JFK layover

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:59 pm

HI there
I am looking at flights out of Norfolk Virginia and found a good deal for our trip to St John in June. Two layer overs on our way there but only one coming back. The only issue I have is the first layover is at JFK and only 42 minutes. Should we risk it? I am not familiar with JFK airport at all and hate the idea of only have 42 minutes to get out of the plane and to our next gate. We will have carry ons and our 7 year old daughter with us. Any advice would be greatly appreciate. Thanks!

Diana2 · Post by **Diana2** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:18 pm

I don't know JFK myself but 42 minutes is too tight in any airport IMHO. I have to have a miniumum of 1 hour in the airports that I know and if it's an airport that I don't know I want at least an hour and a half. I've looked at going through JFK on our return but the connection time was under an hour so that was a deal breaker for me. And with a youngster in tow.....I'd never do it myself.

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:31 pm

Thanks! Its almost an $800.00 savings but it won't be worth it if our flights get messed up...

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:10 pm

I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as it is with the same airline - make sure your seats are next to the exit and have the fastest person in the group run to the gate so they will be there - and make sure the rest don't "dawdle" either

Pia

esan · Post by **esan** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:21 pm

No, don't risk it. Continental also flies out of Newark (EWR) and my sister-in-law who lives in Va Beach traveled to see us in STJ via Newark. There is a non-stop from Newark to STT. I think it is flight number 1884 going, and 1883 on the return. It is possible that she flew Richmond-Newark-St.Thomas.

Kennedy is a very large airport with frequent delays and long distances between multiple jetways. You need at least an hour, and more likely an hour and a-half to two hrs. Sorry....

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:59 pm

I'm going to chime in here...

Flip Flop and I along with our respective Krewes are on an AA flight from DCA-JFK-STT on June 19 and returning on the 29th.

AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight 4748
Depart: DCA - Washington on 06/19/09 at 06:00AM Arrive: JFK - New York on 06/19/09 at 07:05AM

AMERICAN AIRLINES
Flight 655
Depart: JFK - New York on 06/19/09 at 08:00AM Arrive: STT - St Thomas Island on 06/19/09 at 12:00PM .

FF and I debated this quite a bit and decided that it was indeed worth the gamble. She flew Continental thru Newark last time with a tight turnaround and did OK.

Normally I am more comfortable with at least 1 hour layover but we're going to risk it and the price was phenomenal. I am also a bit more comfortable knowing that we're essentially the first flight out from DCA and then from JFK. So that generally reducs the airline F-Up factor.

Worst case scenario, we're all together and will just park it at the AA lounge until they get us on another flight.

Just my .02

Jan&MikeVa · Post by **Jan&MikeVa** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:07 pm

There is no way I would do that. Not with carry on and a child. Running through airports and missing flights and hanging around for hours is no fun.

Have you checked airfare out of D.C?? We have been doing that the last several years and have saved about 500 to 600 per trip. Reagan National is so easy to find, right off the Interstate. With a good enough savings you can afford a hotel room. PM me if you want some details on the trip. Fares out of Norfolk & Richmond have been very high the last several years! We're not far from you guys over in York County.

crasherino · Post by **crasherino** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:18 pm

Gromit brings up a fair point. If the first flight going INTO JFK is the first flight of the day, its more apt to be on time as you aren't waiting for the equipment to arrive from somewhere else.

At JFK, assuming both flights will be on AA, you will be at the same terminal (Terminal 8 ), so it shouldn't be a long walk to your connection.

That being said, its definitely risky. You can make it if it all goes well, but the slightest delay and you may get screwed.

But, another thing to consider. There are a lot of flights from JFK to SJU, so if you miss your connection (through no fault of your own), AA may be able to get you to STT through SJU. I think there is a flight from SJU to STT on American as late as 8:30 or 9. Being that its June, they may not be as busy and you can use that as a fallback if necessary. If your original flight was taking you to SJU anyway, than disregard.

Tiger Prof. · Post by **Tiger Prof.** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:53 pm

Gromit - you may want to check your reservation online. We are on flight 655 on May 25, 2009 and I just noticed last night that it now leaves at 7 am. It could just be a one day thing, but AA is not good about letting you know when the flight times change.

Randy in MD · Post by **Randy in MD** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 6:30 pm

I just made July reservations today for the same AA flights Gromit is on from DCA - JFK - STT. $270 RT.

The times are the same as on her schedule. We did this once before and had no problem. The flight out of DCA is one of those small commuter planes and it left right on time at 6AM - first flight out of the morning at DCA. Our arrival gate at JFK was right next to our departing gate and we had plenty of time. Things do happen, but for the price, we thought it was worth the gamble. Besides, if it works out, we get into STT at Noon. How cool is that?

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 6:43 pm

I'll be honest it was the getting in at 12 noon to STT that tipped it for me. We did a similar route (on continental) through Newark in August and had a 45 minute connection time. We made it with time to spare.

If it works it pays off big time. If not, it pays to make friends with your buddy who can get you into the lounge

loria · Post by **loria** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 6:59 pm

are you switching airlines? what airline are you flying-- i do JFK ALOT and it's not so bad--that is VERY tight, but chances are in June you'd make it.

susan & herb · Post by **susan & herb** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:02 am

Thanks for the heads up on the AA flight #655. This is the direct flight that we always take down to STJ

We are leaving on the Wed, 13th and our time has been changed to 7am also. First time I have seen it earlier. We stay overnight at one of hotels at the airport so it's not a problem.
I have been checking the flight but this must have just been changed

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:06 am

Good morning!
Thanks for all the response to my question. I spoke to the hubby last night...still not sure what we're going to do...We have a little time to make that decision. At any rate, ya'll have given me a lot to think about and I REALLY appreciate it. Have a great day!

GO STEELERS!!! lol

crasherino · Post by **crasherino** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:29 am

That's weird about Fl #655....in Feb its at 7:30. In May its 7am and in June, its 8am.

So basically, all us nuts on this forum who check on their travel arrangements every 4 days, just to be sure everything is all set for the trip, ain't so crazy after all.

usvi-on-line

Login or Register with your Facebook account

JFK layover

JFK layover