You might want to start a new thread on this subject, as it may get lost here. In any event, what you want to do could be tough given the travel times from LGA to Manhattan and Manhattan to JFK, particularly on public transportation (but even in cabs), and also considering you want to lose the luggage.

You might have enough time, however, to at least have lunch in the city. Here's what I propose. From LGA, ask a cab to take you to the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway in Jackson Heights, Queens. That will set you back less than $10, including tip. (Cab drivers hate these short rides from the airport, but at least on this trip, the driver will get a "shortie" from the dispatcher, entitling him to cut to the front of the cab line when he returns to LGA.) Then hop in the subway and take the E, F or V train into Manhattan. Total travel time from when you get in the cab until you first reach Manhattan should be about 30 minutes, longer the further crosstown or downtown you go. (For good lunch recommendations, go to www.chowhound.com and post on the Manhattan board asking for recommendations near any E, F or V station. Make sure to indicate what you're looking to spend.) Then after lunch, hop back on whatever train you took to the city, take it back out to Queens, and then follow my recommendations above for getting to JFK. You almost certainly can do all this in the time allotted and don't have to worry about ditching your luggage.

[This message has been edited by Blumie (edited 08-22-2003).]