Queries on New York-Montreal

[kitkatff]

Hi all,

I'll be in New York late June, and would like to book a return ticket to Montreal. I tried on the QF website, and couldn't find a way to do it for a paying fare. So I suppose I do it on AA's website (to stay in OneWorld)?
How do I then link it back to my QF frequent flyer number for credit?

Second part:
As a brand new WP (done with 3 days to spare, yeah!), what lounges would the people here recommend:
- in La Guardia or JFK on the way to Montreal
- in Montreal for the flight back
- in JFK for the return to Australia on QF 12

Third part:
just been reading about some long delays with the TSA (as in, 2+ hours just to get through the TSA lines in ORD, etc), any recommendation on when I should try and get to JFK for QF 12, from anybody who may have recent experience there?

I saw a YUL-JFK landing at 14:50 which seems good, but for those who've experienced JFK, would that be enough time to exit, get luggage and check back in, as the flights are not linked in the booking (work to NY and personal for Montreal)? Actually would there be a way to do that in Montreal or before?

AA seems to have more flights to LGA, any idea on how long it takes to do LGA-JFK?

Thanks for the responses, if any

 

[Hvr]

When booking on AA you get the option to enter your QF number so no problems getting SCs and points for the flights.

You'll need to remind us what time QF12 departs JFK to give advice but at least three hours is advised with priority security at the international check in.

You'll get access to the BA galleries lounge when departing in QF12.

 

[kitkatff]

Thanks Hvr.

Looks like QF12 is 18:30.

You mention priority security, if flying J is there a priority TSA line?

 

[Hvr]

When you check in for QF12 at JFK you'll be directed to the priority line which is generally very short. It is well away from the regular lines. The couple of times I've used it the wait was at most five minutes.

 

[defurax]

Second part:
As a brand new WP (done with 3 days to spare, yeah!), what lounges would the people here recommend:
- in La Guardia or JFK on the way to Montreal
- in Montreal for the flight back
- in JFK for the return to Australia on QF 12

Third part:
just been reading about some long delays with the TSA (as in, 2+ hours just to get through the TSA lines in ORD, etc), any recommendation on when I should try and get to JFK for QF 12, from anybody who may have recent experience there?

I saw a YUL-JFK landing at 14:50 which seems good, but for those who've experienced JFK, would that be enough time to exit, get luggage and check back in, as the flights are not linked in the booking (work to NY and personal for Montreal)? Actually would there be a way to do that in Montreal or before?

AA seems to have more flights to LGA, any idea on how long it takes to do LGA-JFK?

Thanks for the responses, if any

There is no lounge access in YUL when flying AA. The only lounge in the transborder terminal is operated by AC.
If I were you I would fly to JFK and ask the agent in YUL to interline your bag to QF (if you fly to LGA you will have to collect your bag and take a cab to JFK).
There is a priority channel for security at T7 (on the extreme left of the building when facing the entrance,opposite BA F checkin).
When landing at T8 you can use the AA Flagship lounge before making your way to T7 with the Sky train (the BA First lounge is very underwhelming, so I usually stay in the AA F lounge as long as I can).
I've used the YUL-JFK midday flight on AA many times to connect to QF12 (or the defunct QF18 and QF108...) and I've never missed the connection.

I should add that on your way to YUL I would avoid LGA if the flight is late afternoon (never seen a flight on time around 5PM at LGA...). The cab ride to JFK is a bit more expensive, but the AA Flagship lounge should make up for it!

 

[Madz]

Hi KitKatFF - did QF12 in April. TSA really wasn't too bad (and I was flying whY). We got there at around 4pm for the 6.30pm departure and only had around 30 minutes getting through TSA.

Enjoy your trip!

PS we did NYC - Montreal on an 11 hour train trip. Would recommend it if you ever get time!

 

[Boris spatsky]

Did YUL-LGA in 2012 on AA. Booked direct on AA website, but ended up with no points or SCs due to the fare bucket. It was an ERJ145 on American Eagle.

 

[kitkatff]

Thanks all.

Boris - I saw a few "AA"' flights to/from YUL were actually operated by other airlines, indeed.

Madz: I only have 2.5 days, so don't want to waste too much time in a train. Maybe I'll have a look at a night train, as I'm planning to get to YUL around 2200, would save on the hotel in Montreal to do the trip overnight

defurax: thanks for the info, I'll try to interlink in YUL. Would it mean I could also just stay inside the international part of airport as being in transit? Could be an added bonus.

 

[defurax]

Did YUL-LGA in 2012 on AA. Booked direct on AA website, but ended up with no points or SCs due to the fare bucket. It was an ERJ145 on American Eagle.

Since August 1st 2013 fare classes O and Q on AA flights earn SC with QF.

 

[Mattg]

I was supposed to fly AA from LGA to YUL last year. Flight ended up being cancelled at the last minute as the aircraft didn't turn up, and I was put on Air Canada instead. Hopefully you'll have better luck!

(I did receive full QF points and status credits, however.)

 

[kitkatff]

I hope so too!

Any advice on the best way to do JFK-Manhattan and back? Shuttle, train, cab? I am not fussed about public transport but I expect a cab may be easier after the long flight from Australia, as long as you don't get ripped off.

 

[clazman]

What about Westjet? after the recent announcement is this a option?

 

[kitkatff]

may have missed the announcement? But wikipedia says they have a codeshare agreement with QF - does that mean that I could get QF SCs if booking with westjet directly? Might check with QF.

 

[defurax]

may have missed the announcement? But wikipedia says they have a codeshare agreement with QF - does that mean that I could get QF SCs if booking with westjet directly? Might check with QF.

You should avoid QF codeshare on WS since you won't have lounge access at LGA or JFK.

 

[AV8]

I hope so too!

Any advice on the best way to do JFK-Manhattan and back? Shuttle, train, cab? I am not fussed about public transport but I expect a cab may be easier after the long flight from Australia, as long as you don't get ripped off.

Cab fare is a fixed rate + tip. I have also used a manhattan motel private vehicle (parked nearby & called up with bellhop) for not much more than a cab.

 

[kitkatff]

thanks, did not realise cabs had a fixed rate, good to know, I'll look that up.

 

[kitkatff]

just an update as the trip's done:
- got to experience the FLounge in Sydney for the first time - unfortunately didn't have time for a spa, and it was breakfast time so no fancy food, but good brekkie. Didn't partake in the bubbly as was way too tired to appreciate it.
- LAX first lounge was quite nice, but didn't get to the made to order food due to a shower and just 10 minutes before getting on the next flight. Didn't get a chance either on the way back as the plane ex-JFK was late and flight to AU was boarding 10 minutes after as we arrived in LAX
- Ended up with Delta in JFK-YUL, as could only book late and couldn't find UA flights that were suitable. Basic but for an hour's flight it was good enough. Credited to my virgin FF just in case.
- The BA First lounge in JFK: nice selection of drinks, but DIY cup noodles as the only hot dish? OK, was 3PM, but still ... what do they provide in business lounge?