<p>scoutmom: I cleared my PM box; sorry…I have another idea btw when I hear from you…</p>
<p>@SallyNYU I don’t know where you live in Florida, but there are often deals between Florida and NY. Just keep checking back and one week they might be on sale.
Another alternative is Stewart (maybe Stuart) Airport in Orange County. It is a decent distance from New York City, but is beginning construction to become New York’s fourth major airport. (Along with JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia). You might be able to find a deal there, however getting there might be pricey. (I know cabfare to the county just South is either 75 or 150 flat) Also check White Plains airport.
If you have a friend who lives near any of these airports (in Orange, Westchester or Rockland counties, it might be in your best interest to try to catch a ride up with them)</p>
<p>This post prompted me to check the flights from Chicago to NY for availability and we’re good so far. They did have “super saver” seats for MUCH less than regular options so I agree that you might want to keep checking fare prices.</p>
<p>Also, many professors cancel classes the Wednesday before even if the college is officially open. Have your kids check with their Wednesday profs to see if they can miss class that day, I bet leaving Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning would be cheaper. Actually, check Thursday morning as those prices are often cheaper also.</p>
<p>In general, the Northeast Corridor train service can be a zoo the day before Thanksgiving. But it makes a big difference which train you are taking, and where you are coming from or going. In my experience, northbound trains originating south of D.C. are often subject to long, long delays then – 4 hours + is not unusual. Trains originating in D.C. may be delayed, but there you will usually be talking about 30-60 minutes.</p>
<p>Train takes 13 hours to get from DC to Michigan (including the bus transfer from Toledo to the metro Detroit area). We just don’t do it for Thanksgiving. If your child leaves for home on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, it may be worth it. </p>
<p>Thanksgiving - plane
Winter break - train
Spring break - train</p>
<p>@SallyNYU, I have traveled by train to and from NYC many times. When my kids were young, they loved to go by train because they had much more freedom than if we drove. I have also traveled by myself a few times. I actually don’t mind traveling by train. During the day I read and nap when I get tired. I am able to sleep easily, so that is not a problem. Service from South Florida used to leave in the morning and arrive in NYC the next morning, not sure if it is still the same</p>
<p>Scoutmom, check the airline’s website at various times during the week. I’ve found the same flights $100-200 cheaper when I check midweek vs. the weekend. Not sure the fares will change for Thanksgiving week, but it’s worth a try.</p>
<p>Also try this website [Cheap</a> Flights, Hotels, Airline Tickets, Cheap Tickets, Travel Deals - SideStep - Compare Hundreds of Travel Sites At Once](<a href=“http://www.sidestep.com/]Cheap”>http://www.sidestep.com/)</p>
<p>Do any of his classmates come from the northeast? Somebody must have a car. He could offer to share gas money and driving time.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how long the train ride is from DC to Philly? (or bus). D and best friend are trying to figure out where to meet up for Thanksgiving - one is at Muhlenberg and other at American. (Neither can afford to fly home to Texas)</p>
<p>Muhlenberg is in Allentown, an hour North of Philadelphia. Wilmington, Delaware would be pretty easy for both to get to - easier for the DC person because she has a choice of train or bus. I live near Allentown and it’s about a three hour drive to DC from there.</p>
<p>It’s about 2 hours by train from DC to Phila. I also think Bolt or Megabus does that trip cheaper than the train, but I don’t know how long the trip is.</p>