How to take your luggage on the NYC subway (How to ride the New York subway with a suitcase)

[@gtaniguc]

New Yorker here. Hilarious to see that the B-roll of escalator etiquette was from the Czech Republic. That tracks LOL

[@xYasago]

At 2:00, obviously the best way is to have one person swipe through, open the door, take the 2 luggage and have the other person walk through that door with the luggage. and maybe hold the door open for 10 people behind you 😎

[@MeAndMyPc]

Your videos are helping me so so much! I’m going to solo travel to New York in late October and it’s going to be my very first time in the US so I’m plenty nervous about mundane stuff like this or how to ride a bus and stuff. But with your help it all feels a bit more doable. :D

[@UrbanCaffeine]

So happy to hear! I hope you have a great trip. 😊

[@MeAndMyPc]

@@UrbanCaffeine Hehe, thank you! Oh- and uhm, I was wondering, do you have any plans on making a video about paying and tipping? I know it’s a big thing in the US and I sure do not want to offend any of the hard-working people. Like, I did some googling and found out that in most dine-in restaurants you can’t pay with ApplePay? And some restaurants already added the tip to the bill while others don’t; how do I know if it’s already included in the total or not? Also, when tipping like, idk, the taxi driver or the bellboy, do I just- idk, pull out a few bills and hand it to them openly? Or is there a ‘more elegant/subtle way’ to do it? So sorry if these questions sound dumb; tipping is super casual here in Germany and no one is really required to do so (although ofc it’s always a welcome gesture)… 😰

[@UrbanCaffeine]

@@MeAndMyPc Hi there! Actually, I already made a tipping video... twice. But I didn't publish them. Weirdly enough, it's a challenging topic for me to cover. For your questions though... - Some restaurants do not have a tap-and-pay terminal that is why not all places can accept ApplePay. For those places, you can pay with a regular car or cash. Also, some Europeans are freaked out that your card is taken away from the table and then returned to you. It is common practice. -To know that the tip is already added to the bill, once you get the bill there will be a line item on the bill as "Gratuity" or "Service Tip" or "Hospitality". That's the added tip. No need to add any more. - For a taxi driver, you just add a little more to the total and say "Keep the change" (if paying with cash). Or you can tell them how much change to give you back (For example, if the ride is $25 and you want to give a $5 tip ($30 total) but you have two $20 bills ($40 total), you can ask them to give you $10 back). If paying with card, you will have an opportunity to add a tip. - And for a bellhop (or someone similar), I've seen it both ways, subtle or openly giving them cash. I usually fold the bills in half or fourths and openly hand it over while saying "thank you". I fold the bills so that it's not so out in the open. I hope this helps and I hope you have a great trip. Gute Reise!🗽

[@MeAndMyPc]

@@UrbanCaffeine Thank you so much for answering all my questions, this is very helpful! 🥰 And yeah, I already read about the credit cards being taken away thing. It’s the same in my home country (Vietnam) so at least that won’t shock me too much, haha.

[@spacedad1853]

Same answer

[@sams3015]

If you’re a budget traveller or plan on using subway & metro systems quite a lot. My tip is invest in a 4 wheel bag with flexible wheels and try and get the ones with some kind of “Light weight technology”. It will make your life so much easier. Get a good brand on sale

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Great tip! Quality luggage is always a good investment.

[@LeesreeNSubbi]

This video could not be more perfectly timed! We're planning a return trip to NY later this year and are planning to take public transport from JFK to Jersey City as we're spending our first few nights there (which means super expensive via car or taxi - by our standards anyway) - just yesterday we were trying to figure out the turnstiles!! Big thanks 🥰

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there. Thanks! Yes, luggage is indeed a hassle. But it's a hundred times easier when you are not by yourself, which seems like the case. Good luck and have a good trip!

[@queensmum]

Love all this practical advice! Depending on where you’re going - Grand Central to an LIRR to get to parts of Queens is another option, far cheaper than an Uber or cab but a little less stressful than the subway. Or to travel to parts of CT and Upstate NY on Metronorth. All of your advice also tracks for those trains. I’d add that you’ll need to physically be able to lift your luggage into an overhead rack if the train gets busy, and make sure the car you are in actually opens at your stop.

