Navy Dads

A bit of background before I get to my questions.

My son just arrived boot camp on 3/19, so exact details of when his PIR is are still forthcoming. I have read a lot of the post on flights, hotels etc. but have never planned a trip before. I am also on a pretty tight budget.

My questions mostly revolves around getting a rental car, and what airport to fly to.

Do I absolutely need a car? Or is it just a nice convenience to have. I understand there are other transportation options as well, ie: train, cab, shuttle. I'm not very savvy when it comes to public transportation. As I understand it, my son will need to be back at the base every night, regardless of what/when his future travel plans are.

My current plan is to arrive in time for the meet and greet and depart for home on Sunday. I will be traveling from the west coast.

Any help would be appreciated.

On another note, if I am not able to make the PIR, is there a way to get him his cell phone immediately after PIR?

Facebook

Views: 1140

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I would wait Ryan as the Recruiter's info may not reflect any changes at RTC. There is often some movement between Divisions and Ships....

Which airport and hotel is closest / cheapest.
Super tight budget.

Thanks Tom. I'll wait for the letter.

Airports: O'Hare, Midway, or Gen. Mitchell International in Milwaukee

             

You will receive a Hotel Guide in the Form letter with pricing and telephone numbers. Many choose the Navy Lodge as it is nearby to RTC and very reasonable. There are a number of good places to stay. Read the posts on this site for reviews/suggestions. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott and loved it. May I also suggest looking into Sarge's Meet & Greet where you can meet other parents and gather a wealth of knowledge and assistance....

Jerry, 

We're booked at Navy Lodge in Great Lakes for PIR this Friday. $71 per night and I've heard good reviews for it. It's about a mile or two from the base from what I'm told. Rooms go fast so if you decide to stay there, book your room as soon as you know your daughter's PIR date. 

We just got back. The Navy Lodge is really great for the PIR venue at $71 per night and no taxes if you tell them your SR's name. There are several different food style restaurants that deliver to the lodge. I suggest Wild Berries for breakfast and it is close by (the do not deliver.) The NEX is close by as well.

Sarge's meet and greet is the shitzles from what I understand. We didn't make it but he gave us the low down. Contact him and he will send you a detailed briefing that covers all the things you need to know and a Check Off list. Sarge will take good care of you!

We decided to stay an extra day and The Navy Lodge had no problem extending our stay in our room. My wife called AA to change out tickets but they wanted $1,900 for the two of us. My wife mentioned this to Sarge, so he looked at booking a flight and he was told it would be $142! He told her to call and book a new flight instead of changing the flight. She called and told them what Sarge did and they changed our flight home for free! Sarge knows the system and he loves military families!

We flew into O'Hare. It depends on where you are flying from and the carrier as to which is the cheapest. Call around and see or use Orbitz or something similar.

As per Tom L, just have to wait for that form letter.  When I was pricing airfare rates, I basically just counted 8 & 9 weeks from his boot camp arrival date while waiting for the form letter.  PIRs are held on Fridays but apparently not every week, so waiting for the form letter is the deal as far as making flight/hotel reservations.  Pls note his first week is processing and if you didn't get any calls from him, then you can assume things must be in order.  One important note on P-Week, if you are divorced as I am, have as much info on your ex's status as possible, especially if communication is far and few between. If you're ex is out of the picture, then at least have a ctc number or email addr that the processor can direct any queries.  My son must have called me at least 3-4 times trying to get info during P-Week..  Each time required me to track down his mom simply because I didn't have info at hand.  I suppose this last tidbit could suffice for another forum..

Just got the form letter from my SR confirming a PIR of 5/16. And was able to book a room at the Navy Lodge for $71 a night. Now on to airfare. I believe I already hate shopping for airfare! Lol.

Update for anyone following this thread - Call Sarge BEFORE you book anything!

I am a rookie at booking trips to anywhere, especially with renting cars. I booked through Orbitz for airfare and car rental... only to read the fine print later, that you absolutely need a credit card to finalize the transaction. Which can't be finalized until you get off your flight and to the rental company.

If you read this post from the start, you know I got the call Sarge message right away. I was a bit reluctant to call a perfect stranger for travel advice. Don't be like me.

I spoke with Sarge for about 15 min. and he had me squared away with options, including car rentals that don't require a credit card, what his company charges and stories of rescues he has performed for people like me, who didn't CALL SARGE 1st!!

So... CALL SARGE if your not sure about anything at all!

Sarge let me use of his wheelchair free of charge and he turned us on to WildBerries, which great! He was our personal tour guide and appointment setter!

Reply to Discussion

RSS

MISSION STATEMENT:

NavyDads mission is to Provide Support, Encouragement, and Knowledge to Sailors and their Families throughout their Journey together in the United States Navy.

NavyDads can only succeed with your help.  We receive no outside funding and every dollar you donate helps us cover operating costs and helps keep this site running. 

Google-Based NavyDads Search


  only search NavyDads

Blog Posts

Phishing for Info

Posted by Michael J Conway on April 18, 2023 at 4:08pm 0 Comments

USPS MILITARYKIT - **FREE**

Posted by Joseph Hernandez on January 28, 2023 at 11:54am 1 Comment

Before A School

Posted by Philip Steinert on January 2, 2023 at 2:10pm 2 Comments

My little sailor

Posted by william joseph wolfcale on December 3, 2022 at 4:08pm 2 Comments

my dad skII Wolfcale

Posted by william joseph wolfcale on December 3, 2022 at 4:00pm 0 Comments

Off to A School

Posted by Michael J Conway on November 13, 2022 at 9:55pm 1 Comment

Son leaves for San Diego

Posted by Jeff J Sperekas on June 25, 2022 at 7:33pm 1 Comment

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

Posted by John W Hensman on October 9, 2021 at 4:21pm 0 Comments

Form letter

Posted by John D O'Rourke on September 16, 2021 at 5:58am 2 Comments

Boot Camp

Posted by Mark F Durovka on March 22, 2021 at 8:46pm 2 Comments

RTC

Posted by Thomas ODonnell on January 10, 2021 at 3:00pm 7 Comments

Bittersweet Happiness

Posted by Jim Lisi on December 13, 2020 at 1:21pm 3 Comments

Pride and Honor

Posted by Elliott Peigen on September 7, 2020 at 9:56am 2 Comments

Introducing Myself

Posted by John Lillyblad on March 18, 2020 at 4:38pm 5 Comments

Mail problems

Posted by Fernando Bolano on March 17, 2020 at 2:36pm 3 Comments

SHIP 06 DIV 100

Posted by Chris Koning on February 9, 2020 at 3:54pm 0 Comments

Ship 10 Div 114

Posted by Mike Cunningham on February 3, 2020 at 2:15pm 1 Comment

Day ONE

Posted by Mike Cunningham on January 15, 2020 at 1:23pm 2 Comments

© 2024   Created by E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service