It sounds like it went fairly well considering the factors. However, if I were in charge of such a trip, I would:

(1) Not use a redeye flight if possible. Reyeye flights do have benefits, being they're overnight and save a day of travel, especially if one can sleep on an aircraft (I prefer them to save a day of travel going West to East) -- but considering half the group were first time flyers, I would have looked at a mid-morning departure from PHX with an evening arrival and everyone would be better rested. In your case the redeye may have been necessary due to time constraints.

(2) For purposes of this trip, I would agree EWR was a good airport choice with the public transport links. JFK is a good option too as they have an AirTrain which goes to Jamaica Station where one can pick up LIRR into Manhattan - I am guessing HP, perhaps DL, and maybe JetBlue (if they fly to PHX) would be JFK options.

I like LGA because of it's location, but I believe it would require a connection - secondly it lacks public transport. If one could arrange an Airport <-> Manhattan Hotel coach/shuttle service for the group, this would be the best airport (aside from the requirement for a connection). If I have luggage, I prefer LGA and using a taxi to get into Manhattan. Otherwise JFK & EWR work with public transport.

(3) The biggest problem, IMHO, was a hotel is New Jersey for a trip to Manhattan New York. The hotel might have been cheap, but it ate up too much of your time having to trek between Manhattan and Jersey (plus after a few trips with NJT, the $'s add up).

A Hotel is Manhattan will cost more; this would be offset by money spent getting between Jersey & NYC/Manhattan. Secondly, a Manhattan hotel saves you time and it is convienient - this would allow for quality time in NYC and the museums. Given what you were handed, it sounds like you did well. Sometimes quality may cost a few extra dollars. The only time I use EWR area hotels is if I must overnight at the airport (irregular ops or forced overnight layover for Intl departure/arrival), if I have an early AM departure out of EWR, or late night arrival.

Thanks for the report, asu-ua772 -- if you ever do a NYC group trip again, you may want to consider the above. I'm sure others have good suggestions too, but it sounds like you did the best you could.

Last but not least, while a non-stop is always easier, I have found connections aren't too bad (depending on connecting airport) for student groups. When I was younger, I did a couple of trips as a student which involved connections (Piedmont at CLT and American at BNA/Nashville) - these went smoothly. If a connection is necessary, try to use an easy connection point (i.e. avoid ORD, ATL or IAD), but consider connection friendly airports like DEN, CVG, DTW (New NW terminal), CLE, CLT.

SDF_Traveler