AA16 SFO-JFK 1 NOV 12 (COACH)

Wanted to fly from San Francisco to New York, with La Guardia being preference as its closer to where we were staying in the Upper East Side of New York. Trawled the internet and got a bargain priced flight from SFO to LGA via Dallas FW with American Airlines. Not everyone’s first choice for flying internal flights but for the price we could not complain. Following all the problems with travel caused by the hurricane we were not sure what to expect. OLCI worked ok previous night so looked like we should be able to get to New York. Arrived at airport early and headed to check-in area to drop bags and collect boarding passes. Computer advised us that there was a problem and to see agent for help. Agent was very helpful and advised us that due to re-scheduling of flights our connection would no longer work. Luckily there was a direct flight to New York JFK if we wanted it ! We greatly accepted the offer, Agent kept apologising for the disruption to our plans and any inconvenience that it would cause us by arriving at a different New York airport. He then checked the bags for free which was an added bonus . We were just relieved that we could get to New York!
Flight was scheduled to depart 1230 and arrive in JFK at 2115 – so sent message to friends in NYC to advise of our change of plan. Flight boarded about midday and departed on time. Flight was just over 5 hours, during flight got free drinks but food was availalble for purchase. In flight entertainment was not good at all! We were prepared for this so had loaded films on to I-pad to watch during flight. Arrived at JFK early after a non eventful flight. Once of the flight collected baggage and then time to head for Manhattan. There was no point getting Air train as the Subway was not working. No buses immediately available so we opted for a taxi to our destination. Yellow cabs from the designated taxi area charge a “flat fee” of $52 (plus tolls & tips) to anywhere in Manhattan and you get a receipt when you get in taxi. While heading to the taxi several people came up to us and offered “cheap taxi New York” – avoid these people at all cost, apparently they are not licensed and have been known to rip-off Tourists by charging up to $200 to get to Manhattan!
In summary I was very impressed with the “Customer Service” that we got considering all the travel disruption . Their aircraft are not the most modern compared to say Virgin America but did get us from West Coast to East Coast for a very reasonable price.

Yellow cabs from the designated taxi area charge a “flat fee” of $52 (plus tolls & tips) to anywhere in Manhattan and you get a receipt when you get in taxi. While heading to the taxi several people came up to us and offered “cheap taxi New York” – avoid these people at all cost, apparently they are not licensed and have been known to rip-off Tourists by charging up to $200 to get to Manhattan!

Got fleeced on my first trip to New York in my 20's - great tip to share - thank you!