For those of you who happened to be flying out of the West Coast area, I just wanted to share this tidbit of information.
After shopping around for airfares, we found a civilian super deal and booked with Virgin Airlines http://virginamerica.com/ $89 dollars each way! From SFO (San Francisco International Airport) to ORD (Chicago O'Hare) $199.40 total for a non-stop flight round-trip, includes taxes and fees.
If you booked a flight and later discovered that the same flight dropped in price, they will credit you the difference if you contact them within 24 hours of booking. Otherwise, they will give you an in-flight credit for the difference to use for future flights.
I also signed up for their free frequent flyer miles membership they call "Elevate" to take advantage of travel points. You never know when you'll need them just in case, you can rack up your points.
My wife has flown with Virgin America a number of times over when she traveled to and from Seattle, WA. I've heard nothing but raving reviews from her. And believe me she's not easy to please.
Just wanted to throw this out there. Maybe you too can share some great deals in airfares for PIR...
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Has anyone tried flying into Wisconsin instead of O'Hare?
I will be flying out of Boston around November 21st, and United had an online round trip deal of $180 per person and many flights to choose from. Southwest was a little more expensive and did not have as many options.
just got email from Southwest airlines...if you are travelling oct 31st, they have a 31% discount....from BOS to CHI was $98 each way, and no baggage fees for 2 bags, what a deal
http://www.southwest.com/html/promotions/fs-halloween-2013.html?RMI...
from the East coast, the best deal in town is usually southwest airlines, but you can only book from their website, http://www.southwest.com/ ,web only fares are approx $133 each way and 2 checked bags per passenger go free. Just did a check from Boston to Chicago for Oct/Nov 2013
Do they still have parking at the train station across from the gate? Also, how far is the walk from the gate to the graduation?
Thanks!
I just booked a non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale to O'Hare for $207 (total) through American Airlines/ Orbitz round trip for the March 1 PIR. I added a rent-a car for the 4 day stay for another $100. Thanks for the tips regarding the parking.
We went to three different gates before finding the right one. It is off of Ohio, but Ohio is a small street, although there is a light there and the elevated train tracks are just beyond it. The guards at the gate will direct you to the right one.
Once inside the base, they will lead you to the entrance. Be assured, they won't let you just wander around the base.
As to what time? That's up to you, the Navy Lodge will have bagged breakfasts' waiting at the counter (we totally missed them). I can only tell you what time we got there, but we were very early as we passed up all the cars already in line. We were the first into the building however, which wasn't really necessary. I would think 7 AM should be fine, but then again, if enough people read this, they may also be vying for the parking spaces at the train station.
I'd rather you decide on your own time, so it's not my fault if you are too early or too late.
I'm sure you won't miss a thing. There is a lot of hurry up and wait in the Navy.
Christina,
The metra train station is about 30 yards from the entrance to the base. Then you have a shorter walk to the actual building where they hold the ceremony than if you drove onto the base.
Also, if you drive on base, you'll find a line of cars to get in starting around 6 AM or so. The guards on base will either search each car thoroughly or just take a quick glimpse as you drive in, depending on who knows what?
If you go to the train lot, you can bypass all those other cars by driving up the open lane. For what it's worth, we went in October and Navy Lodge did not have a shuttle, and we drove to the base around 6:40 and there were already many cars in line to get in. We just breezed right on past them.
Another suggestion, if you get there a day early, drive on over to where the entrance is so you are familiar with the area. The base is HUGE and there are many entrances, so finding the right one can be tricky.
Congrats to your sailor on graduating.
I believe that it is for the day. It is right across the street from the Ohio St. gate that you will be going through...See "A Couple of Helpful Hints for PIR" in the PIR discussion forum...should answer some of your questions....:)
The station is right across from the gate that you will be entering....
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