Originally Posted by
chriswiles
Normally you wouldn't be allowed in the lounge anyhow. They only allow people in a maximum 3 hours from departure?
And why would you want to check-in many hours before the flight? There's nothing to do in a lounge much - I can spent about 2 hours in there, max. Far too much sitting around too, which isn't good for the body.
When I have a similar situation, I simply store my bags and head off into town or similar. No need to hang around at the airport 'uncomfortable chairs'. When we had a 6 hour layover in Vancouver, we took the train into the city and spent almost 3 hours there. Amazing what you can get done in 3 hours. Was a really great day, too.
Not saying you should try and get to Manhattan from JFK, but no reason why you couldn't head towards Brooklyn or similar. You can train it in next to no time without luggage.
Not sure of your 3 hour rule question, but we have many times at JFK, IAD, and LHR Concorde spent considerably over 3 hours in the lounge. I know Delta has imposed that rule, but hadn't heard BA had.
As you recognize, JFK and Vancouver are not peas in a pod. And your idea of making a six hour holiday of the layover is fine when the idea makes sense, which it did for us in Singapore. On this occasion, it does not. So, hopefully, somebody might have a response as to my original question(s).
I do appreciate your taking the time to respond. Thanks.