Experiences with La Guardia or JFK?

[DisKim]

I'm tempted by these great Jet Blue rates. I live in south Jersey so it would take me about 2 1/2 hours to get to JFK or La Guardia. My mother who is coming worth it says those airports are horrible and she'd rather have us drive (of course, we're taking my car). Has anyone had experience with either of these airports?

 

[disneyjunkie]

I use LGA often. I try to book early flights to avoid the long security lines.

When we went to Disney last Easter, we left on the last flight of the day, MISTAKE. The check in lines were huge. I had done the online check in, but the airline we used didn't have curb side check in.

After dealing with that line we had to deal with a long line for security.

From now on I'll stick with early or mid-day flights.

I don't have any information about parking. Since we're only 15 minutes from the airport, I always take a cab there.

 

[cortegro]

We live in CT, just over the border and use LGA and JFK all the time. I prefer LaGuardia generally, it's a bit closer and the Long Term Parking is quite closer to the Terminal than at JFK. But I think JetBlue only flys to Ft.Lauderdale from LGA. I have never used JetBlue from there, only from JFK.

At JFK long term parking is cheaper, but you take a monorail shuttle to the JetBlue terminal. This process takes a while, I would leave almost an hour or so for the transfers. I find it to be pretty easy overall, but the extra time/schlepping of bags is a hassle. The JetBlue terminal though, is a dream. There was NO lines anywhere, plenty of places to hang out while waiting for the flights, and friendly FA's.

If the price is right, I would say go for it! Just plan on some extra time transferring to the terminal.

Good Luck,

cortegro

 

[Jen D]

I use both all the time.

They aren't the most appealling airports in the country, that's for sure-- LGA is just too small for all their traffic... JFK is a bit beter. Neither are beautiful landscape airports with malls and bells and whistles. LGA has had some trouble with lots of late flights, backed up schedules, but it has gotten better in the last couple years. To me both of them serve their purpose well enough-- I certainly wouldn't pick a 22 hour drive over flying out of them! If the rates are that much better than Philly or even Newark, I'd say go for it.

 

[PatMcDuck]

We are in central NJ, and used Jet Blue out of JFK several times. Parking is ok, and JFK is more on time than LGA in general, evenif it is bit further. Jet Blue is obssessed with being on time, which is wonderful. They really hustle to get the plane out of the gate on time or even a little early. JetBlue seems to have it's own terminal, just about, and once you are in there, it seems cozy.

Traffic COULD be an issue, depending on the time of year, and time of day you would be driving up there and back.

This August we are using Spirit out of AC. We booked for $168 late last year. But we will miss the VERY comfortable planes of JetBlue.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by DisKim
I'm tempted by these great Jet Blue rates. I live in south Jersey so it would take me about 2 1/2 hours to get to JFK or La Guardia. My mother who is coming worth it says those airports are horrible and she'd rather have us drive (of course, we're taking my car). Has anyone had experience with either of these airports?

Not sure where in NJ you are but I'd think SW out of PHL might be an alternative to look at.

 

[DisKim]

Thanks for all the replies. LewisC - I've flown Southwest out of Philly. I'm just nervous that they won't offer such good fares for my dates. I wish they would extend their schedule soon.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by DisKim
Thanks for all the replies. LewisC - I've flown Southwest out of Philly. I'm just nervous that they won't offer such good fares for my dates. I wish they would extend their schedule soon.

I'm not sure how you'd get to the PHL airport but tolls, gas and parking is going to cost you well over $100 not to mention trying to find room in your car for luggage for a 2 1/2 drive.

I'd pay a premium to fly out of a closer airport.

 

[DisKim]

Good point!

 

[disneydiva58]

hi, I flew spirit out of lga last september.No problems at the airport,very quick in and out(had early flights both ways).I just booked yesterday my flight for october.Im flying song out of lga for $115 round trip includes taxes (first time flying song....im a little nervous) Also consider avistar parking off site.Its a gated parking, and they shuttle you to the terminal,apon return call them and the will pick you up at the terminal ,only waited 5 minutes for shuttle since they are across the street.They have your car ready and Cooled (or heated) at your arrival.If you have any more questions , pm me.

 

[disneydiva58]

Diskim......just another thought.....You may want to consider flying Spirit airlines out of atlantic city airport.My sister lives in voorhees and now only flies out AC whenever possible,Great smaller airport and good rates also.

 

[DisKim]

Flying Spirit out of AC is my best choice. I live only 45 minutes away. The problem is their rates stink!! They used to be so much cheaper.