[@topchelseagirl9074]

Thanks for this Thea. I'm used to the using the Tube in London, so assertiveness isn't a problem. But I don't fancy carrying my suitcase and carryon bag up and down stairs, so I think I'll treat myself to a cab as I've waited 2 years for this trip.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Good idea! Honestly, most of the time I tend to build the cab ride into my travel budget.

[@MichaelSmith-on1ig]

This should be common sense. But I see people from day to day, that prove your point.

[@philpots48]

Great advice, I use a glove (Covid) in one hand and hold the stair railing as I go up and down with a wheeled suitcase.

[@dolemite401]

I actually appreciate you doing a positive practical NYC video. Most NYC content KZbinrs are focusing on doom and gloom videos crime, rent increase, inflation because it’s what gets clicks at the moment. However don’t really feel is accurate. Just keep doing these types of videos we appreciate it.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks so much! I try to stay relevant. Although there is a kernel of truth to the news of crime, rent, and inflation, it's not the single story of New York. A city of 8.5 million will have many stories.

[@Aidan_Au]

This is such a life skill that is less talked about. Thank you so much, Thea! Just curious, how did you come up with those hours as rush hours? Why is it not earlier or later than those hours you stated?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I just averaged out the different times that people say online and based on general observation. I guess it will depend on which line you're taking.

[@magellan379]

1st time in USA at NY in september so thanks for u video. 🇨🇵🇺🇲

[@UrbanCaffeine]

No problem. Have a good trip!

[@mviro]

Could show us how to use nyc metrocard for 4 people traveling together ? Do we need to swipe the card for each person?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

If the MetroCard has unlimited rides, then only one person can use it. But if the MetroCard has cash value on it, it can be used by 4 people at a time. You swipe the card, then let one person through the turnstile. Then swipe it again, then let the second person through, etc.

[@eltronics]

Nice use of the kitties for the comparison!, you're the best, Thea.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thank you! 😺

[@Praytell45]

Hi!! Can you explain how one travel from JFK airport to 10th Avenue 42nd St Manhattan?

[@kenho-tingwong4346]

Love the style of your videos. Thank you

[@jojoba6019]

Dear Thea, please make a video about NYC metro stations Elevator

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hey there. What would you like to know?

[@jojoba6019]

I have plans to go on vacation to NYC this fall. I've studied the accessible station map, but I'm getting confused because when I look at the Google map, the entrance is a stair😢 And there is a sign that says 'Elevator' at ... & ....st I need help how to locate the accessible subway entries. around Mid Manhattan and Wallstreet area.

[@erikc4600]

I did it yesterday no problem, before even watching this video.

[@richt.4900]

Thanks Thea, looking forward to putting your advice into action! 🤗😉👍🏻

[@UrbanCaffeine]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[@Zoe-zarautz]

From airport jfk to subway 179 st jamaica.. what is the best option.. pls

[@pumpkinpie5265]

Love your video! And it was so useful! 🙌🏼

[@aayooper]

I have a cane and a small suitcase so that causes a problem. I'm going on subway E to 42nd St/Port Authority from LaGuardia. Probably that has escalators.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hi there. There is currently no direct subway from LGA. You would have to take a bus from LGA to the subway. Most probably, you can take the Q70 bus to "Roosevelt Av/74th St" station. From there, you can transfer to the subway station "Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Ave". I'm pretty sure both "Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Ave" and "42nd St/Port Authority" stations are accessible since they are both popular. Having said all this though, LGA is pretty close to Manhattan. A cab or Uber won't be as bad compared to JFK or EWR airports.

[@aayooper]

@@UrbanCaffeine Yes, I should have said I was going to take the Q70 first and then the subway. Only 2 months to go and then I'm coming to Broadway.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

I am a fan of two wheel luggage usually, but I have to admit the 4 wheel rollers are better for getting through the subway turnstiles

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I didn't even think about the 2-wheel luggage. Mine has 4 wheels.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@@UrbanCaffeine the "roller" suitcases are usually more durable and take cobblestones better, but the spinner suitcases are better for rolling down airplane aisles, and getting through turnstiles.

[@richshort8120]

Great instructions, as always 661st thumbs up 😎👍

[@woodlands879]

This is the video i needed. Thank you

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Happy to help out! Good luck on your trip 😊

[@ac3115]

Baffle Gate! For turnstiles, I personally prefer roll the luggage in first, then swipe/tap card and get in. This way can avoid pushing the turnstyle arm in and I am still stuck outside. (Many cities including mine use swing faregates can already avoid this hassle.)

