Any travel suggestions for boot camp graduation?

[MelissaD(Ship 11 Div 089)]

Even though my son just entered boot camp I would like to get a head start on the plans for graduation because I will need to schedule the time off from work. We will be driving from Tennessee and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for the drive. Also any suggestions for lodging in the area? I am worried the weather will be too bad for the drive but I am praying everything will be okay.

[js mama]

We are flying in from Cali...we have been keeping an eye on the weather.....we were thinking of flying to the nearest city that doesnt hopefully have delays....then take the train.....does anyone know the name of the trans system to obtain info

[Navymom111413]

We are flying in from Cali as well. We are suppose to land at Midway on January 9th at 12:30pm. I too am worried about the weather. Please let me know what airport you are flying into. We are flying southwest and all the flights for Wed the 8th - Fri the 10th are booked. There is no way we can get another flight. We bought our tickets back in November before Thanksgiving.  

[Anti M]

There really isn't a nearby city airport with no delays.  If Ohara gets socked then Midway is slammed too.  Local trains are the Metra.  Not sure if they run up to MIlwaukee, or if that airport wouldn't be affected, or be worse (probably).

They have a chance of snow, but nothing as heavy as the last bad storm.  I would not alter plans.

[Fur&FeathersDVM]

If you go on google maps, you can put your starting destination (whichever airport you decide to fly into) and then your destination and it will tell you how to get there using public transportation if you hit the public transportation option. Unfortunately the Metra trains do not directly connect to the airports (at least not the line that takes you to Great Lakes), so you would need to either transfer trains or take a bus run by CTA to the Metra stop and then catch a train. Google maps can tell you exactly which lines to take! The transportation workers here are very nice and helpful and would be happy to help you should you get confused along the way.

[Aznavymom]

My son graduated 11/15/2013 - it was originally going to be a week later but it changed two weeks in. I recommend waiting to make arrangements until he's at least halfway through even if you pay more, especially if non-refundable. Things can change. We flew in from Arizona.  Then the day before PIR he still didn't know what 'group' he was in.  All the info says it takes place in a day - so we planned to fly out Friday night.  Turns out he was in 'Group 3' - staying for A school - he had liberty all weekend - other graduates don't.  So .. . . we only got to see him for four hours . . . . . Definitely go to Sarge's dinner the Thursday night before so arrive early afternoon on Thursday before - got a lot of helpful information from him . . . . .  Enjoy!  

And . . . the Holiday Inn Express does not show up on a GPS so it was hard to find at night.

[lemonelephant]

I'm sorry that you did not see the info concerning being able to spend time with your new Sailor. It was in The Form Letter and in the RTC's site within the Family Guide and included within this site in several places, such as PIR Day and Liberty during PIR Weekend.

Those who stay in GL check in and then have Liberty each day of the weekend, so loved ones should plan to leave late Sunday or on Monday. Those who fly out generally fly out the day after PIR, so it is best for loved ones to plan to leave late Saturday or on Sunday.

If one knows the rating (job/specialty) that the recruit has a contract for, then we can tell you if s/he will stay in GL or fly out because each rating only has one "A" School now.

I disagree about booking the flights. Book everything as soon as you have the PIR date. You don't have to buy nonrefundable tickets if you fly Southwest or if you fly American Airlines and are an AAdvantage member or a member of some other frequent flyer program since you will be able to change your reservation one time without a rebooking fee.

[Aznavymom]

Thanks for the info and time to respond.  I had read the form letter, the pdf of ceremony and the Family guide at least 5 times - I just reread them - it never says there is liberty for the weekend; I presumed the liberty they described was for Friday only because they talk about 'flying out' the next day.  I would vent more privately; let me just say publicly I really appreciate your kind words and offer best wishes for other families. PIR is history for me. 

[lemonelephant]

You are correct, it just says that Liberty begins after check-in, but doesn't indicate how long. I'm sorry that you didn't find this site or the RTC's facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand, so that you would have known that.

[Richard M.]

Here are a few things that made the trip go really well. You will only get one crack at this once in a lifetime event. Keep it low stress and stay flexible. You are not calling the shots on the schedule you sailor's command does. Just soak up every fantastic moment with your sailor. You will never forget.

Hotel - Navy Lodge is 66.00 a night and there is no tax as it is on base and run by NEX. 1 mile to RTC and the A school drop off point. Nothing is closer. It has every thing you could need. True continental breakfast and free WIFI. Ample parking. Thursday night and Friday gets very busy. It is worth it to arrive Wed night if you can. 1-800-navy-inn.
If you have a recruit who is staying for "A" School in Great Lakes you will do a lot of shuttling to the base. To maximize time with your new sailor I suggest the Navy Lodge.

Air fare: Southwest saved us a ton but only flies into Midway. 250. Round trip from Florida.

Car Rentals are cheaper in the local area but ground transport can take away the savings. If you look at individual companies instead of the Expedia types of sites you will do better. It was worth the patients as we got a minivan out of Midway for 36 a day.

The best thing we did is go to Sarge's Meet and greet. This guy will insure that you are prepared. He and his fellow cab drivers hold a cool gathering at the Sundance Saloon and make sure you are prepared for PIR. Everything he said and I mean everything came true on Friday! You must attend this event to maximize your enjoyment. They also offer shuttle service from every hotel by minivan to and from the PIR. Navy lodge does not offer shuttle service so if you want pick up and drop off then they have you covered. $3.00 each way per person.

If your son or daughter has Liberty over the weekend. Take the METRA rail into Chicago. It is fun and there is a weekend pass (for $7 ; active duty $5) fun and there was no car to park. Be advised this is NOT a subway it runs every two hours on the weekend. That caught us off guard so we drove in. We saw Willis "Sears" Tower ($18 ea; active duty is free)

PIR starts at a reasonable time but to get great seats you need to get there early. There are thousands of people who want great seats.

We took our twin sons out for breakfast on Saturday to the Full Moon. It was fantastic, and probably one of the closest to base.

You will love PIR, I know we did!