LGA vs. JFK......Quick feedback please

[Helene]

I have convinced my BIL to play chauffer for a day so that we can take advantage of the low airfare with Song out of NY. It's $59 each way from either airport. So the question is, given a choice, what airport would you fly out of??? Any quick replies would be helpful as I'd like to book tonight so I can dream @ our cruise in October.

TIA for any help you can offer.

Helene

PS: I've done a search & the biggest complaint @ LGA is the short runways. Is it a time inconvenience (due to delays) or more of a safety issue?????

 

[Jamesbyr]

You have to specify where you are coming from. If you are on Long Island, either one might be about the same as far as getting there. LaGuardia is rumored to have more delays.

 

[Kimberle]

Kennedy is MUCH bigger than LGA. The runways are longer. More "stuff" to do in the airport.

We always go from LGA because it's a bit closer to us.

Personal perference, I guess.

 

[Helene]

We'll be driving in from PA. Generally we follow 78, but once we leave that portion of the trip, I have no Idea what additional routes we'd follow (can you tell I never drove into NYC, hence my BIL "the chauffer")

Helene

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Go with JFK, it's right off the Belt Pkway, and much easier to get to.
From PA through Staten Island, LGA would require you to haul yourself all around Brooklyn.
Also, and I have flown from both airports in the past 2 years, JFK is much, much nicer. And LaGuardia's runways are shorter, ending in Jamaica Bay. I try to stick with the longer runways......just in case

 

[Jamesbyr]

Oops, Pennsylvania. Just noticed it.

Anyway, the short runways at LaGuardia only mean that very large planes (DC-10, 747) don't land there.

Coming across I-80 and across the GW Bridge, it's about 100 minutes to LaGuardia (BEFORE ADDING IN TRAFFIC) and another 20 minutes from there to Kennedy.

Coming from Philadelphia, they (DELORME) recommend the Verazanno Narrows Bridge to JFK, and estimate 2 and a half hours. For a direct route to LaGuardia, they actually send you through Midtown Manhattan, which is shorter, but wildly unpredictable.

Good luck.

 

[shafke]

I would also vote for JFK. If you are coming from PA on I78, did you price out Newark since you pass it on the way. The time savings may be worth the extra money. From the moment you get on one of the bridges in to NY (GW, Goethals) you need to allow at least an hour, possibly more depending on the time of day (any time from sunrise to the next sunrise) to get to either airport. I have had it take an hour just to get across Staten Island (note: it is only 10-20 miles).

 

[Jamesbyr]

When you get your flights, let us know the departure times so we can readjust the estimates for your journey. Local radio stations WCBS (880) and WINS (1010) both AM give traffic reports every ten minutes. You will owe your BIL a nice dinner.

 

[Helene]

Thanks for all your help thus far. I'm going to think this through another 24 hours or so to make sure the extra planning/time will be woth the savings.

Tentatively, I'm looking at booking the 8 am departure to MCO and returning at an arrival time in JFK @ 6:45 pm.

I'd plan to get to JFK very early on the day we leave so that my BIL could make it back out of the city by 6 am.

Any input on what traffic would be like when he had to come back in on Monday evening @ 7-8pm????


Thanks again for your responses,
Helene

 

[Jamesbyr]

Assuming it's a weekday, you'll be leaving PA at about 4 AM, figure 2 hours drive time from the Delaware River on I-78 (add your own PA distances), you will beat AM rush hour traffic. 6 AM arrival at JFK is enough to deal with security and a little leeway in case of an unexpected highway delay. Also maybe some breakfast although the concessions in the airport are just opening up at that hour.

For the return, BIL will be coming into the city against rush hour traffic up to Staten Island, and then all bets are off: allow an hour more than the early morning trip took. He is a brave soul.

 

[PatMcDuck]

JFK is my choice of the 2. Also, look at your route to JFK from Pa. Don't go thru Manhatten, IMHO. Can you go Pa pike, NJ turnpike, (maybe 195), Garden State Parkway, and use Outer Bridge Crossing to Veranzanno Bridge? Use a map, Mapquest always sends people thru Manhatten like it was clear sailing.

 

[crzy4dsny]

I would pick JFK also. I stay away from Lga due to the fact that there are always delays there.

 

[Lewisc]

Newark, EWR, would be a much better choice. You'll save gas, tolls and time.