A points-aware plan for getting from JFK to the red rocks with Delta, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and door-to-door ground transportation.
Trip readiness
The shape of the trip
Four nights, three open red-rock days, and no rental-car logistics. The plan keeps the hard connections contained so the middle of the trip can feel expansive.
New planning comparison
The current site plan prioritizes a no-car getaway from Sept. 16–20. The added planning notes favor Sept. 14–18 with a rental car for lower weekday hotel pressure and easier trail access. Compare them before booking.
$2,350–$3,450 best-value tier for two
No full subtotal supplied compare the known flight + hotel signals below
The rental-car estimate includes only airfare, lodging, and the car. The no-car site tiers include a broader trip budget with local transport, meals, activities, tips, and buffer—so the headline totals are not like-for-like.
Added from “Sedona Trip Planning NYC to Sedona September 2026.” All prices are directional signals from Sept. 3, 2026—not live quotes. Refresh airfare, tax-inclusive hotel totals, car fees, cancellation terms, parking, and resort fees before purchase.
Book in this order
points available
miles available
Compare Delta’s award price, Delta’s cash price, and the Chase Travel points price. Most likely, SkyMiles cover one traveler and Chase points cover most or all of the matching ticket for traveler two.
Dates: Wednesday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 20. Filter for nonstop flights and display prices in miles.
Search the identical flight numbers in Chase Travel. Look for a Points Boost badge before using all 47,796 points.
Book only after the flights are confirmed. Current fares start around $69 per person, each way, plus the temporary surcharge.
Captured Sept. 3, 2026 for two passengers. Delta displays these award prices per passenger; both selected results include one stop and $12 in taxes and fees.
That is 82,600 fewer miles for two travelers. The lower result was marked “Lowest” in Delta’s calendar.
Snapshot only—not a live quote or held itinerary. The supplied Delta screens show the TakeOff 15 card-member discount already applied. Reopen both calendars before booking; cached search links may expire or reprice.
Two-person estimate
A planning range for two adults, four nights, and five days. Hotel, airfare, taxes, and tips can move the total; the fixed tour and shuttle prices are shown separately.
Tradeoff: no paid tours and less hotel flexibility.
Tradeoff: choose one headline tour instead of both.
Tradeoff: the hotel and two tours drive the increase.
Tradeoff: reprice Tier 2 before accepting this total.
Keep either Broken Arrow or private stargazing, then use the illustrated map and free trail shuttles for the other day.
Compare refundable West Sedona rooms first. Keep the location inside the Connect service area so a cheaper room does not create rideshare costs.
Plan breakfast supplies, trail snacks, and two casual dinners; preserve one special dinner instead of cutting every memorable meal.
Planning ranges, not live quotes. The low tiers assume points cover most airfare. Sedona’s official trailhead shuttles are free; Connect is currently $2 per ride, and Groome lists Sedona airport service from $69 per traveler each way.
At a glance
Showing Tuesday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 19.
No-car plan
JFK to PHX takes roughly 5½–6 hours. Favor the earliest outbound and an inbound departure after 1 p.m.
Allow roughly 2¾ hours between PHX and Sedona. Reserve at least 24 hours ahead; hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an added fee.
On-demand rides within most of Sedona are currently $2 per rider and generally operate Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday–Sunday service currently runs around 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. to five major trailheads.
Leaves room for an afternoon shuttle and relaxed check-in.
A 7:30 a.m. Sedona shuttle currently reaches PHX around 10 a.m.
For two people without a car, Groome is the clear value choice. Private transfers are useful only when your flight timing or desired door-to-door service makes the shared schedule impractical.
Frequent scheduled PHX departures, a Sedona stop, and select hotel or home service for an added fee. Reserve both directions after the Delta flights are ticketed.
Private PHX–Sedona car service on your schedule. Better for a late arrival, very early return, or direct resort drop-off.
Chauffeured airport transfer serving Sedona hotels and resorts. Expect a substantially higher total than two Groome seats.
Cross to the center island and wait at the blue Inter-City Shuttle sign. Check in 15 minutes early.
Choose a shuttle with delay margin, confirm the Sedona stop, and add hotel/home service if Amara is offered.
The trip is roughly two hours and local driver availability can vary. Keep rideshare for short, flexible trips in town.
Lodging strategy
These areas make the no-car plan easier: more restaurants on foot, central tour meeting points, and access to Groome-listed hotels.
Expected four-night totals for one room across the document’s two leading windows. Friday night is the main reason the Tuesday–Saturday stay can cost more.
*Planning ranges from the Sedona chat, not live quotes. Recheck room type, taxes, resort fees, and cancellation terms before booking.
Pinpoint these hotels with the attractions →Saved in this browser
Check items off as reservations are confirmed. Your progress stays on this device.
Saved in this browser
Built around two early hikes, shared transportation, pool resets, a 4×4 tour, stargazing, and one special dinner.
