Comment

Comment by diannep on September 29, 2011 at 2:26pm

**just ASK FTLW**   Sorry about that.

Comment by diannep on September 29, 2011 at 2:25pm

NavyMomJanet:  YES!  We loved taking the shuttle.  We left on the 6:30 one, arrived in 10 minutes, were 2nd through the security gate, and were in the drill hall a bit after 7.  It was wonderful.  But please go this early...I cannot stress this enough!  You will be able to pick better seating in your section, test your camera settings, and watch the pre-ceremony things going on...including watching those precious little ones in their little Navy uniforms/dresses...as they wait to see their new sailors!  We left RTC about 45 minutes after PIR was over...maybe an hour.  No problem picking up another shuttle at the front gate.  We ended up being the only 3 on it.  I know others like to drive...but we enjoyed bypassing the traffic lines to get in!  It is $3/pp each way...sailor should be free to ride back with you.

I have to agree with Invisible on the Expedia, etc thing.  I have seen that if anyone has to cancel, they can charge fees.  I know one lady was on here desperately trying to sell someone her hotel room.  I didn't understand why she didn't just cancel, and she said that she would have to pay a fee to "whomever" she booked with.  You really can do well by individually booking.  Try Southwest Airlines, no change fee/first 2 bags checked for free.  They fly into Milwaukee (about 45 minutes from GL and an easy drive) and Chicago-Midway (further drive and traffic!).  Hotels have liberal cancellation policies, so I advise all to book them early.  The ones like Residence sometimes run out of rooms...at least, the larger 2 bdrm-2bth suites (they have studios too).  Better to book and cancel (no penalty as long as done about 24 hours before PIR)...

Also, remember to book through Saturday or Sunday just in case your sailor has the weekend...remember, plans can change for them.  Just as FTLW!  They did for her son and thankfully she had booked for the weekend. So fly out on Sunday if you can.  If your sailor leaves before then, sightsee!  You have both Chicago and Wisconsin to choose from!  I know since this is a holiday weekend, flights may be more full on Sunday, so it is possible that your sailors may only have until Sat unless they fly out on Friday...so at least stay through Sat if you can't stay until Sunday.

Comment by Invisible12 on September 29, 2011 at 12:24pm

My experience is that it IS NOT usually cheaper doing it that way.  Sometimes maybe, but for me, most of the time not.

Comment by shadowcrzn(ship 2 Div 952) on September 29, 2011 at 12:24pm

Prayers going up for your daughter and her friends family.

Comment by Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor on September 29, 2011 at 11:32am

Lala, such sad news.  I will keep your daughter and her friend's family in my prayers. ((hugs))

Comment by Invisible12 on September 29, 2011 at 10:05am

You're welcome Bella.  I know how frustrating it is.  Good Luck.  Let me know what you decide.

Comment by diannep on September 29, 2011 at 7:53am

Residence Inn Waukegan (where we stayed) and Springhill Suites, both Marriotts, are wonderful hotels.  PIR shuttle too.  Residence is pet friendly and has a free buffet breakfast.  Both are about 4.5 - 5 miles from base.  They have a Navy rate, but we actually used our AAA rate.

Comment by diannep on September 29, 2011 at 7:51am

navymomjulie:  There is lots of info up above about the questions you asked about PIR weekend.  Just scroll through and you will find lots of info!

Lala, will keep her in my prayers.  So sorry.

Comment by Invisible12 on September 28, 2011 at 11:05pm

Bella, This is what Air Tran's policy says:  If I'm reading it correctly, it looks like a pretty good deal.

Coach and Business Class Comparison

	Coach	Business Class
Refundable	No	Yes
Change fee	$75	Waived
Baggage fee	Through August 31, 2010: $15 for the 1st bag. Effective September 1, 2010: $20 for the 1st bag (for all tickets purchased after August 16, 2010). $25 for 2nd bag	1st and 2nd bag fees waived
Seat assignment	$6 - $20	Included
Priority boarding	$13 - $15	Included
A+ Rewards	1 credit	1.5 credit
Cocktails	Available for purchase	Complimentary

Fare Rules

Business Class

• D Fare Class
• Business Class PROMOTIONAL Fare
• Fare is refundable
• Changes can be made without a change fee. A fare increase may apply
• This fare offers advance seat assignment. After completing your reservation, click on the 'Reserve Seats' button on the Receipt page to select your seats.
• Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15.00 per person.
• For booking a Business Class fare, you will receive a one-half credit bonus in our A-PLUS REWARDS frequent traveler program.
• Additional baggage fees may apply.
• Exempt from 1st and 2nd Bag Fees

*All AirTran Airways coach tickets are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Business class tickets (A and J fare classes only; not including promotional fares) are fully refundable and no fee applies to changes. Additional baggage fees may apply. Please note that the lowest fares may require an advance purchase, such as 3, 7, or 14 days. Fares shown do not include Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Fares do not include segment taxes up to $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $32.60. Fares to/from Mexico and the Caribbean do not include additional government taxes of up to $100. Cancellations must be made at least one hour prior to departure or customer forfeits reservation and any monies paid against the reservation. This reservation is non-transferable - no name changes allowed.

 

Comment by Invisible12 on September 28, 2011 at 10:51pm

NavyMom- I'm not sure yet.  A friend of mine might be able to get me a good deal at the Indigo Hotel in Vernon Hills.  If not, then I'm thinking either Springhill Suites or the Hilton Garden in Mettawa.  What about you?

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