<p>As I haven't heard back from my son, I rely on the good folks in the CC room. Here's the question...is a 4pm flight arrival time into LaGuardia too risky a return time for Nov 9th?</p>
<p>If he needs to get to KP by 6 pm, yes.</p>
<p>Although it's disappointing for us, we shuttle our flyer so that he arrives LGA by about 13:00 or so.. There are actual one or two additional flights that might 'JUST' make it (adding in basically 1 hr from LGA->USMMA). </p>
<p>That way, if a flight gets canceled due to mechanical difficulties, there are still additional options. I am certain Admin would understand if the single cross-country flight didn't take off for an additional 4 hrs, due to mechanical difficulties (normally being scheduled to arrive in plenty of time) -- but S would rather NOT have that discussion... Besides, if he's early enough, he can catch a movie or eat out with his buddies.</p>
<p>Quote/As I haven't heard back from my son, I rely on the good folks in the CC room. Here's the question...is a 4pm flight arrival time into LaGuardia too risky a return time for Nov 9th?/Quote</p>
<p>Yes, especially if he wishes to still be there on November 10th.</p>
<p>Glad to be of help.</p>
<p>We lived on the East Coast for 11 years and after spending several nights due to layovers caused by weather between here and there we're thinking that a return on the 8th is a much safer option. Just a thought.</p>
<p>That's exactly why I drive 8 hours from southwest Virginia to get the Mids back in time...Can't trust the airlines. My husband even drives to Newark when he goes to China, because of delays on connections from here :)</p>
<p>Kawalla, a 2 hour cushion to liberty expiration from LaGuardia arrival via nonstop flight has always worked, including calling Friendly Taxi from cell phone when the plane lands and is taxiing to the gate and including checked baggage. When a delay occurred due to snow at the departing airport, he called KP to alert them. They appreciated the heads up and there was no problem and it hasn't happened again. Connecting flights are a little riskier, so recommend a 3 hour cushion.</p>
<p>For what it's worth based on 11 years of experience flying back and forth from NY to Colorado, Kansas or Oklahoma, with connections, a 3 hour buffer is VERY optimistic. Typically when were able to just have a delay with lay-overs instead of an overnight stay it was a 5 hour delay. Bear in mind that this was during the months of November - May, June through October generally went much smoother as long as we could avoid Atlanta. Just sharing my experience, if it can be useful. I am glad to hear that with a head's up USMMA allows for flight delays!</p>
<p>yeah, that's cutting it close.</p>
<p>We use Amtrak from Harrisburg area to Philly and onward to NYC.</p>
<p>Amtrak has only caused us a problem once, and that was because of bad weather and a train was broken down on the track.</p>
<p>For our family tho, Amtrak is the way to go!</p>
<p>Great topic! What is the best way for a Mid to get from LGA to USMMA? I see one post suggesting Friendly Taxi. What are the options and costs?
Thanks</p>
<p>$40 for Friendly. The mids usually all pile in and split the cost. Your's will figure it out.</p>
<p>Coming back on a Sunday afternoon into LaGuardia after break, the taxi would be the best option because there will be dozens of classmates and upperclassmen around to catch a ride to the Academy. It's also the best option since, your son is a plebe and doesn't really know upperclassmen with a car. Public transportation is an absolutely NO because of the transfers from bus to subway to train. Taxi.</p>