South - Best Way to get from NYC to El Paso?

We are going to visit boyfriend's relatives for the first time in El Paso, and a quick search illustrated that there are no direct flights from NYC to El Paso--most seem to connect through either Dallas or Houston.

We'll need to rent a car on the ground anyway, so I was thinking we might fly direct to the closest airport to El Paso, then drive the rest of the way. I've looked at some Expedia maps but couldn't figure this out (and don't know Texas at all): what is the closest airport (to El Paso) served direct by any NYC airport?

Also open to hearing what anyone thinks of my idea--good one? Hairbrained scheme? I'll regret it forever when I'm driving 4 hours in the hot Texas sun? Etc. :)

Finally, I'm also open to cheap hotel/motel options in El Paso, if any one knows any...if not, I'll probably hotwire or priceline it closer to trip time (no time scheduled as yet but likely somewhere in March, April or May).

Best,
Katherine

Allow me to illustrate:












El Paso














as you can see, there is nothing near El Paso. You crazy New Yorkers, so spoiled with your direct flights, fly AA and connect in Dallas or Continental and connect in Houston ...... (or any other combination that works for you. Texas is beautiful, so flying to another city and driving in will give you a great apprecation for the size of Texas, but once you've seen one tumbleweed, you've seen them all.

Also open to hearing what anyone thinks of my idea--good one? Hairbrained scheme? I'll regret it forever when I'm driving 4 hours in the hot Texas sun? Etc. :)
Best,
Katherine

4 hours?? you mean 6, or 8, right?

aa375 is a direct flight from ewr to elp. departs about 6pm or so, get into elp just before 11p. it is a one-stopper in dfw.

regards,

We are going to visit boyfriend's relatives for the first time in El Paso, and a quick search illustrated that there are no direct flights from NYC to El Paso--most seem to connect through either Dallas or Houston.

We'll need to rent a car on the ground anyway, so I was thinking we might fly direct to the closest airport to El Paso . . . what is the closest airport (to El Paso) served direct by any NYC airport?

Best,
Katherine
Ha ha ha, this is a good one. I lived in El Paso for 7 years and during that time worked at the airport for Continental Airlines. In those days El Paso was a major hub on CO's system, with non-stop flites to many cities. Now all the airlines operate a hub-and-spoke system with fewer hubs---and ELP isn't one of them.

First, there is a major airport at El Paso, you will NOT have to fly somewhere else and rent a car, then drive. But you very well may have to fly to Dallas or Houston first. Those would be the closest cities with non-stop NYC flites. Each is probably a 10-hour drive or more from ELP.

You seem to be confused over the term "direct" versus "non-stop." A direct flite is one where you get on at city A, make a stop but no change of aircraft at city B, and end up in city C. Direct and non-stop are not the same thing.

You are not going to be able to find a non-stop flite from any NYC airport to ELP. If you can find a direct flite that shops somewhere and gets to ELP without changing planes (as mentioned by a previous poster), that is going to be your best option. And you may find that you can get a direct flite in one direction, but that there will not be one in the other direction.

Frankly, I would just go with the airline that has the best fare. Changing planes somewhere is truly no big deal, and in fact many knowledgeable FTers choose to change planes to get more miles. Ask people who go to places like Albuquerque, Flagstaff, or Boise --- there aren't m/any non-stops from the east coast to those places, either. :cool:

If you have disabilities that make it difficult to change planes, the airline will assist you with a wheelchair or electric cart.

First, there is a major airport at El Paso, you will NOT have to fly somewhere else and rent a car, then drive. But you very well may have to fly to Dallas or Houston first. Those would be the closest cities with non-stop NYC flites. Each is probably a 10-hour drive or more from ELP.

You seem to be confused over the term "direct" versus "non-stop." A direct flite is one where you get on at city A, make a stop but no change of aircraft at city B, and end up in city C. Direct and non-stop are not the same thing.

