Planning a trip to NYC. First long haul flight questions

isadreamalie

jackieblack said:

isadreamalie said:

I've spent a week in Madrid with just a small bag so in theory it should be no different especially if the hotel provides toiletries. I guess it's just psychological going so far with a small bag

Definitely.  It's really no different apart from a bit longer flight and different travel plugs.
And there are shops in NYC if you find you need something you haven't taken

Ah yes different plugs is another change 

I've just done the ESTA. I put "unknown" for US point of contact. Handy it's valid for two years. Hopefully it gets approved

jimi_man

My wife and I managed just under three weeks touring Japan, Australia and Thailand with hand baggage. It just makes travelling so much better. 

isadreamalie

Thanks for the replies
What an amazing resource this forum is! I've only used the mortgage free area before but I'm really impressed and thankful!

I will possibly get a yellow taxi to Manhatten from JFK. I understand it's a flat rate with tolls tips etc on top so around the £60-70 mark?

400ixl

By taxi you go to the official taxi rank and the queue controller gets you the right sized cab and the price is fixed (+tip). Don't engage with any one you comes up to you offering a taxi service.

Alternatively you can do it cheaper by getting the Air Train to Jamaica and then the subway into Manhattan.

isadreamalie

400ixl said:

By taxi you go to the official taxi rank and the queue controller gets you the right sized cab and the price is fixed (+tip). Don't engage with any one you comes up to you offering a taxi service.

Alternatively you can do it cheaper by getting the Air Train to Jamaica and then the subway into Manhattan.

I use london underground a lot so I guess with a small bag the subway should be easy enough unless I feel zonked out and overwhelmed 

isadreamalie

ESTA approved after just two hours

jimi_man

The only thing I would say about the NY Metro is that you need to pick your times. There can be some extremely undesirable people on it at certain times - especially away from the Manhattan area - so you need to be a little careful. We did it both ways and whilst from the airport at late afternoon rushhour was fine, on the way back to the airport (1030 am), it was exceptionally unpleasant and we probably wouldn't do it again. Peak hours is fine.

(For a reference point, I was in the Met Police for 30 years so I wouldn't describe myself as a nervous type!)

Good news about the ESTA. Didn't think it would be long. Keep us posted about your hotel/flights as I (most of us) love people's travel plans.

isadreamalie

jimi_man said:

The only thing I would say about the NY Metro is that you need to pick your times. There can be some extremely undesirable people on it at certain times - especially away from the Manhattan area - so you need to be a little careful. We did it both ways and whilst from the airport at late afternoon rushhour was fine, on the way back to the airport (1030 am), it was exceptionally unpleasant and we probably wouldn't do it again. Peak hours is fine.

(For a reference point, I was in the Met Police for 30 years so I wouldn't describe myself as a nervous type!)

Good news about the ESTA. Didn't think it would be long. Keep us posted about your hotel/flights as I (most of us) love people's travel plans.

Yeah thanks
I'm put off if Trump gets in again but it seems unlikely
I worry bit about guns but I don't think shootings in NYC are common... I'm aware the rougher areas are worse than London

daveyjp

If you want to feel slightly safer on the NY subway look for the 'zebra board' at the station.  It will be above the platform half way along and is a board with black and white diagonal stripes.  

It is the point where the carriage with the guard will be located when the train stops.

TELLIT01

Size and weight of carry on luggage i.e. hand luggage can vary greatly between airlines.  I would check out the options but not purchase until you have your flight tickets.  No point getting a lovely bag only to find it's too large for hand luggage with your chosen airline.