It’s time for NYC, especially in the run-up to Christmas. ITTN’s Shane Cullen is fortunate to be flying with United Airlines and NYC & Company for a December weekend. The group will be soaking up the seasonal atmosphere and doing “Queens like a New Yorker”. Hosting the trip is Tryphavana Cross (NYC & Company) and Martina Coogan (United Airlines).
Dublin Airport & Lounge
After flying through security with Fast Track and sailing through US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport, the group took up residence in the 51st & Green Lounge. It is open to all US-bound passengers. It is located in Terminal 2 after US Preclearance, beside the US departure gates.
Lounge access is priced from €35 per person online here. Alternatively, prices are from €39 per person payable at reception. The lounge is complimentary to business class ticket holders.
Breakfast included a selection of cereals, pastries and hot breakfast items – even vegan sausages – plus excellent coffee.
The days of booking car parks a day or two before departure are long gone with the short-term car park fully booked in the days leading up to the trip. As such, remind customers to use public transport or book their parking space early on the Dublin Airport website here.
United Airlines Service to Newark/New York
United Airlines, a star alliance member, offers the first direct flight out to New York on a Friday morning with a departure time of 9.00 am. The flight lands in Newark at 11.45 am. The return flight departs Newark at 7.15 pm on Sunday evening, landing at Dublin Airport at 7.00 am Monday morning. Today the group will be travelling business class to try out the United Polaris service offering.
United App
Ahead of your flight, download the United Airlines app. If you upload your passport and COVID vaccination certificate to the app, it gives you a “flight ready” tick. This speeds up the check-in process. It also tracks your incoming flight to see, ahead of time, if there may be delays. Equally, it allows you to track your baggage – a handy feature!
United Polaris
This business class service offers more reclining and more space than United Economy Plus and United Economy seats. There are individual power outlets and USB chargers. Each seat has an entertainment system with noise-reducing headphones. There is a large selection of shows including a host of recent releases including Bullet Train, Elvis and Explorer. Even the bedding (pillow and blanket) is from Saks Fifth Avenue.
Stay Connected with United
My favourite is the “Stay Connected” feature which enables free messaging on all wi-fi equipped aircraft. This means you can send and receive text messages over the wifi. This works for text messages and even WhatsApp. What’s more, passengers can upgrade to a United Wi-Fi plan onboard for full internet access.
Itinerary Inspiration with NYC & Company
It’s time for NYC and remember, if you can’t tell your Bronx from your Brooklyn or want to explore any of the 5 boroughs of New York, there is plenty of itinerary inspiration on NYC and Company’s website – https://www.nycgo.com/.
In addition, there is a whole section dedicated to the travel trade – https://business.nycgo.com/travel-trade/. Also, this features tips, reviews, event guides, maps and promotions running throughout the year including Broadway Week, Hotel Week, Restaurant Week and so much more, offering special discounts at certain times of the year.
Find out more on the latest NYC has to offer with ITTN’s recent video interview series covering everything from Rockefeller Centre, The Climb and Summit at Hudson Yards, MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art and more.
