If you book the excellent on-line AA fare, know that you can put a 24 hour hold on it; you have nothing to lose by doing so.You have to get thru the booking process and at the end it will ask if you want to buy now, or hold til the next day.
Other airlines prob'lly have this option too.

Wow! Thanks everyone for the great tips! I'm checking out SW! I didn't know it takes that long to get from the airport to Manhattan!! Two hours?! I'd be flying from SEA the weekend of the 22nd or 23rd.

Islip Airport is on Long Island, about 45 miles from Manhattan. Driving, it might take less time, but with public transport connections, it would take at least two hours. As others have said, LGA and JFK are much closer, actually in the city of New York, though in the outskirts.

Have you tried kayak.com? I don't know your exact travel dates, but it appears you can fly SEA-JFK for $266 on America West, and some similar ($268) on Northwest (AA partner).

I don't think thi includes taxes and fees. However, it is listed as a lower price than the AA tickets.

Do you have a hotel booked? Finding a good airfare will be a lot easier than an affordable hotel.

No need for a hotel. I have a relative who lives in Manhattan!

Hey, I've been seeing deals like $59-$99 flights! But the NY airport is limited to Islip. I'm wondering if I should just go during a weekday and book a hotel in order to get a good deal. But by staying with a relative I'd be saving money too. I'm going to keep checking. Appreciate all of the good advice!

I wondered, but now I'm pretty much convinced.

OP is jerking our chain.

First and only post too.

No star, I just think OP is jerking own chain and is not fully committed to being in NYC next weekend.

IMO desire for low fare is ok, but at this point OPs plan to not buy $300 when avail and keep looking for $200 fare, even to Islip is misguided.

The idea of holding out while looking for $200 last min fare to airport 2hrs away from Manhattan, flying on a weekday and spending >$100 on a hotel is being penny wise and pound foolish.

But hey, it's her travel, not mine.

IF the OP is for real, he obviously doesn't understand taxes. The $200 he THINKS he has heard was before taxes. I know. I'm booking a flight right now. The one way fare look great - but when the taxes and fee tally up it's still $203. Still, a steal! I'm thrilled to get a flight that cheap to NYC.

Either way, he's not impressing anyone with his comprehension skills. Does he have any idea what it will cost in time and money to get in from Islip?

starrsville & J62:

I appreciate the tips you gave to me the first time. But now that you're saying "OP is jerking our chain" are you really serious?

I was simply asking for tips/advice from people who travel. If there's no such thing as a $200 roundtrip ticket then OK. I said my thanks to everyone and moved on.

A liar and foolish? I don't think so.

By the way, if you're not sure you're talking to a male or female, I'd ask next time. I'm a SHE.

I'm flying Burbank to NYC (JFK) in late Oct. for $139 on Jet Blue (one way) so $278 rt plus taxes...normal fare for this is $159 on Jet Blue (one way).
Shadow

I hope you and Starrsville don't get on the same flight!

Spirit Airlines is having a buy one, get one free sale.