Trip in First to ORD in the summer. Advice on price, itinerary and TPs
Mar 21, 2018, 10:51 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
Mar 21, 2018, 11:00 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
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So, it appears I would need to be in Chicago during the day on 19th April so that I can go to see a Cubs match.
I will have to spend an overnight at ATL, JFK/LGA, BOS, or EWR. Hotels near BOS airport seem to be crazily expensive! EWR is cheaper, but taking the EWR on the outbound would mean not much time in the CCR. Taking a later flight to JFK would be possible, but that would involve flying out of LGA in the morning. Should I be concerned about traffic? Perhaps I could take a taxi to an airport near LGA on my arrival so that I avoid the morning traffic?
I will have to spend an overnight at ATL, JFK/LGA, BOS, or EWR. Hotels near BOS airport seem to be crazily expensive! EWR is cheaper, but taking the EWR on the outbound would mean not much time in the CCR. Taking a later flight to JFK would be possible, but that would involve flying out of LGA in the morning. Should I be concerned about traffic? Perhaps I could take a taxi to an airport near LGA on my arrival so that I avoid the morning traffic?
Mar 21, 2018, 11:06 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
If you're a baseball fan, or at least know the history of it all, a trip to Wrigley Field is incredible. It will probably be a bit chilly in April, so plan accordingly. Pick up some cheap clothes in town if need be, and drop off at a charity before you leave (unless you have the luggage space.)
The inside has changed since it opened way back when, but overall it's still pretty similar outside. It's kind of overwhelming (again, if you know/appreciate the history of it all) to be standing on the same corner where the goat incident was, for example.
As for your overnight options, me personally I'd go in order of ATL, BOS, pause a good while and then consider JFK/LGA. I would not even consider EWR.
The inside has changed since it opened way back when, but overall it's still pretty similar outside. It's kind of overwhelming (again, if you know/appreciate the history of it all) to be standing on the same corner where the goat incident was, for example.
As for your overnight options, me personally I'd go in order of ATL, BOS, pause a good while and then consider JFK/LGA. I would not even consider EWR.
Mar 21, 2018, 11:17 am
#19
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,635
The BA booked hotels are a little bit more reasonable in my experience. There's also airbnb which is worth a look. Also you can uber or hire a car and get a little out of town for better rates.
Mar 21, 2018, 12:09 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,599
If you're a baseball fan, or at least know the history of it all, a trip to Wrigley Field is incredible. It will probably be a bit chilly in April, so plan accordingly. Pick up some cheap clothes in town if need be, and drop off at a charity before you leave (unless you have the luggage space.)
The inside has changed since it opened way back when, but overall it's still pretty similar outside. It's kind of overwhelming (again, if you know/appreciate the history of it all) to be standing on the same corner where the goat incident was, for example.
As for your overnight options, me personally I'd go in order of ATL, BOS, pause a good while and then consider JFK/LGA. I would not even consider EWR.
The inside has changed since it opened way back when, but overall it's still pretty similar outside. It's kind of overwhelming (again, if you know/appreciate the history of it all) to be standing on the same corner where the goat incident was, for example.
As for your overnight options, me personally I'd go in order of ATL, BOS, pause a good while and then consider JFK/LGA. I would not even consider EWR.
What are the reasons behind your preference of airport? Are they so strong you’d be willing to potentially skip the CCR at LHR?
And what is so bad about EWR?
Mar 21, 2018, 12:48 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
For airports it’s an overall factor of transit, immigration, etc.
LGA has construction, which could be an impact, but can’t say for sure. JFK immigration usually isn‘t horrid, but can be on occasion. I try to go through DFW as much as possible myself, mainly for the extra hour or two going east on an overniht.
As for EWR, not a fan of setup, or location.
That just from my personal POV, and others may differ.
LGA has construction, which could be an impact, but can’t say for sure. JFK immigration usually isn‘t horrid, but can be on occasion. I try to go through DFW as much as possible myself, mainly for the extra hour or two going east on an overniht.
As for EWR, not a fan of setup, or location.
That just from my personal POV, and others may differ.
