Anyone with a daughter leaving for bootcamp on September 28 in CA? Or anywhere else?

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Hi all, I was just wondering if there is anyone in this discussion group with a daughter leaving for BC the end of this month.

[Lisa (Olivia Div 09-Ship 331)]

I loved that.  Private message your FB name and I will do the same.

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Transportation question for when I come out to Chicago. I see there is Midway airport and O'Hare. Southwest flies to Midway and I had heard they do not penalize you if you book a flight and need to adjust it due to PIR changes. For those of you who have traveled there, which do you recommend? Any particular airline that is better to deal with? I'm coming from Southern California but will NOT be using LAX. I'll fly from Ontario or Palm Springs.  Thanks! Diana

[Sharon-Alumni of Ship 11 DIV 352]

We are flying Southwest to Milwaukee (MKE) from Ontario.  It's suppose to be a easy drive to Great Lakes.  We did not want to go out of LAX either.  So it's a little more expensive......

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Oooh - to Milwaukee? How much farther of a drive is that to the recruit center hotels? (guess I could google it, huh?)  Did you book a flight yet or just researching so far? I'm leaning towards Southwest as it seems more flexible with more nonstop options and 2 free bags. Plus, if you book anytime fare, you can change the date should that happen with change in PIR. Hopefully not though. Fares will continue to rise each day/week as we near Thanksgiving week :-/  If you are flying from Ontario, where are you in So Cal? (you can private msg me that info if you'd like....)  JennBrandonsMom is flying out of San Diego. San D is cheaper than Ontario AND Las Vegas. Might want to consider that as well. A well traveled friend suggested that to me.....

[Lisa (Olivia Div 09-Ship 331)]

Milwaukee is not far at all from GL. 

Lisa

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

omg....SO many decisions to make! I need a personal assistant......

[Janie (Ship11~Div.59 Alumni)]

It is my understanding that both are relatively the same distance away from Lakes. I could not fly southwestern because they did not fly out of Philadelphia Airport to O'Hare. So therefore I had to fly American Airlines from Phila. to O'Hare. We rented a compact car and we stayed at the Red Roof Inn because it was the closest to Lakes. The Red Roof Inn was clean, and served its purpose. My only complaint was it did not have a coffee maker in the room, it did have a frig. I picked it because of its proximity to the base. We were a mile down the road, and it was important to me because it actually gave us more time with Jess. Especially Friday the first night after PIR, she had to stand watch so we had to have her back to base earlier than all the others. Sunday we spent at Ricky Heaven. Ricky Heaven is connected to the other side of the building that houses the NEX. They call it Ricky (Recruit) Heaven, it has a few fast food rest. and computers, pool tables, video games, tables and chairs for visiting. This is not available to recruits, they get to use it after they've completed Battlestation and passed. Since my daughters division was the first to go through Battlestation and succeed they had the opportunity to go there first. As I was about to say was that Sunday morning we checked out of the Motel and met our daughter as she paraded down the sidewalk to the parking lot and then we went to the NEX shopping for my proud sailor t-shirts ( lol ) then we went over to Ricky Heaven and spent the few hours we had right there enjoying it with her and her friends. To us it didn't make sense to drive anywhere and waste time to drive around and get her back before heading back to the airport. Oh did I forget to mention that we went a day and a half after the BIG SNOWSTORM! The biggest one they have had in decades! Oh it was terrible trying to get around, we couldn't even go into Chicago because there was nowhere for them to place the snow. But we just did whatever my daughter wanted to do which was eat (she ate so healthy at bc because she said the food was not that great) most sailors want a steak. lol We went to the big mall, all the sailors were buying new cell phones. lol And she rested around our room and surfed on my laptop. She enjoyed taking a nice, long, hot shower (by herself) and even going to the bathroom without others there. lol One piece of advice is to take any makeup she may want to wear that weekend, she can't take it back to the base with her. And most of all, some comfy leisure clothes to lay around your motel/hotel room. They want to relax, you will see how protective and safe they are with their uniforms while they are wearing them. Any spot on their uniform, cap will get them trouble and give them points during an inspection. If you plan to go out and see the sights, take a small hand towel from your hotel room, she may want to sit on it when you take pictures in the city or whatever. Its funny to see your child go from this person who never cleaned their bedroom, never cared about their clothes getting dirty, etc.. to go to a very picky, detailed person. At least my daughter was that way. lol

 

The first night when we had to get her back for watch, she took a nice long hot shower, dressed into her uniform and had to sneak her contacts and eye pencil back into her ship tucked away in her bra. This is what I'm saying, they can not take anything back with them. They definately can not be late returning or their entire division runs the risk of losing liberty that weekend. They have to go by the book if they want their liberty with their families. When Aubrey sends you that first letter with all the information in it, it includes PIR info and a map/brochure with all the motels and hotels in the area, and what you will need to get into PIR.

As for the airport it really is whatever is closest and cheapest for you. Please take advantage of the fact that changing dates is important. I made my reservations for our plane fare through expedia. By accident I had put the wrong date on our arrival out at O'Hare, my mistake cost us double the plane fare! As it stands now I am making arrangements for my daughters leave in November and I am definately going to take the insurance, the Navy likes to change their minds at will. lol

 

I hope all this helps, let me know if you need any more information. Oh and I took my portable GPS which made it real easy to get around.

[Lisa (Olivia Div 09-Ship 331)]

Hello Ladies,

Diana, I had responded but I do not see it here so I'll write my quick 2 cents.  If you can take Southwest, there is no charge for baggage.  They fly into Midway.  If you do not want to rent a car, cabs go to GL or I'd be happy to do the airport run.  I've done it a few times.  

Getting the insurance is a good idea. 

When is PIR for Aubrey?

Lisa

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

That's good to know. Right now, it appears PIR may be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! Good because I'm off of school the entire week. Not good because it's the most expensive week to fly. I found a few direct to Midway from CA flights (which lessens the lost bags issue or missed connection flights.....)  I believe I will book to Midway. I may want a car for other excursions as we'll be out there for at least 5 days or so. I'm excited and hopeful that Aubrey may have a bit more liberty with the holiday - we'll see though.... Thank you so much for the offer. I'll pick your brain more as I get details as you live right out there.

[Lisa (Olivia Div 09-Ship 331)]

So is Aubrey able to spend the week end with you for Thanksgiving?

 

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Gosh, I have no idea. I haven't even received "the box' or form letter yet. I hope she will at least have Thanksgiving liberty. The worst day to travel is the Saturday/Sunday after. Monday, the fares drop off quite a bit. I don't think I can afford to stay there an entire week - me maybe but not my boys, too. Maybe they can return with their dad and I'll stay on until the Monday after....much to ponder.

[Diana(PO3/IT3)]

Thanks Janie. Great tips. Aubrey already put aside her makeup and 'fun' clothes to chill in for when I come out. I saw the RedRoof Inn. As soon as I get more concrete info, I'm booking stuff up. It will be even more challenging with the holiday week - higher prices and more competition for cars, rooms, and flights.......