new york - flights and area to stay

[scrumbrum12]

Are there any flight times best to avoid jet lag
please?
Is there a more budget area to stay?

thanks

My best advice is do not fly into or out of Newerk and especially not with BA . I am pretty tolerant but we have had dreadful experiences .

in terms of accommodation it really depends on budget and what you want to do

NYC has two main international airports; JFK and Newark (which is in NJ). Both get mixed reviews on airline sites.

Jetlag is going to be more of an issue on the return leg rather than the outbound; practically all returning flights are overnight ones landing in the UK the next morning. I have only managed to avoid being jetlagged just one time flying west to east.

NYC is a year round destination and many people from all over the world flock there. Prices are reflected in overall demand for goods and services. You will need to stay in a hotel and not use the likes of Airbnb (NYC as a city has really clamped down hard on Airbnb because many tenants illegally sublet their apartment).

My best advice is do not fly into or out of Newerk and especially not with BA . I am pretty tolerant but we have had dreadful experiences

We've flown in to Newark a few times with BA, and never had a problem. Luck of the draw, I suppose, but I've never experienced anything that would put me off.

Is there a more budget area to stay?

There's nothing on Manhattan that I'd describe as budget. It can be a bit cheaper to stay off Manhattan, either in Jersey City or Brooklyn, near to the PATH or subway. We've stayed in Jersey City a couple of times, in a nice hotel near the waterfront - the views across to Manhattan at night were spectacular. There's some good places to eat nearby in the evenings, and these were generally much cheaper than the equivalent on Manhattan (not that anything is exactly cheap)

If you are staying on Manhattan or Brooklyn I'd say fly in to JFK, then get either a taxi or use the subway. If staying in Jersey, then fly in to Newark and get a taxi or the PATH from Newark Penn Station.

I had horrendous jet lag after New York. Much worse than Australia. I think it was because we were tired with it being such a full on holiday as well as travelling.

I didn’t find anything budget when it came to accommodation in NYC. It’s really expensive. You won’t be in your room that much as I’d just go with what you can afford S long as it’s clean. Subway is great so if you’re a bit out it’s ok. We stayed in the financial district.

NYC hotel prices are currently insane.
Try looking at a BA Holiday on the BA website, where you
pick both flights and hotels.
When the hotel options come up, they put them in
"recommended" order (eyeroll...) - just change that to "price".

Thanks very heldpul. Is there a better time of day for the flight home? They mainly seem to be over night but have found some daytime.

Overnight. Gives you all day in the city. There are flights at 7/8 am but you are paying a fortune to sleep really. Unless you do your holiday and then see if there is a deal at an airport hot that’s really cheap and go for the early one.

Don’t bother with daytime flights from NYC to the UK as you will still need to check in 3 hours beforehand. There are also hardly any facilities like ships or restaurants for passengers to use, those airports are not like Heathrow or Gatwick. The majority of flights back to the UK depart in the evening arriving the next day.

that is useful thank you! I have only become anxious about jet lag, flying long haul since kids as my son has epilepsy, although controlled and allowed to travel , makes me so anxious!

We actually DO like the daytime flight back: completely avoids any jetlag.
JFK now (finally!) has a gorgeous airport hotel, the PanAM, which I'm sure your son would love too.
Newark hotels are also easy for an early start. Staying in Manhattan then last night in the Hyatt Regency Jersey City with incredible views of the city would be a great combo & leave an easy Uber to the airport in the morning.
Another Manhattan hotel tip: every Hampton Inn has b/fast included in the price, which is a massive thing with kids! Also, Fairfield Inns (the one at Penn Station is fantastic).

Not everyone struggles with jet lag, my advice is to eat before boarding the evening flights and try to get your head down for as much of the flight as possible, just go to bed at the normal time in the U.K. outbound just stay up as long as you can manage. I personally cope well with just skipping a nights sleep but I'm aware this doesn't work for many.

Cheap areas - well less extortionate tend to be above 90th on manhattan, sometimes around Wall Street if in holiday periods you can get a decent deal. Otherwise look for something off manhattan but on transit routes - the subway is good and reasonable though graffiti covered.

Once there who can save money by buying food from food stands, from the many markets (mini supermarkets but have hot food and often breakfasts too) having picnic lunches etc. lots of coupons available look online etc.

And you don't need to be reminded, get excellent travel insurance, I would use staysure or similar who are used to preexisting conditions, you don't want to be stung with USA medical costs! Don't forget the paperwork to get his drugs into the USA too.

Friends stayed at Fairfield inn and said inclusive breakfast was surprisingly good, basic hotel but everything they needed

We’re about to book for next Christmas and by far the cheapest option I’ve found is by booking both the flight and hotel together through BA. I think their sale is on until the end of January.

Not budget budget and I don’t know when you’re going but Hotel Giraffe by Madison Park Garden is remarkably reasonable for a four star hotel in such a good location. It includes a good quality breakfast (nice bagels, not stale doughnuts). Had a quick look and suites that sleep 3-4 people are $400-500 a night in the Easter holidays for example.

Agreed!
Along similar lines, the Casablanca.

I do this journey frequently and my preference is to get the latest flight you can at night. Eat in the airport and then as soon as you're on the plane bed down for the night.

If you're lucky you'll sleep all the way home, arrive in the UK mid to late morning feeling pretty good and avoid the jet-lag.

Same group I think? Such lovely quality hotels with great staff.

i have found virgin Atlantic to be the best airline to NY - we had early morning flights both ways. We found cheaper hotels closer to end of Central Park, nearer to 100th st. This was six years ago so may not be the same now.

Thanks all

I also love the daytime flight. The 10ams are better than the 8ams, but both very civilised - half hour cab from Brooklyn and then 2 hours at JFK. No trying to sleep on a plane, and no having to go back to collect luggage after a day’s work/play.

I get home around bedtime, and have no issue flying asleep a bit “early”. Yes you pay for another night if staying in a hotel, but I think it’s totally worth it.

Love a day flight. To avoid jetlag always go for the flights that land in the evening because it’s really easy to stay awake eating and watching movies on the plane then you get off, go straight to bed which is no issue as you’ll be tired and you wake up the next morning on the right time zone. The only thing is it’s less financially efficient since you pay for the same number of nights accommodation but get a day less exploring for it. Often it’s priced higher too (but not always).