Getting to La Guardia on a Friday afternoon...

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 11:31pm

Quick question that I hope some of you might know...

I'm looking to book travel for Columbus Day weekend, where I'd leave Friday after work and come back on Monday night. Airfare is a bit expensive right now, but I found a flight that leaves from LaGuardia at 7:20 PM. If I get done with work at 3:00 and leave immediately, do you think I'd make it there in time to get the flight? I work in Newark, NJ. I have no problem hiring a car service if that's quicker. I've never been to LaGuardia before so I have NO idea what it's like getting there and what traffic will be like.

Thanks in advance!

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 12:07am

Now, I may not be one to talk but I use LaGuardia all the time because I live 5 minutes away. I've never waited more than 10 minutes to check in or go through security. I'd recommend you get there about 6, and I doubt it would take 3 hours to get from Newark to Queens.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 7:19am

I recommend Carmel Car Service, they always give you good deals for long distance trips at 212-666-6666.
And they do take more than 10 mins at LaGuardia sometimes...one time it took me about 40 mins to get through the TSA people alone and I had just a carry on! The lines can be long at times.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 11:01am

Rule of thumb: Always give yourself and extra 45 minutes on the start of a long week end. Nothing worse then sitting in bumper to bumper traffic as you boarding time approaches.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 11:12am

That's what I figured, Snafu. But, I've never been to LaGuardia before, so I have no frame of reference. I am thinking if I leave by 3:00, I should have no trouble making a 7:20 flight.

[wexy]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 11:26am

Sounds like a Robert Frost poem
Traffic can be brutal at that time, give yourself some extra time.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 11:55am

So, do you think that leaving Newark at 3:00 is enough time to get a 7:20 flight? That's what I need to know.

It sounds like it will be, but I want to be sure.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 12:46pm

You'll totally make it.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 12:57pm

Adam...you should be totally fine. If you only have a small piece of luggage you may think about taking a train from Newark into the City and getting a taxi or car service from there....it's seems to always be the tunnels/bridges that have the most traffic.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 1:25pm

If you leave at 3 you will be fine. even 3:30 will be OK. I am one who would much rather be in the airport eating an overpriced breakfast then on the road worrying about being there on time. Cuts down on the stress factor of traveling.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 1:37pm

Good suggestion, Boobs.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 1:39pm

Thanks, everyone!! Booked the flight!! I've never flown out of LaGuardia before, which is why I asked so many questions. The only reason I didn't fly out of the much closer (and easier to get to) Newark airport is because the flight is $200 cheaper out of LaGuardia!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 8/26/10 at 1:55pm

Thanks sing. Like SNAFU I'd rather be earlier than late for anything, especially for a flight. I always try to avoid traffic at any means.

Good luck with everything Adam!