I avoided the $65 carry-on fee by bringing only my backpack (left).Hannah Towey/Insider
Last weekend I flew from Cape Cod to New York City for the first time on JetBlue’s basic fare.
A $70 flight was a quick and easy alternative to a five-hour drive, but with delays.
At first, I was hesitant to book a flight from Cape Cod to New York City instead of driving like I would when visiting family.
jet blue machinePhoto by AFP via Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images
A friend who flew the same route this summer was nine hours late. Despite the low price, I wasn’t sure if it was worth the risk of getting stuck.
Departure flight board with cancellation at airport.Getty Images
I took a gamble and booked a non-refundable one-way flight from HYA to JFK for $70. A carry-on suitcase costs an additional $65, so I brought a rucksack as a personal item.
Hannah Toy/Insider
This bag holds a laptop, 3 clothes, toiletries, a pair of shoes and a book. I put on sneakers and packed a pair of sandals for him to save space.
Hannah Toy/Insider
After a 30 minute drive to the airport and a 5 minute wait in line for security, my flight was delayed by 30 minutes. This was the only issue for the entire trip.
Hannah Toy/Insider
Immediately, I boarded a 100-seat Embraer E190 aircraft. At check-in, I was able to select a seat in row 18.
Hannah Toy/Insider
The bare-bones aircraft wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it worked well for the short one-hour flight.
Hannah Toy/Insider
The seats were small, but I was surprised that the free WiFi actually worked for messages and other apps.
Hannah Toy/Insider
I couldn’t be happier choosing a window seat. I was looking out the window the whole time I was flying over Long Island.
Hannah Toy/Insider
Almost the whole trip was a sea flight. Pay $70 again, just for the view.
Hannah Toy/Insider
We flew over yachts, jet skiers, bathers and marshes.
Hannah Toy/Insider
There was minimal turbulence. Overall it was an incredibly smooth and relaxing ride.
Hannah Toy/Insider
We took off at 2:07pm, landed on the JFK runway at 2:55pm, and taxied to the gate in about five minutes.
Hannah Toy/Insider
In classic New York fashion, the train ride from JFK to my apartment took longer than the plane. We took the JFK Airtrain to Jamaica Station and took the subway from there.
Hannah Toy/Insider
Airtrains require an exit fee of $8. Plan ahead and bring a prepaid metrocard (we don’t accept Apply Pay) instead of waiting in line for 10 minutes like I did.
Hannah Toy/Insider
Door to door, it took about 4 hours. Even if I didn’t bring my suitcase, I would be happy to do it again on the 5 hour drive.