Mar 21, 2018, 1:05 pm
#22
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Re: overnight options: here is a fun + economical alternative to ATL (dull) and BOS (expensive). Fly to JFK late and take that onward AA flight out of LGA the next morning. For your layover, take an Uber from JFK to the Asian district in Flushing, on LGA's doorstep, and stay in one of the Asian independent hotels around the 7 subway line terminus. Example:
Asiatic Hotel
It will cost very little and they will give you dim sum for breakfast. It will feel as if you're halfway to Hong Kong. And when ready to move on to LGA, you can walk two blocks (from that hotel anyway) and pick up the frequent-running Q48 bus to LaGuardia. It runs on mostly residential streets, so beats rush hour traffic:
http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedul...ns/q048cur.pdf
For your consideration
Mar 21, 2018, 1:30 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,599
We would say Cubs "game." Please do try to attend one. Wrigley Field is great. PM me whilst you're in Chicago if you like and I'll buy you a pint.
Re: overnight options: here is a fun + economical alternative to ATL (dull) and BOS (expensive). Fly to JFK late and take that onward AA flight out of LGA the next morning. For your layover, take an Uber from JFK to the Asian district in Flushing, on LGA's doorstep, and stay in one of the Asian independent hotels around the 7 subway line terminus. Example:
Asiatic Hotel
It will cost very little and they will give you dim sum for breakfast. It will feel as if you're halfway to Hong Kong. And when ready to move on to LGA, you can walk two blocks (from that hotel anyway) and pick up the frequent-running Q48 bus to LaGuardia. It runs on mostly residential streets, so beats rush hour traffic:
http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedul...ns/q048cur.pdf
For your consideration
Re: overnight options: here is a fun + economical alternative to ATL (dull) and BOS (expensive). Fly to JFK late and take that onward AA flight out of LGA the next morning. For your layover, take an Uber from JFK to the Asian district in Flushing, on LGA's doorstep, and stay in one of the Asian independent hotels around the 7 subway line terminus. Example:
Asiatic Hotel
It will cost very little and they will give you dim sum for breakfast. It will feel as if you're halfway to Hong Kong. And when ready to move on to LGA, you can walk two blocks (from that hotel anyway) and pick up the frequent-running Q48 bus to LaGuardia. It runs on mostly residential streets, so beats rush hour traffic:
http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedul...ns/q048cur.pdf
For your consideration
I’ve also just realised that I could use my AA vouchers to purchase an onward flight to ORD from another destination (I don’t fancy doing a TP run during the short break)
Mar 21, 2018, 2:05 pm
#25
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I notice your second option provides an almost 4-hour layover in BOS. If you choose this one, you might consider an Uber (or even a water taxi, if running) over to Faneuil Hall market and have a Maine lobster lunch! (or at least a lobster roll at Legal Seafood's airport locations)
Mar 21, 2018, 5:29 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
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Posts: 3,599
I’ve booked it! In the ends I’m going via JFK both ways because the schedule suited me better. Out of LGA to ORD on the outbound though.
I’m very excited! First Cubs game for me and £1,700 all in First is not bad! I’ll have to add the cost of a return flight to INV (probably going to book in CE because I need TPs) and of the hotel at LGA, but considering accommodation in Chicago will be free, it’s not too bad!
I’m very excited! First Cubs game for me and £1,700 all in First is not bad! I’ll have to add the cost of a return flight to INV (probably going to book in CE because I need TPs) and of the hotel at LGA, but considering accommodation in Chicago will be free, it’s not too bad!
Mar 22, 2018, 2:19 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: London / Brighton
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I've a LAX-LAS flight in J coming up in a few weeks time, I'll give the Flagship check in a go ^
Mar 22, 2018, 2:33 am
#29
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changing to AA at JFK would get you access (by dint of your BA Gold / OW Emerald status) to the AA Flagship check-on and Lounge which makes the transfer a little less painful
I'd say that was a pretty good price. I'm doing an ex-INV to Chicago via JFK in April in J for £1350.
I'd say that was a pretty good price. I'm doing an ex-INV to Chicago via JFK in April in J for £1350.
Mar 22, 2018, 5:48 am
#30
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That seems a bit daft to me. What I've seen on the AA board here is that you (we!) get - and I'm basing this on being BA Gold so OW Emerald -
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html
And from the AA website
It also means on your return you can use it at ORD too. - Which is also my plan when I return to the UK via CLT.
When are you actually in ORD? Perhaps a mini meet up with @BearX220
I've previously done the Wrigley field tour and enjoyed it and I'm not a baseball fan and this was before the recent refurbishment .
An expedited security line, offering you premium access through security checkpoints
And from the AA website
Experience our private check-in with access to an expedited security line
It also means on your return you can use it at ORD too. - Which is also my plan when I return to the UK via CLT.
When are you actually in ORD? Perhaps a mini meet up with @BearX220
I've previously done the Wrigley field tour and enjoyed it and I'm not a baseball fan and this was before the recent refurbishment .