Help choosing airport & time from DL to NJ/NY

[DVCinderella]

I live in northen NJ, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get back home after a stay at DL. We will be flying home on a Monday. Ideally, I'd like to take JB because of the TV's for the kids, and no luggage fees.

JB only flies into JFK, but we could fly out of LGB or LAX...and it's only about $200pp. The choices are:

LGB-JFK:
9:30a-5:30p

LAX-JFK:
7:30a-3:30p
11:45a-7:45p

9:30a out of LGB sounds great, but arriving at JFK at 5:30p on a Monday could be bad traffic-wise getting back to NJ.

The arrival times in JFK are better if we fly out of LAX, but then it's getting to LAX that has me worried...I've read nightmares about the rush hour traffic.

What would you do?

I wish I could fly SNA-EWR, but my choices are Continental or United, and the price isn't budging off of $589pp...plus baggage of course.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would lean towards the late LAX flight if you are worried about 5:30 traffic out of JFK. That will give you plenty of time to get to the flight in the morning in LA.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

LAX is not necessarily in the traffic direction for you in the morning. You don't say if you will be taking the DL Express bus or driving yourself.

If driving, allow an extra half hour for car return - since they are all a bit away from the terminals and you have to shuttle. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to get to LAX if you are going at 9am.

If you are taking the DL Express, just ask them what time you need to be ready by for your pick-up time and they will take care of the rest.

I used to fly to Newark and Philly a lot for work from LAX and would almost do the 7:30am flight. There will be no traffic to LAX at all, as you are leaving by 5am. It should only take 40 minutes or less. If you are taking DL Express, you can sleep on the way!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I love LGB & Jetblue.