Choosing a Shuttle - DC to NYC
 

My girlfriend will be interning in NYC this summer and I am planning on flying up there every weekend. It looks like pricing is pretty competitive for all the Shuttles -- Delta, AA, USAir. I'd like to choose one and rack up some miles.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of each of these Shuttle services? Comfort? Timing of flights? Service?

Why fly? If you're going to do this every weekend, take the train. Penn Station in NYC is much more accessible than any of the three airports. No security hassles. And lots of personal space onboard.

Seems like it's cheaper to fly if you're going on a weekend -- around $120 round-trip.

I would be surprised if the cost of a shuttle ticket + transport to/from LGA were less than the cost of an Amtrak ticket. Both DCA and Union Station are easily and cheaply linked to mass transit systems, but LGA is much more costly to get to (or park at) than Penn Station. Also, note that students (if you are one) get 15% off on Amtrak tickets, and that Amtrak travel now can earn miles on CO and UA.

(edited for spelling)

[This message has been edited by hb1 (edited 01-14-2003).]

Actually, LGA is only $1.50 from the city, you take a bus to a subway and transfer to the subway. Totally not worth doing unless you only have six quarters in your pocket and purchase a metrocard.

I would also consider looking at scheduled service on the flights (not the shuttles) if you have your heart set on flying. They can sometimes be very well prices, usually in weekend specials. Though I work in Manhattan and I have found the train to be preferable many times then the hassles of flying.

Take a regular train, not the Accela, and if you have a AAA card get the discount, if not get an AAA card even if you don't have a car for the discount.

If money is the object, check out the chinatown bus trips, they can be as low as $15 between New York and Washington. A MSNBC story on them is at

http://www.msnbc.com/news/845687.asp see them all the time on the roads.

Delta, from what I heard, just made their program highly undesirable. USAir is trying to climb out of bankruptcy. Thus, my vote goes to AA http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif I am not sure what type aircraft the others fly but AA has gone completely to regional jets now for those routes. They aren't too bad for an hour flight.

The train is nice but it is expensive and you won't earn miles. Plus, all the sales for the NE Corridor always exclude Sunday travel.

Some people think you should take the train. There's some logic to that. However, wear and tear is less by flying.

I don't fly the shuttle too often. However, I like US better. You can deposit US miles on UA if you want. I do the reverse because I haven't flown UA too much in recent months.

(typo corrected)

[This message has been edited by Skylink USA (edited 01-14-2003).]

I used to make that trip quite frequently and found the train to be far easier, especially for frequent travel. While travel to and from the trains can be timely, it evens out when considering current pre-flight check-in/screening regulations. I commonly took the USair shuttle when I did fly and its a very easy trip, but am not sure of what's going on with its current bankruptcy issues.

The US shuttle uses A319s and A320s. I just shuttled and the A319s are very nice and the beer's free.

There are some real plusses to flying bankrupt airlines. US and their Chapter 22 Alliance partner UA have extended the triple miles on both offer, and I racked up 8,263 miles on these two 214 mile flights.

Did someone say free beer?!?!?!

Not just beer but Sam Adams.... this is a tradition that goes back to the Pan Am and Eastern days. They used to have Sam or New Amsterdam.

I don't fly Delta, but I hope they maintained the tradition. US pulled the Sam for a while after 9/11.

Earning 3,000 miles on *both* UA and US makes it any easy choice, IMO, if you are starting from scratch.

8 weekend shuttles @ $116.50 and you earn TWO domestic R/T tickets!

Addendum: US has comfortable new planes. Delta is downgrading to 737-300 in March and AA flies uncomfortable RJs. This is a no brainer but I am long term US/UA flier so I am biased......

[This message has been edited by gnaget (edited 01-14-2003).]

I had a Sam on the DL Shuttle as recently as 31 December, so they're definitely still available. On the other hand, the short shuttle flights definitely put my chugging skills to the test, particularly if I'm one of the last to be served. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Speaking of beer selections, even Southwest is apparently going slightly more "upscale" with their beer selections, as noted on this thread.

Back in my promiscuous flying days I recall getting Henry Weinhard on Alaska and Pete's Wicked Summer on a CO RJ.

