Originally Posted by
themicah
The discussion isn't completely moot now, since my sister just signed a lease in Williamsburg, which I imagine means she'll have other opportunities to transit Bway Junction on the way to JFK in the future. I'm sure she'll appreciate not having to waste an extra half-hour going via 14th St in Manhattan, although I'll probably still recommend a cab if she's coming home late at night from JFK. With the rent she's saving by not living in Manhattan, she can afford a few taxis.
As a NYer yourself, I am sure you appreciate that as your sister gets more comfortable in the city, she will develop her own instincts in terms of her personal comfort level. We all know that there is no right answer to the question you asked, but rather different answers based on individual comfort levels.