Early Flight from JFK

[LWcalif]

I've searched and can't find an answer to this. Breakaway returns at 8:00 am on Sun. 5/22/16. A flight leaves JFK at 11:40 am, 1st class so short check-in line, I've got TSA Pre Check. Is it unreasonable for me to make this flight if no delays debarking on time doing early walk off with my bags?

[njhorseman]

If everything (arrival on time, quick clearance of ship by CBP, reasonable lines to get through customs, getting a taxi quickly or a timely pickup by your car service, "normal" traffic) goes right you can make it. If something doesn't go right you might not.

[mking8288]

Like NJH said above, several "ifs" in this formula - none of which within cruiseline or port's span of control - BA is returning from Bermuda, which given its arrival time in recent history, is generally early to on-time, and, sometimes very early for medical or other reasons ... unless one of the migratory whale decided to swim up NY's Lower Bay (in 2014, if I recall, delaying the ship's docking for several hours #yikes). Good news being that looking at MCT's calendar, only the BA in the port on that Sunday morning, so the terminal itself won't be crowded.

 

Keys to getting off the BA quickly is whether OP have priority disembarkation status (Haven or Suite w. butler's escort down/via the exclusive passage, pulling all of one's luggage) - Platinum status would yield (usually) yellow color luggage tags, which are called after the (not really) Express Self Walk-Off are finished heading down the gangways (2 used - Fwd & Aft). That's typically 45 to 60 minutes after the megaship is clear to disembark - long lines of "Self Walk-Off" pax with all their own bags, usually in the hundreds lined up by 6:30 or 7 AM in a hurry to get off.

 

NYC's traffic is unpredictable at best, even on a typically slow Sunday morning - trip to JFK from MCT should be about 60 to 75 minutes, and can be more - I-678 (Van Wyck Expwy) is heavily used by trucks & buses, with long-term roadway reconstructions - ongoing for 10+ years (more like 15 now, as regular "commuter") and daily congestions is a given, that's without accidents or stalled vehicles waiting for authorized highway tows.

 

As for JFK, Pre-Check flying F is definitely a plus - which airline/terminal - as some are better than others, the early morning & long-haul departures are gone, lines shortening a bit. We fly B6 (JetBlue) sometimes out of the new hub at JFK's T5, Pre-Check is still a "zoo" sometimes but if you are taking only carry-on sized luggage, you can bypass bag drops - shaving a few minutes. Some of the gates at AA and DL (each with their own terminals) are a long walk from landside/TSA - whereas UA's gates are all fairly short run from the checkpoint & lounge upstairs.

 

What are alternate flight times in the (early ?) afternoon - get to JFK "early" & just head for the club/lounge if you have access, chill & relax ;)

[mskaufman]

Normal traffic is always a big "if". You might think on a Sunday morning that would not be a problem but there could be construction that ties you up.

[Got2Cruise]

Also there is always the chance of a Customs holdup at the port at disembarking. It's a random thing.

[mjkacmom]

Also there is always the chance of a Customs holdup at the port at disembarking. It's a random thing.

 

This seems to happen about several times a year - it happened to us once, and we didn't get through customs until almost 11, after being lined up at 7:30. Definitely get a porter before customs to speed things up.

[LWcalif]

Not being familiar with the New York area, thank you CC friends for your responses. I think I will take a late afternoon flight and not stress on trying to debark early.

[trish1c]

I've searched and can't find an answer to this. Breakaway returns at 8:00 am on Sun. 5/22/16. A flight leaves JFK at 11:40 am, 1st class so short check-in line, I've got TSA Pre Check. Is it unreasonable for me to make this flight if no delays debarking on time doing early walk off with my bags?

 

Completely unreasonable. It's about 1/2 hour travel time if there are no problems. There are always ground problems but I suppose if you were willing to schlep & take trains it might be OK.

 

That said, maybe it's just me but every time I have sailed home to NYC we have never made port before 10 a.m.

 

I think you will be happier with the later flight.

Edited January 11, 2016 by trish1c