Westminster 411 – Edition 1
By Amy Fernandez
Flying into NYC
NYC airports rank among the nation’s busiest. The experience can frazzle the most stoic traveler. If you’ve got dogs, tack, etc. in cargo, they are usually ready for pickup at the oversize luggage door before baggage comes down the carousel. If needed, flag down a luggage porter, who will also keep an eye on your stuff while you collect everything. Tips average about $1 per item. Keep an eye on your valuables and get out of there ASAP.
Trekking to NYC
Getting into Manhattan can be equally daunting. If you’re traveling with one dog, medallion cabs are your best bet. Airport taxi lines are easy to spot. Never accept rides from anyone soliciting fares inside the airport.
Medallion cabs are required to accept crated dogs. For specs, see http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/drivrules.pdf. If you need a minivan, ask the dispatcher (the frenzied little man with the clipboard in front of the line) to flag the next one for you.
FYI: Flat rate airport fares to Manhattan don’t include tolls or tips, but they do cover all passengers/dog to that destination. Medallion cabs can take four passengers, minivans accept five. Always check the meter before paying. Drivers accept cash or credit cards, tip is typically 15–20 percent.
For multiple dogs, a car service may be the best option. Most airports provide a list of authorized shuttle and car services.
Dial 7 accepts leashed or crated dogs if booked in advance. Basic online airport rates to Manhattan between 4:45 AM – 5:00 PM are:
• $34 from LaGuardia
• $48 from JFK and Newark
They accept cash, all major credit cards, and prepaid online reservations through PayPal. Dogs over 25 lbs. require a van or minivan. To prepay or reserve a car, minivan, 9 or 13 passenger van, or SUV contact: dial7.com – (212) 777-7777
If you’re traveling with a group, airport shuttles are more economical. Super Shuttle Manhattan accepts dogs in crates up to 32”x 22”x 23”. No charge for crates up to 17”x 12”x 7”.
You must book an exclusive van for larger crates. For more info contact:
(212) BLUE VAN – (800) 258-3826 – supershuttle.com
GO Airlink NYC offers shuttle service to Manhattan from all three NY major airports 24/7. Passengers with dogs must inform drivers in advance. They accept dogs under ten pounds in their Share-Ride shuttles and luxury sedans, and will carry larger dogs allowed luxury SUVs. For info contact: goairlinkshuttles.com
Some pet transport companies offer special Westminster rates.
• Pet Chauffeur’s airport rates are:
$135 from LGA
$165 from Newark and JFK
For info contact:
212-696-9744 – 866-PETRIDE (738-7433)
• Pet Taxi’s basic rates start at:
$95 from LGA
$115 from JFK
$135 from Newark
For info contact:
(718) 355-9665 – Text (347) 674-6157
service@pettaxinewyork.com
If reading this has convinced you to drive to NYC in February, two great websites offer oversize or overweight vehicle route maps and current info on restrictions like construction detours and weather related issues.
• http://www.longhaulerusa.com/bttrmaps.htm
• http://gis.dot.ny.gov/osowscreen2/
Parking in NYC
Of course, getting here is only half the battle. Parking is always an adventure in NYC. Convenience comes at a price. Typically, prices are higher for lots and garages near the Garden and the Piers. Convenient parking (at NYC rates) is available above Pier 92. You can find cheaper options if you are willing to hike a few blocks to a nearby parking garage. By far, the best resource to check parking options is nyc.bestparking.com
Regardless of where you park, never leave valuables in your car.
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=42245
Posted by chesliepickett
on Jan 28 2014. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Comments are closed
