V-Flyer

Bit of a vague one this, but I've just been looking at the UC seat sale and the prices seem pretty reasonable. Thinking of skipping the whole unwanted xmas present thing and taking Mrs. mdvipond and jr. to NY in January. Now, I've been in June, July, October and November, but never in Jan. Now, I'm not asking anyone here to be the next Ian McAksill, but is there a significant risk of delays due to snow, freezing fog etc.? And is it too cold to do much?

To hear New Yorkers talk, the only times they'd rather not be in town are in the heat of August or the cold of January. The winter winds do whip up and down Park Avenue at quite a clip, I'm afraid.

That said, there are so many terrific restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, etc. that you will not focus on the weather. If you catch a time when it's cold but clear there is nothing quite like a brisk walk in Central Park, just how I feel, by the way, about walking in the parks in London in the winter.

Though you should be fine, be aware that JFK pulls some delays, primarily when winds are quite high or there is blowing snow; otherwise, it is accustomed to winter weather. Outbound delays are common if there is freezing rain, for example, because departing aircraft require de-icing.

Best,
Chuck-

Thanks Chuck. All that talk of freezing rain and de-icing, I've just had to turn the heating up in the office

Much as I thought, really; you don't get cheap UC travel without good reason, I suppose.

I don't think I have ever been anywhere as cold as New York in January - not even Iceland matched it -especially at the top of the Empire State! But to be honest didn't spoil the trip, in fact it gives you something to talk about. If it meant a good deal on the flight I would do it again.

Unlike the UK, when JFK, EWR or BOS but especailly Chicago have snow storms, they do close but they opn up very quickly afterwards as they are farely used to it. LHR will take a couple of to recover.

If NYC is your final destination, then this should not be too much of an issue. If you are merely connecting to another flight at these airports, you are running a larger risk.

I booked to my flight to LAX instead - it was only £100 more - a better discount rate than on the East Coast flights.

When I went to NYC in March this year, my flight to JFK was cancelled so had to go to EWR two hours later. It was snowing, freezing and raining when I was there, but the sidewalks were all clear and except for the cold, there were no problems getting around, they handle it much better out there than we do! [:$]

Remember to take a hat and gloves though!

Originally posted by mdvipond
Bit of a vague one this, but I've just been looking at the UC seat sale and the prices seem pretty reasonable. Thinking of skipping the whole unwanted xmas present thing and taking Mrs. mdvipond and jr. to NY in January. Now, I've been in June, July, October and November, but never in Jan. Now, I'm not asking anyone here to be the next Ian McAksill, but is there a significant risk of delays due to snow, freezing fog etc.? And is it too cold to do much?

Do we take it then that Jr has duly arrived?

NYC in January? Could be a blessed thaw (they do happen) but most likely frigid, freezing, icy,cold. If you are eschewing much walking you will be fine--otherwise, think Cuba.

RR

It's still cold, but there's nowhere I'd rather be spending a cold January morning[:p]

Cheers,
VS045

Go For It!!!
Its not really that bad and anyway you will be spending so little time outside.
When it snows it a little unpleasant under foot - just like anywhere, but otherwise the cold frosty days are quite pleasant with usually a clear blue sky.
Don't miss out on a trip on the Staten Island ferry, (free), then take the subway, (actually its over ground), all the way to the end of the line - I think the last stop is called Brighton(?) and look at all the festive lights and decorations on the houses - well worth seeing!

Originally posted by honey lamb

Do we take it then that Jr has duly arrived?

mdvipond jr. (aka. Eliza Mary) emerged into this big bad world some 7 weeks ago. Already had her first flight, albeit not VS, over to Amsterdam. Slept through, out and back - the girl's a natural (we hope!).

Still undecided as to whether or not we should freeze her nappy off in NY though...

Originally posted by mdvipond

Originally posted by honey lamb

Do we take it then that Jr has duly arrived?

mdvipond jr. (aka. Eliza Mary) emerged into this big bad world some 7 weeks ago. Already had her first flight, albeit not VS, over to Amsterdam. Slept through, out and back - the girl's a natural (we hope!).

Still undecided as to whether or not we should freeze her nappy off in NY though...

Congratulations and a big welcome to Eliza Mary [^][^][^]

Well I was there last feb,right after a big storm,no delay into or out of JFK,darn cold though.

Can only agree with all the positives in the thread.

We went 2 years ago and it was fantastic. £ days prior to us flying out JFK was closed to the volume of snow, but unlike us they know how to go about shifting it, by melting it and running the water into the drains. [y]

It was cold but as locotus said make sure you have hat gloves and ear protectors !!!!!!!

Regards

Paul

Hi Everyone

Great forum just came about it by chance, loads of useful info.

I'm off to New york in Jan to celebrate my 40th with my partner

It will be my first time on a 747 really looking forward to it, only been short trips before ,Majorca ect..

Never flown with virgin before so had to book a flight from Manchester to Lhr cost a little extra but i think will be worth it,
we're in economy but i quess you gotta start somewhere:D

Mark

Originally posted by popman
we're in economy but i quess you gotta start somewhere:D

Hi Mark,

First of all - Welcome [y]

In terms of "starting somewhere" - well, there's one key fact that's always satisfying if you're sitting "down the back" - you'll be subject to the same delays and problems as everone else on the plane, and technically you'll arrive in New York first (the back of the plane always touches down before the front )


So, here's to more time in NYC [y]

Who was I kidding? Always knew we were going to go for it, freezing rain and all. And we get our first taste of a 346 on the way back. Gone for 8 & 9A - reasonable enough choice with a wee one?

Congratulations, mdvipond! Just to show you that I sample what I recommend, I'll be in NYC in late January for a meeting before heading off to London on VS4.

Regards,
Chuck-

We went to NYC December 2002 with the kids aged 11 and 7. Still today if you ask them what is their best city break it's still NYC[^][^][^]

It maybe cold but we will never 4get seeing NYC in all it's glory on a cold clear frosty night as we taxied from JFK across the bridge to Manhattan[:0][:0][:0]

It should be a change at the very least. Last 2 trips to NYC were in June and July. The humidity was so bad on one occasion we were forced into GAP for the sake of the air con!

She's nothing if not memorable, glorious old New York!:D

Chuck-

I have been in New York at some point in the last three winters and although cold it is always enjoyable.
If it snows they are so efficient at clearing the sidewalk (its the law) and there is nothing like Central Park in the snow - you have to get to the Wollman rink.

Other than that the best advice I have is to invest in a pull on hat - you'll look like a local and your ears wont fall off.

I may well find myself back there in January too.

Phil

Went to NYC for two days last boxing day, you've got to go ice-skating in CP if you do go though, but don't break your arm like I did[:I]

Cheers,
VS045

We're off to NY for the first time after Christmas for New Years. I was a bit worried about the cold/wet but having read a lot of the comments here I'm feeling a little more reassured.

Miopyk

miopyk,
You'll have a wonderful time, particularly in the crowd at Times Square when the hour strikes midnight. Have a great trip.

Chuck-