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Good idea! I wouldn't roll it in too far so you can roll it back out just in case the turnstile might be broken and won't accept payment and you'd have to try swiping/tapping at another one.

[@icechocobo96]

I literally had to do this less then 16 hours ago. I was going from Penn Station to LGA. I had to ride E train during rush hour. It was tough because of the crowded car. Then i had to carry my oversized luggage up a flight of stairs. But I survived 😅💪

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Congratulations! I guess you fall under the "assertive person" category. 😅

[@iamashleyyvette]

Both times I’ve gone to New York I went to the airport from the subway. It was fine but I pack so heavy that it ended up being a workout lol. I do have a question…what is the best option for storing luggage when you arrive to New York so that you don’t have to carry it around for hours before you check into your hotel? I’m coming to NYC in May and me and my boyfriend will arrive at 7 am but check in isn’t until 2 pm. We’re flying into JFK and our hotel is in Long Island City. Love the channel ❤️

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks for tuning in! As for luggage, hotels can usually hold your luggage for you if you are too early to check in. In fact, I've never heard of a hotel not holding luggage for early arrivals. But a tip is usually expected for the bellhop or attendant, maybe $1 or $2 per bag.

[@UrbanCaffeine]

But just to be safe, you can call the hotel ahead of time.

[@iamashleyyvette]

@@UrbanCaffeine Yes normally I just leave my bags with the hotel lobby until check in time, but this trip I’m staying at a Sonder which is basically an Air BnB condo company so they don’t even have a hotel lobby attendant. There is a contactless check in. I’ve researched and found that there are some apps (luggage hero, Bounce etc.) that help you find places/businesses in New York where you can store luggage with. I was just wondering if you knew anything about which ones would be the best. Thanks for responding! ❤️

[@UrbanCaffeine]

@@iamashleyyvette I've never heard of Bounce, but that sounds like a cool idea. Sorry, I wouldn't have advice on it or with other luggage storage. But let me know how it works out for you. I'd be interested to know.

[@AaaaAaaa-zg3gt]

Great video as usual. 💪

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Appreciate it! Thanks!

[@genius11433]

I don't think I ever heard of the term "baffle gate" before.

[@Orangino4u]

When you have a luggage trolley with you: always push your trolley ahead of you when going through the metro turnstiles. Dont pull the your trolley behind you cause you might get locked up into the turnstiles with your trolley :-)

[@Krista-k5v]

do they have cash payment at subway or did they take that away?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

You can buy an OMNY pass or MetroCard with cash.

[@Krista-k5v]

are subways accessible to disabled?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Sadly only some stations are accessible, not all. The important ones are most likely accessible.

[@robertfader2032]

Hey Thea. What happened to your live shots? What's up with the animation?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I've always preferred animation. It's logistically easier for me to produce.

[@robertfader2032]

@@UrbanCaffeine Maybe, but it doesn't have that "personal" touch!

[@davidlazarus67]

How easy is it to move with luggage on the air train and LIRR? Are there stairs everywhere?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

I would say it's ok if you just had a carry-on and maybe a backpack. The AirTrain is not a problem, it's meant for people with luggage. When transferring to the LIRR, I remember seeing escalators and elevators. Once on the LIRR there are overhead bins. But I don't remember how large the bins are. The LIRR has an upper level but the stairs are narrow. The lower level has a handful of steps going down.

[@keithinmiami6941]

I used the LIRR with a roller bag, boarded after rush hour (10:30 am) ~ no problems.

[@davidlazarus67]

@@UrbanCaffeine Thanks

[@davidlazarus67]

@@keithinmiami6941 Thanks

[@fafaffu2]

I see, I like.

[@23AlexSantos]

Could've used the turnstile tips about a month ago LOL. If there was video of me, would be great entertainment for everyone. Hahahaa

[@justcallmejohn2833]

I wouldn't do it during rush hour!

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Yeah, rush hour isn't my jam either.

[@Stache987]

On the train, loose luggage can roll onto dogs, or other peoples toes. Wach for these, but children are fair game, LOL.

[@robertlunderwood]

From past experience, the correct answer is not to

[@raidger4]

BAFFLE GATE

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Hurray!! 🎉

[@Pappysan]

I like real Thea better than cartoon Thea...

[@gordwetmore]

Baffle Gate

[@UrbanCaffeine]

🎉🎉🎉 Thanks!