took us just over an hour on a Friday afternoon - we left our hotel (financial district) at 5pm so guess we got stuck in peak hour traffic...id definetely leave more time and then once you check in your luggage you can relax and have a coffee at the airport

Sf307
Your logic is impecable.

The trains usually run well during non-rush hours. And beleive it or not I would prefer Stewart's Diet Cream Soda.

Thank you one and all for your comments and advice. I work less than a block from the 53rd E train, so that seems like the best way to go (and yes, there's an escalator there -- when it's functioning -- but I will have only one little carry-on suitcase, so I should be fine).

Aduchamp1, if any train (whether late or on-time) shows up at 3:43, I'll meet you in the Fodorite Lounge for that Stewart's Diet Cream Soda upon my return. ;-)

How about catching a domestic 7am flight at JFK or LGA from midtown Manhattan on a July mid-week day. What would be a good time to leave in a taxi for these airports? Thanks!

The road to JFK from Manhattan can get very congested--the problem is--you never know when it will be like that. I'd tell the car service to pick you up at 2pm; allowing about 1 1/2 hour or so, for travel. It might be too much, but then again, it might not. It's better to be early.

Hi, Our flight leaves JFK at 7am. Also, how about La Guardia? Any suggestions on a great hotel within walking distance to Central Park, etc for under $300 a night? Thanks!

seeksocean,

For JFK, I'd allow 30 minutes for the taxi ride--at that hour, it might take only 20 minutes.

For LGA, I'd allow 20 minutes--though on a Sunday morning at 9 AM i got there in 15 minutes from the Village.

Better to start a new thread for your hotel question than to bury in this transportation question.

I took a 7 am flight out of JFK a couple of weeks ago and when I got there at 5:45 (for First - so no waiting) - the check in line for coach was enormous and it took 25 minutes to get through security. So - if checking bags and not wanting to sprint for your flight I would get there by 5:15 - meaning leave the city by 4:45 at the latest.

You might be lucky and have shorter lines - but all it takes is a couple of people with problems (too much luggage or not able to get through security) to make each lline 15 or 20 minutes longer.

There are dozens of hotels witihn walkng distance of Central Park, How many of you are there? When will you be coming? What do you mean by "great"? (Upscale? Moderate? specific amenities? a bargain?)

Four liberal..hip...whatever...women who are there for a 50th b-day. Mid July. Nice hotel, but $300 a night or under. I was looking at the Marriott Residence Times Square and the French Quarter Hotel. I like the idea of breakfast and free wifi included. We'd like to be in walking distance of some sites and stores. But, walking distance to Central Park would be wonderful.

Good heads up on the airport situation. We definately are not First Class flyers, so we'd need that extra time. Is La Guardia a whole lot more convenient? What's the morning travel time to Newark, or is that just silly? Thanks!

In the running...Marriott Residence Times Square, Dumont, Bryant Park, Hilton Garden Inn, French Quarter......

I don't understand why anyone stands on those long lines these days. Check in at home or on your mobile phone or at a kiosk, check the bag at the kiosk and head for security. Or go to the first class line and ask if your upgrade was approved and check in there.

How does this thread keep resurrecting?

Are you getting two hotel rooms, or planning to all share one? I ask because there's no way four people can share a studio room at the Residence Inn Times Square (I know there are some 1-BDRs, but as for the "regular" rooms, what they call studio suites, their website even says, maximum 3 people, and I've stayed there and wouldn't want to try to cram 4 people in ---- also, it's the smallest hotel bathroom I've ever seen.

Two to a room. Two rooms. I know it's not in Manhattan proper, but it's really a deal. It end up being $254 a night per room including everything. We plan on going to a Broadway show...thinking South Pacific and that's close. I think I'll start a new thread. Thanks!