Thanks all. I live in Maryland, but on the train line. BWI and IAD are the best airports for me. However, I have reason to frequently travel to NYC which is why EWR is not difficult to me. 2 hours and 30 minutes by train that stops at the airport. JFK is more of a haul, but if the price is right I will stay overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn and take the LIRR to the airtrain. I don't like to go that way, but it may be ok for the price of the routing Groundstop suggested.

As for the 4th it's easy. Stay the night have some great pizza and watch the NYC fireworks - train home on the 5th.

United has been kind enough to hold some reward seats for me for three days so we can see what Chase is going to do. Although they will not honor the fare they have been flexible in holding the seats and have advocated on my behalf with Chase for the points return.

I will keep you all posted.