Eastbay1K

Mid-June, so NYC and ATL weather can already be a bit thunderstormy.

EWR/ATL/OAK shows a 1:55 ATL connection time, and leaves EWR at 2:59 PM.
LGA/ATL/OAK shows a 1:38 ATL connection time, and leaves LGA at 3:00 PM.

They both connect to the same (and only) OAK flight. Neither airport is exactly known for its timeliness. And, I'm not familiar with DL at either airport (so I don't know if all things otherwise equal, if the lounge at one is better than the other). I'm most concerned with making my connection without too much stress. As bad as I know EWR can be, it is obvious that the LGA flight even allows more ground padding. Also, in the event of IRROPS, which airport will be most likely to handle it better and get me back to at least SFO the same night?

Which airport would you choose?

ND76

If weather looks to be bad at the times of your flights, call Delta and get put on an earlier flight into ATL.

MCO Flyer

Is there not a option to connect in SLC from EWR? Flying through ATL during a summer afternoon screams IROPS waiting to happen.

MSPeconomist

If you're worried, can you book the earlier LGA-ATL segment? Domestic itineraries allow four hours scheduled connection time before a connection becomes a stopover and has multicity pricing.

jrl767

I’d actually book JFK-ATL-OAK, knowing there’s JFK-SLC as a backup (as well as, of course, a few JFK-SFO nonstops)

Eastbay1K

Thanks all. But let's all assume that this traveler has already considered other options and there may be large price differentials and other time factors in asking the very particular questions I posed.

MCO Flyer

If those are the only two options that you have, I’d fly out of EWR due to the smaller DL terminal, minimal construction at EWR vs LGA, and a few extra mins in ATL. If IROPS happens with the EWR-ATL flight, you always have the EWR-SLC flight to fall back on. If IROPS happens at LGA, your stuck with only ATL as they don’t have a SLC flight from there. I’m not aware of any other destinations DL flies non-stop from OAK other than SLC and ATL.

MSPeconomist

However, LGA had many more DL flights (and decent lounges), so there would be options to connect to SLC via DTW or MSP even though the perimeter rule means no nonstops to SLC. I'd look at the possible timings for such connections.

I'd also consider aircraft type on the routes you're considering, not only from the viewpoint of comfort but also noting which aircraft types (DeltaConnection, I'm looking at you) are more prone to delays and cancellations.

Depending on your location in the NYC area, EWR, LGA or JFK could be (much) more convenient.

Eastbay1K

Good info. Getting stuck @ SLC with a quick morning hop home is a lot better than the other options.

El Boocho

Where in NY will you be leaving from when you head to the airport?

SJC ORD LDR

I'd do JFK-SFO non-stop and then take BART to Oakland. Or fly UA EWR-SFO non-stop.

indufan

For me, the overriding factor would be the original start place. LGA is a ..... to get in and out of right now and it is never good but maybe on the road to improve. If in Manhattan, it is pretty easy to take NJ Transit from NY Penn Station to EWR. LGA does not have train service all the way to the airport.

Eastbay1K

I'd ask you for the extra grand to sit in a cushier seat on the plane, plus the extra UBERdough to get home.

The F (I) fare with a connection and the convenience of getting into OAK makes this all worth it. And that is why I had specific questions regarding something with which I wasn't too familiar.

Eastbay1K

Close to the Holland Tunnel, making EWR a not completely revolting option for car travel.

El Boocho

Yep.. depending on time of day, that might be the best option. The Skyclub at EWR is decently nice and updated. Last time I was there I don't think they had precheck or clear at the delta terminal. I know you said other routes were out, but in case you change your mind there's also now a nonstop from JFK to SJC.