We have a dilema, we are heading to Italy for 3 weeks, flying on Iberia from New York.(we got the best deal, 1/2 of what it would cost from Denver to Rome).However now we need to get to New York. Our flight on Iberia is out of JFK leaving around 9pm. Here are our options.

1. Do the red eye getting in NY at 6 am. Go sightseeing even though we will be exhausted and catch the Iberia flight the same day.

2. Take the flight the day before, getting in NY at 9pm. Stay at the Marriot with the view of the Statue of Liberty,for DS whose 10th birthday happens to be that day. Leave our bags at hotel and sightsee prior to flight. Cost in the grand scheme of things is negligable.

3. Easiest but more risky option, take the flight that arrives at Lagaudia at 4pm same day and just transfer to JFK.

Any thoughts?

#2. If you're not on single ticket, which is what it sounds like. I wouldn't take a chance on #3, and #1 would leave you tired before you even start your vacation (unless you got a day room somewhere and slept).

BTW - if you're talking about the Marriot Downtown (fka Financial Center) it's a nice hotel.

#1 - too tiring a way to start a European holiday.
#2 - Get a good night's sleep and celebrate your son's BD in NYC.
#3 - could be a nightmare if stuff happens (my son recently missed a flight home from Rome - not a recommended way to travel)

Do #2 and have the best of all worlds!

Thanks that is what I was thinking.

I read that the Marriot downtown has Statue of Liberty views, and because DS who has never been to NYC would like to see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire state building, I thought we could start with the Statue of Liberty in the morning, just view, not visit and then visit Chinatown(also for DS) and then head to the Empire state building, before heading back to claim luggage.

There is no way I'd book two tickets and plan to arrive at Laguardia at 4PM for a 9PM JFK departure. If the first flight is late or cancelled...or even if it's on time.

Arriving the day before makes the most sense. I can't imagine an overnight flight, then 6AM to 9PM...

I think You have the right idea - do a few things that your son would like - it is his birthday after all - and don't get exhausted - save your energy for bella Italia - and hopefully, this brief trip to NY will whet his appetite and you'll make NYC a destination vacation in the future!

#2 makes the most sense. IT gives you time to add even more fun to your vacation.

On a scale of 1 to 100 here are my ratings:

#1: 3

#2: 99 (It would only be 100 if you can add yet another night)

#3: 0

Number 2- no question!

Thanks everyone, you make it seem so obvious, I don't know how I could have missed it.