You are not going to be able to find a non-stop flite from any NYC airport to ELP. If you can find a direct flite that shops somewhere and gets to ELP without changing planes (as mentioned by a previous poster), that is going to be your best option. And you may find that you can get a direct flite in one direction, but that there will not be one in the other direction.

Frankly, I would just go with the airline that has the best fare. Changing planes somewhere is truly no big deal, and in fact many knowledgeable FTers choose to change planes to get more miles.

IMHO, I would rather change planes in DAL, IAH, or somewhere else, and have a 10-20 minute walk to the next flight and a 2 hour or so layover, than have a 12 hour or more drive after arrival! Fly into ELP!

If you have disabilities that make it difficult to change planes, the airline will assist you with a wheelchair or electric cart.

The airlines will be happy to help you with a cart or wheelchair on the transfers. All you need to do is ask. I use this service all the time!

...as you will have gathered, I have no clue about Texas geography and would of course rather change planes than drive for 10-12 hours. I just had no idea El Paso was so far from any other airport!

I also do know what direct vs. non-stop is but used the wrong term in my original post...

At any rate, we "spoiled New Yorkers" of course can fly direct to ELP with one stop in another city and will go with that option. Thanks again to everyone for your help.--K

Portions of the post that previously appeared in this space have been deleted. I would provide you with a reason why, but doing so would likely be against the TOS.

I'm used to driving accross many states in a day, or at least 1/2 of a state in a few hours - based on my past experiences in numerous states. Many years ago, on my first visit to Texas, I was in El Paso and had a flight from San Antonio the next day. I thought it would be a few hours, since it was only 1/2 way through TX. WRONG :eek:

I started my drive mid day. By the time I reached my hotel, it was VERY late! Because I had a flight from SAT the next morning, I did not even have an option to stop on the way!

Now I know better. :o

...as you will have gathered, I have no clue about Texas geography and would of course rather change planes than drive for 10-12 hours. I just had no idea El Paso was so far from any other airport!
Katherine, it's time to familiarize yourself with a road map of Texas. From one New Yorker to another, here you go! :) http://www.sitesatlas.com/Maps/Maps/TX1.htm

Thanks for the map, Analise...yowza! Really helpful in putting things into context--I've only ever been to Houston.

Regards,
Katherine

Betty, it's time to familiarize yourself with a road map of Texas. From one New Yorker to another, here you go! :) http://www.sitesatlas.com/Maps/Maps/TX1.htm

I'd like to add that it seems most direct flights are a farce now anyway as they'll make you deplane (crew change) or even change equipment. If it comes down it.....take a connection if it's cheaper than the direct.

I'd like to add that it seems most direct flights are a farce now anyway as they'll make you deplane (crew change) or even change equipment. If it comes down it.....take a connection if it's cheaper than the direct.

I like it when flight # xxx is a direct flight from "aaa" to "ccc", with a stop in "bbb". You get on a 737 in "aaa", but at the stop in "bbb", you arrive at gate 72 but have to deplane and proceed to gate 38 to continue flight # xxx. When you get to gate 38, the plane is an A319! :eek: (But it is still the same flight #!)

I missed this thread :o

PM me if you need any info about the beautiful Sun City

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that El Paso is in a different time zone (Mountain) from the rest of Texas (Central.) Thus, when you look at a flight schedule it will appear as though your flight from DFW-ELP takes 30 minutes, while your flight from ELP-DFW takes 2 1/2 hours. Be sure to reset your watch when you get to ELP!

Changing planes somewhere is truly no big deal, and in fact many knowledgeable FTers choose to change planes to get more miles.

How 'bout flyin' down to Mexico City and then back up to Ciudad Juarez? :D Does Juarez have a large enough airport? Then rent a car and a simple drive across the border. (But you might have to buy insurance in Mexico to drive into the states.) ;)

No one has answered part of the original question, which was "what is the closest airport to El Paso served [non-stop] from any NYC airport". In fact, the three closest airports with non-stop flights from NYC have not even been mentioned.

