S$213 Cheap Flights to New York

New York has multiple airports, but most visitors prefer John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK).

If you plan on staying in central New York, it's wise to organise how you'll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is 21 kilometres from JFK.

New York is a major transportation hub. Every month, scores of travellers fly in to John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) (21 kilometres from downtown) and Newark Airport (18 kilometres from downtown). LaGuardia Airport (10 kilometres from downtown) also sees plenty of air traffic.

There are 87 air carriers that fly into New York from 220 worldwide airports.

New York receives most of its flights from United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta with United Airlines being the number one choice of carrier. Chicago is the most popular city for travellers to take off from.

Flying to somewhere new is much easier when there aren't any stopovers to slow you down. If you're jetting off to New York, the good news is that there are roughly 10,543 nonstop flights each week.

A large number of flights to New York set off from Chicago, Orlando and Miami airports.

If it's Chicago you're leaving behind, you'll be airborne for around 2 hours and 12 minutes before you arrive in New York. Terminal to terminal from Orlando takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes and from Miami, the flight time is 3 hours and 1 minute.

If you want to save some cash on your trip to New York, then listen up! As any experienced jet-setter will tell you, don't book at the very last minute. Airfares are usually highest just prior to the departure date. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are a few airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on the airport you fly into. Don't forget to compare prices across airlines as well. And finally, don't forget that it's first in, best dressed. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and be ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals never last long.

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in New York. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organised before your flight can make your getaway to New York a breeze. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.