Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Here's the list of Metrocard merchants in Nassau County. (I'm not seeing one in Long Beach.)

http://tripplanner.mta.info/metrocar...px?zone=nassau

So, since you're not sure if you'll be returning to JFK via the AirTrain, the best advice is to buy a pre-valued Metrocard at your JFK arrival terminal if you can find a vendor there, adding value to the card, as needed, at the Metrocard vending machines at the Jamaica AirTrain terminal; and then just purchase two one-way Jamaica-Long Beach LIRR tickets. If you cannot find a Metrocard vendor at your JFK arrival terminal, then buy the LIRR/AirTrain combo Metrocard when you get to Jamaica Station. If you decide to return to JFK by public transport, you can try to add value to your LIRR/AirTrain combo Metrocard, but if you are unable to do so, be prepared to buy a new Metrocard for $9.05 + the $1.00 new-card fee.

Note that the LIRR conductor on the Jamaica-Long Beach train may try to collect your combo ticket/Metrocard after punching it. Tell the conductor that you need the Metrocard back.