CONNECTICUT TO JFK
Yesterday, I wrote about my not so pleasant trip from JFK to Connecticut using Prime Time Shuttle. For the ride back I took my own advice, and found an alternative mode of transportation. It wasn’t easy, but it was quicker by a few minutes. I began with an hour train ride from Westport, CT to Grand Central Terminal (GCT), using the Metro-North commuter line ($11.50 for off peak). Then I took the 6 Subway uptown ($2) one stop to 51st Street (a subway station is located in GCT). I walked underground two blocks to 53rd street to the E line (a free transfer). I took the E thirty minutes to the plush, newly remodeled Jamaica Station. Once there, I didn’t even need to go outside – it was just a 100-yard walk to an elevator to the AirTrain ($5). The 10-minute AirTrain connects to all the terminals at JFK, and the rental car lot. So I had to ride five trains and lug two bags around -- but I still beat my two-hour trip on Prime Time Shuttle by a few minutes. The best parts: I saved $45, and face!

UNITED JFK- LAX
I flew United (without my toiletries) back to L.A. on their ps service. That meant I had five extra inches of legroom, and an electrical outlet in coach. All economy seats on this route are designed that way – that’s why United charges so much more than competitors between JFK and LAX or SFO. Economy in ps service no longer includes a free meal service, so it’s Buy On Board. There are good choices of sandwiches, salads and snack boxes for $5. For more info, click on Unitedps.com.