UA & US mainline have the typical crappy lineup where Heineken is in the pinnacle of luxury. Blah....

I think US Shuttle used to have New Amsterdam 4-5 years ago. I remember always getting the rear exit row on the old 727s to myself, chatting with these older friendly FAs who sometimes gave me a pre-departure beer. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

8,263??? I get 2,000 each way on both airlines (4 X 500) due to being US2 and 1P for a total of 8,000 miles total R/T. The person who inquired will get 6,000 miles asuming no status.

Actually, the double dip is not a new concept. US and AA had it during their FF program collaboration. I imagine that US compensates UA for allowing the double dip. UA fliers may have been in the habit of flying DL shuttle where they (still?) could collect non-status miles.

How long are the 6x mileage bonuses in effect for? If they are in effect for summer 2003, it's a no brainer. You can't afford NOT to take 6,000 miles for your $120 roundtrip shuttle tickets. Just thinking about it makes me want to move to DC and find some excuse to go to NY all the time. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

If bonus miles are not as juicy, or if AA steps up their own bonus miles (they had triple miles on their shuttle through 12/31 - not sure if it was extended), AA offers one unique advantage: the Gold/Plat Challenges. I assume you are starting from no elite status on any airline. With AA, five roundtrips on the shuttle will earn you Gold status. Ten roundtrips will earn you Plat status. (This assumes that AA will continue with their typical Challenge programs through this summer.) Read the AA board for more info about elite status and the challenges.

Only downside: AA uses RJ's that have Less Room Throughout Coach. But for elite status, I'd probably be able to stick it out for a half hour flight...

Sam Adams was aboard the US shuttle on Monday, at least until I got to him.

The triple miles offer has been extended through March 31. They've been serially extending the triple miles offer since last summer, and the UA add-on started in the fall (I think). AA's entrance into the shuttle market seems like a driving force to keep this competition going. BYW, the latest extension wasn't announced until after Jan. 1, so you might not want to lose hope even if it seems to have expired.

P.S. I doubt that US is paying UA for their miles. My impression is that the shuttle is a big part of what UA wants to offer its customers with the US code share.

P.P.S. My mileage includes an extra 1,000 US miles (Gold bonus) plus 1,000 online booking and 263 from US Visa (2 miles per dollar for US reservations).

(Edited to explain my mileage total)

[This message has been edited by EricH (edited 01-15-2003).]

As suggested above, the cheapest way to get to New York is probably a bus from D.C.'s Chinatown; The MSNBC story doesn't mention where to pick them up in Washington, so I'll add that I've seen them waiting for passengers around H and 6th Streets. Try asking around the merchants at that corner for exact information about prices and schedules.

If miles are more important than money (and isn't "college student" a synonym for "broke"?) then I'd also lean toward American if you can do a challenge and earn elite status.

US also has challenges. It's worth a phone call. I think they require 10 segments. UA does not as far as I know but again it's worth the call.

That would be quite the grand slam to get status on both airlines after 5 shuttle runs @ $116.50. (Yes, you do get status miles on both carriers.)

No kidding - that would be a Grand Slam for the ages... ~$600 for over 40,000 miles AND two elite statuses (stati?)!

Well finally here's a thread where I'm not asking a question but actually know something!!

As for the Planes/Trains/Automobile issue DC - NYC.

Basically, Amtrak is indeed the most expensive option. I've tried them all through the years and driving / buses are the cheapest.

My office has a very active bulletin board and there are many rideshares to NYC on the weekend. Usually the cost is about $30 - $40 or less even to share gas and tolls. I recommend you posting similar messages on your company's board or I would be happy to place one for you on my board (I promise we're all very nice).

Next are buses -- Greyhound / Peter Pan has raised their prices to over $100 but they have many buses/day.

The cheapest bus option are the "Chinatown Buses" as they are affectionately called. See the links below.

http://www.ivymedia.com/dragoncoach/..._washingtondc/

http://www.2000coach.com/dcnewyork.html

Now for the deal on the airlines: DL, US, or AA.

AA is out in my opinion. Their fares have NEVER been near competitive and they fly to JFK on tiny little planes. No FF advantage either.

