Flying out of LGA...any info?

[frstimer128]

I am flying out of Laguardia in New York next week. Is this airport a zoo or do you think it will be mellow? I will be dropping of my rental car at budget and then I have to check in for an 8 a.m. flight. I am hoping to get there around 5 a.m. to avoid traffic on 95 and 678. Any pointers for me?

 

[KBFinFan]

Are you taking American at around 8:45AM, because if so I'll see you on the flight!

Not really much help, but I thought I'd say hi!

 

[frstimer128]

Nah....Spirit airline for me. I can only imagine how wacky it's going to be! I can't stand not knowing what to expect....

 

[ducklite]

I've always found LGA to be one of the most "kerfuffled" airports in the US, and simply will not fly in and out of it.

Plan on at least 90 minutes once you arrive, and I don't mean once you park the car, I mean once you walk into the terminal.

Anne

 

[Kimberle]

Make sure you have your food, magazines, etc before you enter security. There is only a tiny coffee place and newstand. You can only get prepackaged sandwiches, etc. It's a very "crumy" wing when compared with Delta/Song's.....

 

[safetymom]

I have never had problems at LGA but I agree about finding food and magazines before you enter the gate area. I allow at least 1 1/2 hours.

 

[frstimer128]

Thank you all! I haven't flown since 9/11 so I really didn't know what to expect. Plus, we always used BDL since I live in CT so all your tips are going to be put to use.
Thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

One other thing; don't panic when you look out of the window as you taxi down the runway and see LOTS of water, but do brace yourself. Takeoffs and landings at LGA tend to be a bit abrupt.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by NotUrsula
One other thing; don't panic when you look out of the window as you taxi down the runway and see LOTS of water, but do brace yourself. Takeoffs and landings at LGA tend to be a bit abrupt.

Ya think!? LOL!

Anne

 

[frstimer128]

Originally posted by NotUrsula
One other thing; don't panic when you look out of the window as you taxi down the runway and see LOTS of water, but do brace yourself. Takeoffs and landings at LGA tend to be a bit abrupt.

You really put my mind at ease...LOL!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

Hey, I had to warn her. I've heard more than one variation on, "OMG! We're all going to DIE!!!!" while on the approach at LGA.

For those who don't know LGA, this map may illustrate the issue: http://www.mustseenewyork.com/map-images/laguardia-airport-hotels.gif The runways are both 7,000 ft. long, btw; they are NOT impossibly short. Still, for a big plane, that's a comparatively steep approach.

One of my aunts, who lived in Astoria for 74 years, and travelled very frequently, never went through LGA without her rosary in hand. She really did NOT like that close-up aerial view of Flushing Bay.

 

[frstimer128]

I'll bring my good luck charms!! Before I was a mom, I wouldn't think twice about flying. Everyhting changed once I had my DD. We'll be fine, I'm sure, but it is still nerve wracking! I just can't wait to get there!

 

[ducklite]

HAHAHA!!! I've got visions of you like those crazy Bingo ladies with trolls and rabbits feet and pressed flowers hanging all over the tray table in front of you.

Have a great trip

Anne

 

[frstimer128]

I should do that!! I bet it would really freak out the other passengers if I start humming and rocking back and forth rubbing my lucky monkey paw and sucking my thumb....lol!

 

[cranbiz]

I just love takeing off and landing on a pier, It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling (NOT)

I used to fly puddlejumpers in from Hyannis to LaGuarda on a regular basis. I must have been crazy, but hey, I was young then.

 

[prncess674]

not sure if you are flying alone, but if you are travelling with another adult drop that person off at the terminal with all the luggage and then head the rental car return. No sense and lugging your bags any further than you have to. Also the other adult can head to the check in line with the bags and by the time you return the car they should just about be to the front of the line. I personally have never had problems with LGA, though I do concur that the food beyond security is certainly lacking.

 

[frstimer128]

I am going solo with my DD4!!! Fortunately all our luggage has wheels including her carry-on backpack...thank goodness!