From what I can tell, the closest airport to ELP with non-stops from New York is actually PHX, which is a 348 mile drive (compares to 550 from DFW and 670 from IAH). Both SAT and AUS have non-stops from NYC, and both are significantly closer than DFW or IAH. In fact, DEN is approximately the same distance from ELP as DFW.

Granted, 348 miles is still a lengthy drive and booking a connecting flight is still probably the best bet. But, I just wanted to point this out for the sake of it.

Juarez has an airport, but I would not try and cross the border in El Paso unless I actually had to. The wait at the bridge might be as long as the drive from DFW or IAH!

PHX is about a 6 1/2 hour drive.
If you insist about a non-stop, that looks to be about as good as you will get.

I would take AA simply because of the route and the aircraft. DFW-ELP is usually a MD-80. CO from IAH is about 50% 737 50% RJ. DL has a stop in ATL, sort of backtracking from NYC.

But if money is the issue, take the least expensive.

Finally, I'm also open to cheap hotel/motel options in El Paso, if any one knows any...

Stay at the Holiday Inn Express downtown, I have stayed there many times and it is a rather nice but cheap place, also newly renovated/remodelled (formerly Travelodge).

Here's a quick geography trivia game...

Take any map of the US that is proportionately measured (as in, one state isn't unfairly given greater size than another state).

Measure the distance from El Paso to Beaumont with any flat object (ruler, piece of paper, etc). Actual measurement doesn't matter, only the general length or span.

Now, transfer the same span or length from Beaumont to anywhere else east (say, Miami). Do the same from El Paso to anywhere west (say, Los Angeles).

Notice anything unusual? The width of Texas is roughly 1/3rd of the entire size of the map (i.e, the entire US).

Now...do the same going north to south, but measure from the top of the Texas Panhandle to Harlingen.

Flip the ruler...

Again, notice anything unusual? The height of Texas is almost half the size of the entire US.

Gives some meaning to the phrase "the sun is ris'n, the sun is set, and we are still in Texas yet!," doesn't it?

Here's another true, but unbelievable fact: El Paso is closer to Los Angeles, CA than it is to the Texas-Louisiana state line! :eek:

Another example of how big Texas is:

Taking Amtrak (if it's on time - OK it's not! :( ) from the west of Texas (El Paso) to the east of Texas (TX/LA line) takes almost 24 HOURS! And that's just inside the state! :eek:

We are going to visit boyfriend's relatives for the first time in El Paso, and a quick search illustrated that there are no direct flights from NYC to El Paso--most seem to connect through either Dallas or Houston.

We'll need to rent a car on the ground anyway, so I was thinking we might fly direct to the closest airport to El Paso, then drive the rest of the way. I've looked at some Expedia maps but couldn't figure this out (and don't know Texas at all): what is the closest airport (to El Paso) served direct by any NYC airport?

Also open to hearing what anyone thinks of my idea--good one? Hairbrained scheme? I'll regret it forever when I'm driving 4 hours in the hot Texas sun? Etc. :)

Finally, I'm also open to cheap hotel/motel options in El Paso, if any one knows any...if not, I'll probably hotwire or priceline it closer to trip time (no time scheduled as yet but likely somewhere in March, April or May).

Best,
Katherine

When you cross the LA-TX border westbound on I-10, the first mileage sign you pass says "Beaumont 23, El Paso 857"

How 'bout flyin' down to Mexico City and then back up to Ciudad Juarez? :D Does Juarez have a large enough airport? Then rent a car and a simple drive across the border. (But you might have to buy insurance in Mexico to drive into the states.) ;)

I'm thinking of doing this--we'll see. Many airlines show it as a more expensive route though--but it may be easier to use miles on it.

I did see another post mention that we may not want to drive across the border--why? Long wait, difficulty crossing, just the hassle of switching one country to another, etc.? I suspect all of the above but just curious...

Best,
Katherine

(edited to correct flight info)

Stay at the Holiday Inn Express downtown, I have stayed there many times and it is a rather nice but cheap place, also newly renovated/remodelled (formerly Travelodge).