US has now been offering this 6 times the miles offer which is great. Triple miles on both UA and US. So for every round trip you go on you get 3000 miles on each -- 6000 miles. Each flight segment also counts toward premier status.

BUT

US is a pain. While they call it a shuttle there is nothing shuttle like about it. These flights are scheduled and ticketed as such -- seats assigned et al. Though I did see Henry Kissinger on my last flight, if ever you arrive early or even miss a flight you will need to reticket and pay a fee. They are not flexible at all. No ifs ands or buts. Also, their terminal is farther and taxi time on the runway always adds up.
Snacks are served. You shoul be able to fly for $117 or slightly less if booked in advance.

DL is a whole other story. While their service has also "tightened," its rather clear that this is the premier shuttle. The snacks are delighful -- all leather seats and they run very well on time. They use the Marine Air Terminal at LGA airport which is very convenient for taxing and to get in and out of the airport. The fares are very similar to US. They are also offering triple miles and each segment counts towards premier status. Seats are not assigned which makes things very easy. You are usually able to walk on the next available flight from once you arrive.

As far as getting to/from airports we all know DCA is the best (Metro or Taxi it's pretty easy). In NYC, LGA is sometimes a pain and sometimes perfect. The taxi line can be over an hour long. In that case I suggest taking a special bus to Grand Central for $12 each. Otherwise take a cab and sliced between the two of you the cost will be on par with the cost of the bus.

Good luck and email me with any questions!!

AA started competing on the shuttle routes (DCA-LGA-BOS) on Oct 1, 2002 with regional jets. They line up farewise with US in most cases, but they obviously run far fewer seats on a daily basis.

I actually flew DCA-LGA on October 1st on the third or fourth AA shuttle flight. There were balloons, birthday cake, etc. everywhere. Flew back on the 3rd and went standby on a different flight with no problems. (Granted, the flights were off-peak and rather empty.)

Thanks Pinniped -- I'm so happy to hear it the service is solid.

Cheers!

Let's be a little careful about status dreams. The US/UA bonus miles are not status miles. I think they may have been status miles last year, but I don't recall. As of now, you get 500 US + 500 UA status miles per flight.

US used to offer standby within the fare window. When the **** hit the fan in September there was no standby for a week or two but they quickly reneged and *only* offered free standby on the Shuttle.

Then on 1/1 it regressed to the $100 standby fee. Meanwhile mainline went down to $25 to match DL but kept the Shuttle at $100! This is crazy but they will probably fix it soon. They should go back to standby within fare window.

Note that weekend U class fares are fully refundable and therefore also allow standby in any case. (Within the fare time window.) However, the cheap U fares are Sat/Sun only. The $116.50 roach fare is V class and non-refundable. The advantage with this fare is that it lets you fly Friday at 19:00 and later.

Note that AA forced DL and US to offer midday walk-up fares for around $110 one way. On the other hand you can fly same day DCA-BOS return on AA for $200 something, which is a great deal for business travelers.

Orbitz is of course the tool of choice to give you an overview.

I was talking about a challenge where you typically need 10 segments for the silver level. Yes, last year the US bonus miles counted as status miles.

I agree that taxi time at LGA is a pain with US -- not so at BOS and DCA. Sometimes it's as long as the flight. You think it's 20 minutes early and you wind up on schedule.

It sounds like DL has better preserved the Pan Am / Eastern traditions. However, they won't pull out an extra plane if it fills up like the "grand old" airlines promised.

Ah well, I am stuck with the Chapter 22 Alliance.

This is a good route to rack up FF miles.

If flexibility is paramount, as well as time, get a speedpass and just drive. It's the cheapest and fastest option. (aside from those busses. I have no experience with them)

Driving is not an option if you don't like to drive and if you don't speed, obviously. But depending on your car, you can make this as short as a 3hr drive... hehehe... I used to drive up to NYC all the time.


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www.witold.org

Thanks to all for the tips and keep 'em coming!

So none of the shuttle services offers "guaranteed seating" (i.e. bringing out an extra plane if a flight has more passengers than seats) anymore? When did they stop offering it?

I think itdisappeared when US and DL took over. US gives you a $200 voucher if you arrive 10 min prior and don't get a seat.