Scheduling Flights & Hotels

Flights

For my first and second trips I allowed at least a day’s buffer for delays such as missing a flight. This came in handy on my second trip; the car rental company didn’t have any cars available so instead of waiting 4 hours for one I checked into a hotel and picked it up the next morning.

In general, if it’s not absolutely essential to be at your appointment on time, I recommend leaving one or two days’ buffer only if you can afford it. Otherwise, since the time difference is in your favour going out, a flight that arrives up to late afternoon/early evening in the US the day before your appointment should be fine.

Example – no buffer, only one hotel night

I have a record of one missed flight and one success with this schedule. The first time I tried it I set off late, took a wrong turn on the way to the airport, thought I still had a bunch of time so stopped for lunch, then check-in took ages and I wasn’t expecting the extra time for the terminal shuttle (Norse Atlantic). I missed the flight by about 15 minutes. The second time I made it no problem, and if you have a sat nav or use Uber you should be fine, but I do recommend doing the trip at least once before you try this.

Hotels

If you’re renting a car (almost essential) there is no point renting it until the second day; just stay at a hotel near the airport. All the ones I’ve tried (Westin, Hyatt Regency, Sonesta) have been OK.