You can by a metrocard at a Hudson Newsstand at JFK before you go to the Airtrain to avoid the $1 surcharge. You will need $10 on the metrocard to pay for 2 on the Airtrain. If they don't sell you a $10 metrocard at the newsstand, you can make up the difference at Jamaica at metrocard machines immediately before the exit turnstyles.
The 11% metrocard bonus begins when you spend $5.50. Here's more information:
http://www.nycmetrocardcalculator.com/calculator.php
Originally Posted by swag
If we take the train back, though, I get confused. There's not going to be an AirTrain ticket machine at Long Beach LIRR, so we buy the LIRR ticket separately. Then when we get to Jamaica, we need to get a new MetroCard to get to JFK. Fare is $10 ($5 x 2). With the 11% bonus, do I request a $9.01 Metrocard and pay $10.01 ($9.01 + $1) for a card that will have $10 on it? Is that right?
First, you won't need to get a new metrocard; use the one you already have. Second, you can't buy a $9.01 metrocard; the metrocard machine sells on 5¢ increments so you'll have to spend $9.05 when you get to Jamaica.