Comment

Comment by Kim on June 28, 2009 at 8:35am

My son didn't have instructions from his sponsor on how to get to the base. We where at JFK and asked for the USO. They didn't have one. He was flying AA. The counter person was not going to let me go with him (not a policy at JFK) until I told her that Philadelphia let me when he flew to back to Chicago and he begged that he wouldn't be home for a long time. She let me in and put him on standby for business class. She sent us to the Admirals Club. We didn't realize at first that it was the first class lounge. When we told them the situation, they brought out someone who worked there and was Japanese. She explained both airports in Japan to him. They invited us to stay and looked after his luggage while he went to exchange money for yen. When it was time to board the woman from the admirals club was at the gate to check on him. He had been upgraded to business class. When he went through the gate I started crying. I went over to thank the three woman at the counter and they where all crying. I even saw a passenger with a tear in her eye. He told me they gave him champagne on the flight.

Comment by Kim on June 27, 2009 at 6:13pm

My son had a carry-on garment bag with most of his uniforms. The airline did not mind that it was oversized when he told them what it was for. They even hung it up for him.

Comment by Anti M on June 27, 2009 at 5:37pm

The military charter flights require uniforms, most civilian flights they should not wear their uniform. But do carry a full set in the carry-on, and while it seems to make sense to put all the uniforms in one bag, and civilian clothes in another... but if they a bag, you're stuck. Split things up.

And as I've said, every set of PCS orders comes with a free Navy packout, and yes, you can pack out a small amount. Off-season civilian clothing comes to mind. Sure that takes a bit of paperwork, and preplanning, but then you don't have to hassle with weight limits and trying to haul all your crap all at once.

Comment by Anti M on June 27, 2009 at 5:35pm

The Nay Exchange always runs out of long johns in Yokosuka.

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on June 27, 2009 at 5:28pm

You're right! I forgot about the stuffed garment bag and the best way to pack her covers, since she traveled in 'navy approved' civilian clothes.

That certainly would be awful to arrive at your new duty station w/o your uniforms!

Comment by Kim on June 27, 2009 at 4:03pm

Kathleen, if you think of the name of the airlines let us know. A few kind letters or phone calls from us will probably change their policy. They don't want to be known as the airline who doesn't support their military when they are being deployed.

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on June 27, 2009 at 4:02pm

You are right Kathleen - NWA was very liberal with the military - Delta may not be, now that they are in charge. The reservationist read that their seabag could be 100# - The guy reading it was a former sailor and remarked 'if my seabag weighed that much, I'd throw it overboard.

Good suggestion - I've had to take things out to get down to the weight at the counter - it is embarrassing when there's a long line.

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on June 27, 2009 at 3:28pm

We were told military personnel did not have a baggage limit on NWA, but the then Navy booked her on American out of Chicago. We went to the gate and got a guest pass so that I could be with Katie until shef left. Her orders told her to report at the airport ticket counter by 0630, even though her flight didn'tleave until 0930. Katie was concerned about space on the Essex, so she only took her seabag, somputer and backpack, purse. We mailed some civilian clothes since she has been over there.

Comment by T-Lynn on June 27, 2009 at 2:08pm

Hi Brandy and welcome aboard to this site.
My son took two sea bags and his black back pack. The reason I stated "Black" is that the Navy only wants two colors of back packs and computer carrying cases: black and Navy Blue. this is so the sailors can use t them while in uniform. My son left in the fall, so one seabag was for all his unirforms and the other one for civilian clothing. ANd where he coudl stuff personal items - he did STUFF in those bags. His back pack carried his computer and some reading materials Other items he took: dvds in a cd folders, some cds, an address book,camera, etc. Later he emailed or used skype and asked us to mail items - especially long johns! Turns out the NEX did not have any. Des you son have his contact sponsors phone numbers? Give them a call and hopefully they can advice him on what to take. By the way have him ask his sponsor if he is to fly in his uniform. My son did and was later told he was NOT to have done that. Also our cell phones do not work in Japan. Make sure he takes some cash along - $250 is a good amount. Anti M what am I leaving out to share? Oh - check out if his flight will allow you to set with him and wait for his plane. I can't remember where to get that information, but I did read about other Moms and Dads getting to do that. Hope I helped and not caused more confusion. Just keep asking all you need - there are Moms and Dads here that help. I know - I ask alot. T-Lynn

Comment by Anti M on June 27, 2009 at 1:28pm

LOL, "things, more things..."

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