www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Just a question. From Chicago, I often see flights that will go through an airport in the NY/NJ area, with a connecting flight at another airport. How the hell does this work?? For example, I see a flight to the Dominican Republic from Chicago on Continental. Flight goes from Chicago to Newark and then you change airports entirely. You go from Newark to JFK. Is this a nightmare? Or is it so common that they have shuttles to and from each airport? What is the protocol?

I mean in Chicago, we have 2 major airports ORD and MDW. Occasionally, I will fly out of one and back in to the other. Not a big deal really. But, if I had to fly in to one and get to the other for a connecting flight that would concern me. I know that on any given day the travel time between ORD and MDW could be 20 minutes or it could be 2 hours, depending on traffic. So, my questions(s). Is it so common that they have regular shuttles to and from each airport? Is it a nightmare? I've never seen anything posted on this subject in the past. Thanks.

dapanz1

I think this is pretty common.

Going JFK<->LGA is not that bad. You have a couple options. Taxi and shuttle buses. They are only about 8 miles apart, but with rush hour traffic (pretty much all day ), it can take over an hour by cab or shuttle bus. Shuttle buses are cheap, they cost about $5-10. Cabs will cost you $15-20.

Going Newark<->JFK/LGA is a major pain. You can take a cab which will run you over $60 (it's $45 from Manhattan to JFK alone). Depending on time of day, can take over 2 hours.

Or you can take the NJ AirTrain to the PATH, then take the PATH into Penn Station, take the subway to Jamaica Station, and then take the JFK AirTrain to the airport. Probably impossible to do with anything more than a carry-on.

I think the airlines usually give you a good amount of time to transfer, I know somebody who flew out recently and had 5 hours between JFK-LGA and another person has 8 hours. The airlines know this so you would NEVER have to get there in 45 minutes or anything. Welcome to NY!

Thanks for the info Orange. Looks like even though the flights might be a bit cheaper I'll easily spend that on taxis or shuttle services. Not to mention the hassle. Hopefully this:



Is easier done than said. That sounds like a complete cluster phuck and not the way I would want to start or end a trip!!

dapanz1

While we are talking about the Jersey airport, I normally connect through Houston but for my next trip I am getting some options of going through EWR in Newark on Continental. Anyone from that area have any problems going through customs or Immigration? Houston is a breeze, just wanna take that into consideration and would like to know how EWR is.


Dirty

Dirty,
I've been thru it twice and it has been pretty much the same as everywhere else.

Pack your rum well as the ramp guys are not gentle with the bags. I had Centanario and glass in my skivvies at JFK even though I thought I wraped them well

Newark is probably the most clustered airport in the US, but I still fly through it from time to time with Continental.

Ive also done the JFK-LGA airport switch. If you ask around with the security guards and what not, theyll generally point you in the right direction. Otherwise it COULD be a little confusing for someone whos never been to a New York (JFK, LGA, EWR ) airport.

Personally I dont think its worth the hassle.