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The Layover in New York – Backpacking Europe
Day 1 – Airport Arrival
Waking up at 5am is rough. However, knowing you have a layover in New York before starting travels in Spain is bueno. Muy bueno. Likewise, I packed the night prior so minimal thinking had to be done in the morning. Coffee – Check. Passport – Check. Lastly, roommate who agreed to drive you to the airport awake? – Mission critical. I knocked on his door as a precautionary after the coffee finished. We could have had some major complications before the journey was to set foot. Thanks again for the ride, Mark.
Down the stairs, in the car and off to the airport – it was still fully dark on arrival. There wasn’t too much time to spare before the flight, but enough for the essentials. Making my way through the security TSA pre-check, I get to the tram to take me to my terminal. Hang on a second… something is not right. The gate numbers were not lining up at all. It took me a while to figure it out. Yep, I completely went through the wrong security checkpoint on the wrong end of the airport. I blame the early flight, 100%! I may not even make it to the layover in New York! Needless to say, attempt number two was a success.
TSA and Airport Lounges
I’d like to take time to honorarily mention the Global Entry (TSA Pre-check) card. If you don;t have one of these bad boys, pick one up. I can’t remember the exact cost (around $100?), but it is guaranteed to save you time and frustration at security. Plus, with certain credit cards, the application is free!
Once through security, there was still some time for the essentials I mentioned – finding a lounge to stock up on some food. Once again, low key advertising, the Priority Pass can be purchased or obtained through certain credit cards to allow you access to many airport lounges both domestically and internationally. Worth it solely for Milano cookies. That is all.
Airport Essentials
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry will significantly cut down on security wait times. Priority Pass will give you access to most airport lounges stocked full of complimentary amenities.
Beginning the layover in New York
Fast forwarding through the plane ride and we’ve now magically commenced the layover in New York City! Well, JFK to be exact, but the city is a metro away. Since my flight to Madrid wasn’t until 5:30pm, there was plenty of time to get into NYC, have a nice brunch and prepare the body for sitting 7 hours in a plane chair. The metro card was loaded up, and I took the A-line to a stop close to the World Trade Center. On the metro, I got some brunch suggestions from my seat neighbor, so that was the first thing to check out. Only a few hours in the trip, and walking around NYC, or anywhere for that matter, is so much easier when you only have a day-pack backpack as your luggage. It makes a noticeable difference..
In the city, the brunch spots chosen were around Wall Street. I must have gone up and down the same road a good 5 times. Where the heck was this place? Ok, whatever, let’s try the second option. Same thing. Either I am simply horrible with directions, or someone is having themself a good laugh. Tired of walking, and ready to sit, I made my way to the surefire location where food and coffee would be – Starbucks. With an egg sandwich and coffee in hand, the energy was restored as I made my way to the riverside. The pier was a perfect spot to eat, and take some pictures. It overlooked the Brooklyn Bridge and was next to a some ferry docks. It made for a really cool timelapse as the boats entered and left the port.
More lounges, more trouble
Checking the time, I began making my way back to JFK Airport. Security was kind enough to stop me and take all of the stuff out of my backpack. Simultaneously, I could hear my name being called over the intercom. Something about my flight. Good grief – barely in and the savagery is already commencing! Things can only go up from here, and they did. After sorting out my new boarding pass, there was still some time to spare. Lounge number 2 – Alaskan Airlines. I still don’t think I had legitimate access to this lounge, but there was no one at the front desk. Don’t mind if I dooo. It’s almost clockwork these days – stock up on the cookies, charge all electronics, and have a beverage. That Priority Pass is really a game changer. With everything situated, I made it back down to the gate and we began boarding.
Madrid Bound!
On the plane, I had the window seat and was waiting to see who my seat mate would be. It’s during these times you just say a little prayer asking the universe to give you someone capable of fitting into compact spaces like the guy from Ocean’s 11 who entered the vault in the rolling safe. Well, the prayers were answered. I passed the time with Nicola – she was living in Spain for a few years and had tons of recommendations of places to go in Madrid and Barcelona. My notebook now had a page full of places to check out. We talked for most of the flight about everything travel and creating a website portfolio.
Iberia had some decent meals on the flight, too. I was kind of surprised they handed out metal silverware, but I suppose most things never considered are now taken as precautions, especially when flying. I was also really happy I picked those NyQuil up in NYC. The sickness was worsening with the altitude. Oh ya, did I mention I got sick the day before leaving? Good ‘ol sinuses. With the NyQuil, and noise-cancelling Bose earphones, sleep was definitely manageable.
Airplane Meals
Open coffee creamer and salad dressing with extreme caution. Or, consequentially, end up like me.
Touchdown in Spain
Before we both knew it, we were landing in Madrid, soon to go our separate ways. It was fairly early in the morning still, and the sun was low in the sky. Madrid’s airport terminal was mostly transparent glass, and sun’s rays were gently passing through. I made my way through customs, got that stamp and headed out to the bus transportation. Five euro to the center of Madrid. Next up, a long day in Madrid full of McDonalds nugs, siestas and rooftop bars. It’s gonna be a doozie. Let the backpack vacation commence!
Michael Lakus
IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.
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