Flying to UK via NYC - what to do? transit options

[smckay]

We've made what could be called a blunder. I've booked an award flight for me and swmbo to NYC return on QF. We've further decided that we need to go to Edinburgh to the Military Tattoo and as such have booked tix for August 10 this year. So we currently are good to get to JFK but then the problems start.

Our flight arrives into JFK approx 17.30 (6 August) and my dilemma is; do I book a flight that night to go to EDI and risk delays/missing that flight or play it safe and go the next day? Time is not critical but obviously we want to maximise our land time.

My options appear to be be Air France (poor reviews) via Paris, BA via LHR, or Finnair, Lufthansa or the other Icy airline. Also, American direct to Manchester + a drive north to Edinburgh but they are the dearest of the lot.

It looks like there are no suitable award flights going otherwise I'd can the booking and start again, going one way (either way left or right, doesnt matter) around.

BA have Y+ fares at a good price - $4,100 - and thats attractive especially as it is 777 and hopefully nicer than previous although I am QF pub silver and do like the conveniences there-in. Unsure if QF will still let BA into their sandpit once the Emirate deal is done. Virgin Atlantic are a no go, been there done that have ticked it off.

So; do I book a night flight the same day I arrive in JFK? Concerns are delays incoming, transit between terminals (there are 8!) or lack of time between egressing QF and boarding new carrier. Or do I spend $200 for a night in a motel and then go the next day?

Everything is flexible, save for Y+ on long haul, lounge access and preference for 'known' brand to UK and Y+ on the way over. All other legs can be coach. Budget? Lets say $10,000 all done, or points + pay.

I have been researching for literally weeks and it has done my head in.

 

[Mal]

I've done it before. Not really a huge drama. Yes flights may be late, but you just factor that into your planning.
Separate tickets may not be looked at kindly if there are massive delays - but Qantas to BA or AA will work in your favour (still no guarantee though!).

Have you thought of flying into London and taking the train?

 

[smckay]

I have looked at trains but appear to be dearer than a flight. Although, trundling through the country side does appeal.

BA is probably the realistic option as I can mix the flights. I'm going to book cheapest ticket I can - do you think that will be a negative if it does all go pear shaped?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Is it a Classic Award or Any Seat Award?

It may be an option to cancel and rebook to go SYD/EDI/JFK/SYD. Before you cancel the SYD/JFK flight I'd enquire with QF as to the availability of award flights SYD/EDI or it may be cheaper to book the award flight SYD/LHR then either buy a sector fare LHR/EDI or take the train which is about 4 hours.

That way you'd only have to purchase a one way sector fare EDI or LHR to JFK & take your original JFK/SYD flight home.

Using ITA/Matrix software Matrix - ITA Software the cheapest airfare based on a departure date of 14 Aug LHR/JFK is GBP364.30 of Icelandair (FI) via Reykjavik which requires an overnight in KEF. The fare is GBP114.00 with the rest being taxes.

The cheapest Premium Economy fare is GBP594.30 (base fare GBP277.00) flying FI but this time only a 2 hour layover in KEF.

The cheapest Business Class fare is GBP965.30 (base fare GBP648.00) flying FI again with a 2 hour layover in KEF.

If you want a One World fare option there is an option to fly economy LHR/MAD then Business MAD/JFK with a 90 minute layover in MAD of 90 minutes. The fare is GBP1,167.70 (base fare GBP805.46).

 

[smckay]

Its a Classic Award. I did ask QF (who spent a lot of time looking for me) re booking the whole thing but didn't get told about changing 1 x leg.

Syd -Lhr, train, then MAN-JFK appeals. I'll research that.
Although, having been looking at options for weeks I'm about done and close to just booking anything including a Cessna to get me there

 

[Andyzx]

You could try www.aerlingus.com JFK - EDI approx US$2410 for both, J looked a bit expensive. Trains are pretty good in the UK, if you book about 2 months ahead then you can get reasonable pricing. EDI airport is about 45 minutes out of the city, they have buses etc to get you there but should have opened a new train / tram system by then which should make it easier.

Try virgintrains.co.uk as well it was about 100 quid MAN to Waverley station which right in the middle of Edinburgh.

Rose St, one street behind Princess St is a great place for pubs and and food. They usually have plenty of different whiskey's to try rather than some of the over hyped whiskey experiance shops on Royal mile