FT University returns to NYC area April 27th-29th!

I'm looking at $300 airfare to Newark, vs $130 reserved coach on Amtrak. Business class RT is another $86, but it sounds like that isn't something I'd have to have. Hard to think of too many reasons not to take the train.

Actually finding a couple of better fares now....only problem is, I can't depart until 5pm Friday and all the better fares are in the morning. Ugh. Like you, hard to find a reason not to fly Amtrak this time. ....other than I really need the segments.

I know its a silly thought, but the Megabus is very easy, reliable and inexpensive from Washington, DC to NYC.

Okay, that's just plain offensive.

Sounds like one of Kim Dotcom's companies. Perhaps he's launched Megabus from Auckland to NYC too?

Ha!!! Not silly at all. Blasphemous perhaps, but not silly. I'm kidding! It's actually a decent option.

Hmmm, hadn't thought of the bus, though I know people who have taken it from here to New York and lived to tell about it. I think I'd still prefer Amtrak, though.

It looks like Continental/United has some BWI-EWR for around $200, if those airports would work for you.

Well, I think this is actually my very first post on MP (though I've frequented FT for several years now), so please go easy on me

I live in NYC and am thinking about attending FTU this April. I know this question was posed earlier, but I didn't see replies. Are any other Manhattan dwellers staying at the hotel for the weekend? Or are most commuting in? The official hotel registration just opened, and I booked a room just in case but am curious to hear what others are thinking.

Thanks.

Cheers,
David

Have you seen Megabus's queuing pen in NYC? It's west of 9th Avenue near 33rd St. There are literally hundreds of people in a pen and herders with megaphones yelling at them. No one knows when their bus is coming.

Other streets in the vicinity of Penn Station have other bus operators with their informal stops and often more than a busload of people waiting.

I can't recommend it. If you can't afford the train, I don't think you can afford mile running or get credit...

All this talk about Amtrak, I seriously thinking about it. $48 round trip for me including NJ transit. Between gas, tolls and aggrevation driving over the GW on Friday and Sunday afternoons, I just may take the train.

Plus, if you have some UR points lying around, you can readily transfer them to Amtrak for a fairly solid redemption value. I recently burrned 3K points on a ticket which would have cost $96. Thinking of 3K UR pts as $1500 in spending (assuming 2x pts / $) makes it a great redemption (in my mind). The great thing about Amtrak redemptions is that you can cancel or change at any time. This assumes that you don't want to travel during their many blackout dates.

I do have some UR points and some Amtrak points for that matter. I'll check into this. Thanks.

Hi David. People at MP are nice - so you don't have to worry about anyone giving you grief at THIS website.

I live in NYC, but I'll probably stay at the hotel. These are such fun people that you won't want to go home at night. And you'll be heavy in thought about everything you learned during the day. And, if you like to drink, I'm sure we'll be hanging out at whatever bar is closest sharing war stories. Think of it as a mini vacation. Pretend that you're anywhere but New Jersey....

Kathy

Going anywhere on the Northeast regional cost 3000 points each way. So paying 3000 points for a $20 fare isn't making alot of sense. I've got a trip to Baltimore in September where I should a much better value.

Pizzaman - Any chance we can try to get the hotel to extend the rate to April 30?

Let me see what I can do.

I’m likely staying at the hotel because public transit is a little inconvenient with having the hotel’s shuttle pickup being at Seacaucus station. Haven’t checked out the bus situation, but that’s also a pain vs just waking up and being there.

And welcome to MP!

From what I remember from my stay there a few years ago, there’s not much nearby, especially if you don’t have a car, except for some other hotels. The restaurant at the hotel, and the bar, were okay, in the nice way that okay can be.

Registered!

The only issue remaining is I booked a room at the Sheraton Meadowlands (Govt rate) before the hotel booking link was open. Will my reservation be guaranteed?

It has been a couple of years since I was there, but I believe there is a Bonefish Grill just down the street and a few other options by the Mill Creek Mall.

Jason
www.notefromtheroad.com

Bought my seat today! I live in East Rutherford - how perfect! see ya'll there

BTW if anyone needs any restaurant/area information - PM me.

Okay, found enough miles to get me there and back and flights will be booked tomorrow. Woohoo!

Do we really need you EVERYWHERE we go?