Sue

We have a ten hour layover at JFK on the way home to Seattle from Buenos Aires on a Tuesday in January. I'm sure we will be tired after flying all night but I have never been to NYC and would really like to do something besides sit at the airport and wait. We need suggestions on what to see and do for 6-8 hours of that waiting time and how to get there from JFK. Thanks for any input.

J

Take a cab to whatever destination interests you---shopping, museum, etc. What time will it be, and how much time will you need for checking in to your continuing flight. Traffic to JFK can be a nightmare.

xxx

Unless you are great at sleeping on the plane, I would get a hotel room off priceline or hotwire and crash for those 8 hours. Overnight flights are the worst and it doesn't sound like you will really be *up* for sightseeing.

new yorker

Wow, that's a tough one! Time is of the essence so I agree, splurge for a cab and go directly to where you want, you'll only have time for maybe 2 or 3 things. Maybe Empire State Building, a walk up 5th Ave to Rockefeller Center and then walk over to Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd St. where you can catch the airport express bus back to JFK for $13 (it will take at least an hour to get back to the airport).

tweedy

I would be concerned about your luggage. I hope it is the same airline and that the luggage will be checked all the way through, but my guess is that you will have to go through customs in NY and then be rechecked on to your flight to Seattle, that will add probably at least an hour to your wait or maybe more.

Check with your airline for details as luggage has more stringent rules post 9/11.

Taht said if you have never been here before, grab a cab and head into the city. You might choose one area to see and head directly there, the Met Museum, Midtown - 34th St, EMpire State Building, 5th Ave, Rockefeller Center, St Patricks, or the Wall ST area, and the South Street Seaport, Chinatown, Little Italy.

The cab into Manhattan will run $35 I think it is a set price. The trip back may be more expensive with traffic or you can take the A train, which sometimes if faster or the airport shuttle.

Have a great time while you are here.

tweedy