I had domestic flights that required a transfer between LGA (Laguardia) and JFK to connect to Singapore Airlines. My business associate had a domestic flight connecting directly into JFK.

Upon my arrival into LGA I figured I had a little time to spare since it usually takes some time for the luggage to come out - so I took my time in the terminal and went to the bathroom and stopped into the “Au Bon Pain” deli to grab a sandwich to eat en route to JFK.  From the terminal, I took an escalator down and was immediately at the baggage claim area. Upon reaching the baggage claim – only 15 minutes after disembarking from the plane – the luggage was already completely unloaded and the carousel had already been cleared!!!  I simply grabbed my bag from the Continental baggage office (only a few steps away) and was happily on my way.  Within 100 feet of the baggage claim was a kind gentleman assisting with transfer services.  I told him I needed the shuttle to JFK and he promptly found the “Airporter” representative to assist me on the next shuttle.  The shuttle arrived within 10 minutes (it operates every 20-30 minutes).  The cost was $12.50 (payable by cash or credit card). The driver was courteous and promptly took my heavy suitcase to load for me. He asked where I needed to go at JFK and I told him I needed to go to Singapore airlines. The transfer took 25 minutes – he dropped off some other passengers first at another terminal and then brought me to Terminal 4. Upon entering Terminal 4 I was within 200 feet of the Singapore airlines check-in counter. In total it took me just under 1 hour from domestic flight disembarkation at LGA to Singapore Airlines check-in counter at JFK and I did very minimal walking to get where I needed to go.

Terminal 4 at JFK has a host of restaurants and shops to help pass the time.  There are also places to just sit at a table and relax while you wait for the Singapore check-in counter to open or to wait before proceeding to the gate. The Singapore check-in counter opens about 4 hours prior to the flight departure.

As we checked in for our Singapore Airlines flights, it felt good to have my suitcase with me so that I knew it would be on the international flight. My travel companion felt less confident about her suitcase which was hopefully being transferred by the domestic carrier to Singapore Airlines.

Wondering about my travel companion’s experience? Wait for the upcoming blog post…