you could catch a cab for the few blocks from Port Authority if you have a lot of bags to schlep around.

But it would be nicer to be dropped off, I'm sure. I just haven't had good experiences with SuperShuttle in New York (fine in other cities.) Again, others' experience may vary.

Another option is to rent a car for the day. The rental cars are handy to get to at JFK, you can probably get a daily rate for $40-50. (cost of 1way taxi to Manhattan), drive in then pay for a parking garage, lock up your carryons.

I know this involves the hassle of driving into Manhattan, but it's something to consider, especially if you're in town Sat or Sun.

With a car you could also go the other way, driving out of Queens onto Long Island to the beach or elsewhere.

Just an idea

I would suggest taking the Airport Express bus because it will drop you off & pick up at Port Authority, from here take the hop on/hop off Gray line double decker bus around town until it's time to head back to JFK, then ride the doubledecker back to Port Authority and get back on the Airport Express bus out to JFK. This leaves you to enjoy the ride and see the most in your limited time without worrying about getting lost. Forget public transport (Airtrain takes forever). Give it an hour from JFK to Port Authority and an hour and half back out to JFK or more due to rush hour traffic. I don't know about luggage. DO NOT drive, I think it's even mean to suggest, plus you'll never find a spot to park, we who live here do not drive here, it's too crazy! Have fun!

Airport Website
http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jfkframe.HTM

Airport Transport
http://www.nyairportservice.com/

Double Decker Tour
http://www.graylinenewyork.com/

-Ellie