Flight, Hotel & Car rental

[Dave's Mom]

My son is scheduled to graduate on 9/1  we don't do much traveling but no way in the world I would miss this. I have no clue where to start on booking a flight whats the best way to buy my tickets? And any suggestions on hotels close to the base. Also what's there to do in Chicago that's fun & reasonable? Thanks!

[randysue]

we just got back. we stayed at the ramada in waukegan. that is where the meet and greet is held. ask for military discount. after graduation, a lot of sailors and families went to gurnee mall about 4 miles away. the advice was to stay away from chicago its expensive and takes time to get there.... lots of parking expense. We flew in weds night, scoped out the area and had an idea where things were. We flew into midway and out of ohare. most sailors leave from ohare so the cool thing was spending a couple extra hours at the airport our son wanted red robin, rest, rainforest cafe,  and talking. we met a lot of his friends at the mall. so for us ramada worked. also ALAMO rentacar is open really late at the airport and they even stayed later that normal because there was a line. AWESOME!!!!

[JackieB Ship 12 Div 281 PIR 9/1]

Go to http://www1.netc.navy.mil/nstc/rtcgl/faq_family.asp to find out the best airports to fly out of, we are a family of 5 so we are driving!  I just booked my hotel for the 9/1 graduation at the holidy inn and suites in waukegan.  I called directly 847 473 4400 or you can book via www.hiwaukegan.com (look for the navy rates).  The best thing about booking at this hotel is they offer a hot breakfeast, you can cancel up to the day of graduation and they are only 3 miles from RTC.  Good reviews on trip advisor as well.  I also booked the room thru the weekend not knowing how much time we would be able to spend with our child.  Once we find out, we can adjust the reservation, but better safe than sorry!

 

[GO NAVY**sally**]

i like hotwire .com was the best deal on all o'hara is airport hav not whent yet

[itsmemom]

We were lucky enough to drive to Chicago, we also have a son that lives there and go several times a year. Sometimes drive, sometimes train (bad weather) U might want to check out Southwest air---they fly into Midway-and when I was checking to fly to chicago (from detroit) I got airfare for 190 for 2 round trip. Also, I THINK if we can't use the tickets, that u can use them up to one year from that date of travel. YOu might have to pay the fared difference. The only problem booking airfare is IF for some reason your SR PIR changes due to any health issues, maybe not passing a certain test, battle stations. That's why it is recommended you book were you can change or cancel your ticket with out losing the $$$

[Dave's Mom]

Thanks for al the adivce ladies it really helps! One question can anyone go to the meet & greet or is it just for hotel guest? Thank You!

[VINNIEJOESMOM SHIP07 DIV 289]

i think anyone with pir 9/1, it does not make a diff what hotel you stay in as i am staying in the quality in and have responded yes to going to the meet and greet.

 

[rodeo sailor]

I just got back from Chicago with my two teenage daughters and we stayed at the Red Carpet Inn, about 1.5 miles from the graduation gate. It was $59 a night, had a shuttle to and from PIR, had enterprise car rental next door, so got a car for $24 a day. Was nice, people friendly, nice pool. Downside, wi-fi barely worked, and continental breakfast was skimpy. Overall, it was really nice though. We went to Navy Pier, and Lincoln Park Zoo, that took a whole day but was free (except for parking) and lots of fun. Took my Sailor to Gurnee Mills mall on Friday, and saw tons of sailors there shopping. It really was overwhelming for my daughter who just graduated, after being in a confined environment for so long, she could only cope with so much, then we went out to dinner, and back to the hotel, in plenty of time to go to the NEX and have her in barraks on time. Go to the airport on Sat, and you can bring your sailor electronics and personal items (black bag only). A really great place to visit (free) is the Grosse Point Lighhouse, its about 30 minutes away, and absolutely beautiful. If you have a smartphone, when you get there, you can search maps and find ' whats nearby' for food, and things to do. Note that lots of the highways are toll highways, so have change if you drive. Hope this helps, and have a great trip :)

[Linda (ship04/Div. 818)]

Oh my gosh, your responses brought tears to my eyes as I patiently await the time when I will be able to hug Dave again.  All your information is appreciated, what a blessing this site is.  Dave graduates on 9/1 a Thursday.  Our flight out of BWI is Wednesday.  The advice to be their early will help us to be ready for a long morning, but well worth it to have a good seat, Dave is a flag bearer, so he will be right up front.  The division number is good to know as well.  We ended up booking a hotel with Great Lakes Motel, they are small, clean and quite, close to the base and have a shuttle.  We rented a car, but thought the shuttle would helps us avoid the parking issue.  You all are right, we will leave the planning up to our son, as he will probably want to take a half hour shower by himself - LOL and catch up on news from home, even tho I have written him every other day.  He said the letters are what keep him going and his faith and trust in God.  Thank you all so much.