First time flying and to NYC!!! Any suggestions?

Question

I am going to NYC for the first time in a couple of days for a conference. It is my first time flying, first time in NYC (alone!), first time hailing a cab, etc. I am a little anxious about the flight process especially since I've never been in an airport. I am flying out of a small local airport, then I have to switch flights at O'Hare before landing at LaGuardia.

Does anyone have any tips or advice about flying or the city in general? It will make my experience a little more comfortable!

Answer 1

First thing. Call ahead and have a car service waiting for you at the airport. You will know in advance how much the ride will cost. If you hop into a gypsy cab you never know how much they will charge. As for hailing a cab in the city, you can call the doorman to get one for you. When you need one on the street just step of the curb and raise your arm out. If the lights on the roof are on then the cab is empty. Don't be discouraged if you don't get one right away. You'll get the hang of it fast enough. While you're there have fun. If you want to see music, pick up the village voice and scan it. You'll find a lot going on. If you want to see a Broadway show, you can stand on line for tickets at the ticket stand (ask your hotel front desk) or try to find them on line before you go as most of the big shows are sold out months in advance. Don't be afraid to ask people on the streets for suggestions on where to go no matter what it is you want to do. Contrary to popular belief, the locals will be happy to help. If you plan on taking a walk past ground zero to pay your respects, you may as well continue downtown to Mulberry Street and eat in Little Italy. One more thing and I know I said it before: HAVE FUN

Answer 2

You will have a good time. As a graduate of NYU who travels to New York from California, I suggest bringing a little extra money and more than one credit card.

I use a car service for travel to the hotel and back to the airport because the taxi line at LaGuardia is long. My travel from home is 7-8 hours, so I don't want to wait on another line.

At your hometown airport the security procedure should be pretty good, but your departure from LaGuardia could be a problem. Be sure to get to the airport early. Also, follow all those special rules about liquids, etc. When you go thru security, be happy because you left the liquids in your checked baggage. It's very aggravating to throw away toothpaste and have to buy it again in NYC.

You may be walking more than usual. Your conference may be closer to your hotel than you realize, so check this out. There are reasons why all those secretaries are in heavy socks and running shoes. So, take comfortable footwear!

I always know what I'm going to do for dinner. I take a short list of local dinner options near the hotel, places I can walk to. When you land pick up New York magazine for ideas. You may be traveling with someone who knows a dinner spot, so ask around. Your hotel front desk is also a resource.

You are traveling to a windy city on the Atlantic Ocean in the winter. Carry enough outer wear to be comfortable walking very windy streets. During the winter the narrow east-west streets can be wind-tunnels. Bring Chapstick and use it. If you don't own a top coat, take a short winter coat so you are comfortable.

Enjoy your visit to the Big Apple.

Answer 3

You will have an amazing time in New York, it is one of the best cities in the world.

Prior to going to the airport, see if you can check in online, this will make the check in process a lot easier and you may be able to choose your seat to, if you have allocated seating on your flights. If you are travelling different airlines you will need to re-checkin in at O'Hare for your flight to LaGuardia, you will find the cabin attendants on your flights will be very helpful and be able to answer any questions.

Hailing a cab is very easy in NYC, you will see that will have a light on, this means that the cab is available and able to pick up a fare, you may find it difficult to find a cab around 3pm as this the change over time for the cab drivers, there is also a premium for travelling in a cab at this time.

If you are looking for a great view of New York, I would suggest that you go to the revolving bar at the top of the Marriott Times Square and order yourself as drink and sit back and let the bar take you on a 360 degree view bar of New York! I am sure you will meet other people on your conference that would want to share this excellent experience.

Try and get away from the conference in the evenings or you are unlikely to see New York, I attend and talk a many conferences around the world and always do my own things unless I have to attend a function.

You will find the city very safe and welcoming for lone travellers.

Enjoy New York!

Answer 4

Well, there's a lot to learn. I flew the first time when I was 6 months old and fly at least twice a year, usually more.
Since 9/11 there is a lot of security. THey are usually rude, but don't let it bother you (or it will ruin your whole trip, which has happened to me). Just remember the packing rules, don't bring anything prohibited. Get to the airport with enough time. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 5

Well, there is so much about NYC I can't get into all of that. However, I will advise you to get a window seat. The view is amazing from a plane and more so flying into NY. Hit the big sites; Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park. Lastly, try the mass transit. Subway, buses, taxis and so on. Just try and soak up the culture and scenery.