to have problems to /-ing

[yelmax]

Hello everyone,
I have these two sentences:
1. I´m having problems flying to NYC
2. I´m having problems to fly to NYC
I´ve been told that the first one is right and the second one is wrong but... Isnt´t there a difference in meaning between them?
1. During the flight
2. Before the flight
Thank you very much in advance for your help

[katejs]

No, the second one is just wrong - we never say '..having problems +infinitive'. You need a gerund after 'having problems', even if you also use a preposition .

"I'm having problems flying to NY" suggests a problem before the flight, eg having problems buying a ticket or having problems finding a suitable route.

For problems during the flight you would say "I'm having problems while flying to NY."