Source: The Points Guy
Summary
A team from The Points Guy tested three ways to travel from New York’s JFK Airport to Manhattan: the AirTrain to the Long Island Rail Road, a ride-hailing service, and a Blade helicopter. The helicopter was the fastest, while the train was the cheapest. Ride-hailing was the slowest due to traffic. The article also discusses credit card benefits and loyalty programs that can reduce travel costs.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Blade helicopter flights from JFK to Manhattan.
AirTrain to the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station.
Ride-hailing services with potential credit card perks.
Travelers often choose based on speed, cost, and convenience.
Author: Evan Null
Testing Transportation Options
The Points Guy team tested three transportation options from JFK to Manhattan: the AirTrain, a ride-hailing service, and a Blade helicopter.
The helicopter was the fastest, but the train was the cheapest. Ride-hailing was the slowest due to traffic.
Credit card benefits and loyalty programs can help reduce travel costs.
Travelers often choose based on speed, cost, and convenience.
The article highlights how different options can be optimized with financial tools.
Financial Tools for Travelers
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer annual travel credits that can be used for train travel.
Citi Strata Premier Card offers bonus points on travel purchases.
Bilt rewards can be used for Blade helicopter flights.
American Express cards can unlock Uber Cash for ride-hailing services.
Loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy also offer rewards for Uber and Lyft rides.
Blade Helicopter and Cost Considerations
Bella’s Blade helicopter ride was expensive, but Bilt rewards could have helped reduce the cost.
Bilt Cash can be redeemed for Blade flights up to $350 per seat.
Bilt Platinum members get one free Blade flight per year between Manhattan and JFK or Newark.
All Bilt elite members receive 10% off Blade bookings through the Bilt app.
The helicopter option is fast but not always the most cost-effective.
Ride-Hailing and Traffic Challenges
Medha’s Uber ride was the slowest due to traffic in Manhattan.
Credit cards like the American Express Platinum and Gold offer Uber Cash for ride-hailing services.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Reserve for Business offer points and credits for Lyft rides.
Loyalty programs like Delta, Marriott, and Hilton offer points for Uber and Lyft rides.
Travelers must choose a specific loyalty program per ride to earn rewards.
Conclusion and Traveler Choices
The Blade helicopter was the fastest, but the train was the cheapest.
Ride-hailing services are convenient but can be affected by traffic.
Travelers can use credit cards and loyalty programs to maximize savings.
Each option has its own advantages and drawbacks.
The article encourages travelers to consider multiple factors when choosing transportation.