Thanks--the rate is coming up pretty low on this on priorityclub.com (approx. $65/night) so we may take this one.

Best,
Katherine

I'm thinking of doing this--we'll see. Many airlines show it as a more expensive route though--but it may be easier to use miles on it.

I did see another post mention that we may not want to drive across the border--why? Long wait, difficulty crossing, just the hassle of switching one country to another, etc.? I suspect all of the above but just curious...

Best,
Katherine

(edited to correct flight info)
I think the :D in the previous post is a giveaway that you don't want to do that

It would be crazy to fly to Mexico and then to Juarez

Rental cars are expensive, and then you have to deal with the bridge, which can range from 2 minutes to 3 hours, depending on what holiday you are traveling, school is out, time of day, how annoying the customs agent feels that day. So, it's impossible to predict

Just fly to ELP, check the prices in your favorite travel website, i.e. Travelocity, if that's too high, check Hotwire, if that's too high, bid for even less on Priceline

Do a seatch on the downtown HIX, I think someone said that it felt unfinished, nice, but something was missing.

The newest hotels in town are the above mentioned Holiday Inn Express, also the Hampton Inn, Courtyard and Residence Inn, I think those are a pretty safe choice.

I think the :D in the previous post is a giveaway that you don't want to do that

It would be crazy to fly to Mexico and then to Juarez

Rental cars are expensive, and then you have to deal with the bridge, which can range from 2 minutes to 3 hours, depending on what holiday you are traveling, school is out, time of day, how annoying the customs agent feels that day. So, it's impossible to predict

Just fly to ELP, check the prices in your favorite travel website, i.e. Travelocity, if that's too high, check Hotwire, if that's too high, bid for even less on Priceline

Do a seatch on the downtown HIX, I think someone said that it felt unfinished, nice, but something was missing.

The newest hotels in town are the above mentioned Holiday Inn Express, also the Hampton Inn, Courtyard and Residence Inn, I think those are a pretty safe choice.

Thanks for pointing that out--seems obvious now. Perhaps my sense of humor is declining with age? ;)

Katherine

Juarez has an airport, but I would not try and cross the border in El Paso unless I actually had to. The wait at the bridge might be as long as the drive from DFW or IAH!

PHX is about a 6 1/2 hour drive.
If you insist about a non-stop, that looks to be about as good as you will get.

I would take AA simply because of the route and the aircraft. DFW-ELP is usually a MD-80. CO from IAH is about 50% 737 50% RJ. DL has a stop in ATL, sort of backtracking from NYC.

But if money is the issue, take the least expensive.

That's not backtracking. You would go south-southwest to ATL and then due west.

I would say buy a ticket on whatever airline is the cheapest (the in-flight experience is exactly the same).

That's not backtracking. You would go south-southwest to ATL and then due west.

I would say buy a ticket on whatever airline is the cheapest (the in-flight experience is exactly the same).

That's what I'm going to do, most likely--just trying to first sort it out and see if I can get one of the tix as a reward ticket on AA...thanks for the advice!

Katherine

That's what I'm going to do, most likely--just trying to first sort it out and see if I can get one of the tix as a reward ticket on AA...thanks for the advice!

Katherine

There is a connection in Chicago to EL Paso that I fly when traveling from BDL (Hartford) on AA.

There is a connection in Chicago to EL Paso that I fly when traveling from BDL (Hartford) on AA.

I saw some that connect in Chicago--doesn't add much travel time (unlike, say, a connection in Denver!) so those flights are definitely still possibilities...

I saw some that connect in Chicago--doesn't add much travel time (unlike, say, a connection in Denver!) so those flights are definitely still possibilities...

What I'm wondering is why you were asking about direct flights in the first place? Why not be like a true FTer and find the most circuitous cheap route possible, so as to maximise the credit to your frequent flyer scheme? :confused:

What I'm wondering is why you were asking about direct flights in the first place? Why not be like a true FTer and find the most circuitous cheap route possible, so as to maximise the credit to your frequent flyer scheme? :confused:

Sheesh. I thought this was a flame but I see you're a heavy poster, so I'll assume this is sincere and answer in the same fashion:

Everyone has different things they are looking for when they travel. I'm not sure there is one profile that fits a "true FTer"--and that said person is someone who only ever looks for "the most circuitous cheap route possible." We all have different needs at different times. For me personally, I am always looking for the quickest route, that either also earns me the most miles or that allows me to use them for a higher class of travel in the most economical way.

If that makes a fake FTer...so be it! :)

For me personally, I am always looking for the quickest route, that either also earns me the most miles or that allows me to use them for a higher class of travel in the most economical way.

I was just curious. ... and tongue-in-cheek about the "true" FTer part, though the shortest route is almost invariably the one that earns the least miles. (Even worse when it's what the airlines called "direct", which means it takes as long as any other 2 flights, but gives less mileage credit.)

I was wondering because I'd rather spend 14 hours in C on a 747 than 2 hours in an RJ or a DC9. (Not that I expect everyone else to be the same, any more than I expect those two exact choices be available on any particular route.) There are many considerations (time of day, comfort, food, entertainment for a start) that I would put well above elapsed time. FWIW, it's cheaper to fly from Australia to Europe via the USA in business class than to fly just to the USA. (I'm talking thousands of dollars, not trivial amounts.) It also can be cheaper to fly round-the-world than just to the USA. So, many of my flights to the USA have been via Europe. Indeed, it's often the most direct routes that are most desired by business travellers and thus cost the most, which is why my reaction to anyone wanting the most direct route is "why"?

ATA from LGA to Houston Hobby and then Southwest to ELP.As low as $109 each way :)

I was just curious. ... and tongue-in-cheek about the "true" FTer part, though the shortest route is almost invariably the one that earns the least miles. (Even worse when it's what the airlines called "direct", which means it takes as long as any other 2 flights, but gives less mileage credit.)

I was wondering because I'd rather spend 14 hours in C on a 747 than 2 hours in an RJ or a DC9. (Not that I expect everyone else to be the same, any more than I expect those two exact choices be available on any particular route.) There are many considerations (time of day, comfort, food, entertainment for a start) that I would put well above elapsed time. FWIW, it's cheaper to fly from Australia to Europe via the USA in business class than to fly just to the USA. (I'm talking thousands of dollars, not trivial amounts.) It also can be cheaper to fly round-the-world than just to the USA. So, many of my flights to the USA have been via Europe. Indeed, it's often the most direct routes that are most desired by business travellers and thus cost the most, which is why my reaction to anyone wanting the most direct route is "why"?

interesting--i didn't know it was cheaper to fly from australia to europe via the us in biz class than direct in economy. you learn something new every day. :)

i didn't know it was cheaper to fly from australia to europe via the us in biz class than direct in economy. you learn something new every day. :)

I didn't mean to imply that. All my comparisons were same class. And you've never actually answered why you like short flights. :)

I didn't mean to imply that. All my comparisons were same class. And you've never actually answered why you like short flights. :)

Unlike the true FTers, who love the longest flight possible to their destination, eh? :p

I'd say go ahead and connect through DFW or Houston. The drive from anyplace to El Paso is long and pretty boring. There are several penitentiaries out there in that vacant land with plenty of signs along Interstate 10 warning drivers not to pick up hitchhikers there.

I'd say go ahead and connect through DFW or Houston. The drive from anyplace to El Paso is long and pretty boring. There are several penitentiaries out there in that vacant land with plenty of signs along Interstate 10 warning drivers not to pick up hitchhikers there.
That's "La Tuna" between El Paso and Las Cruces ;)

Closest major airport is PHX, six hours away

That's "La Tuna" between El Paso and Las Cruces ;)

Closest major airport is PHX, six hours away

Copy. Over and out. Closest airport=majorly far way. Keep postin' 'cuz you ain't got nothin' better to do...or spare 'us cuz we got the point: fly into ELP!

Thanks guys.