Great Lakes Airfares...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary on November 28, 2011 at 11:43pm

Hey Cristina, I'm not sure about Long Beach I think they fly out of LAX... It was a good deal!

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary on November 29, 2011 at 9:43pm

Cristina that's a great price glad you got that deal! I'm not sure if it's the same with all of the hotels in the area but what they're referring to a shuttle is really a "taxi cab". We made arrangements with our hotel (for a cab) to and from RTC. After graduation we actually spent a good time shopping at NEX, then when we went out the gate there were cabs outside waiting/lined up ready to pick up passengers.

 

I would contact Navy Lodge just to confirm and check on shuttle service info offered to and from PIR.

 

If you do decide to drive to RTC, don't forget to print the parking pass and bring a copy of your own auto insurance coverage info even with a rental...

Permalink Reply by Brad on December 5, 2011 at 1:33pm

Navy Lodge does not do shuttles, although they can give you the phone number for a taxi service, but I'd recommend using Sarge instead.

If you are driving to RTC, I'd also suggest not going on base, but parking in the train station parking lot across the street. For $2, and you can walk into the gate much quicker than driving in.

Permalink Reply by NavyDads Group Admin, Gary on December 5, 2011 at 4:23pm

Brad,

So Navy Lodge, no in-house arranged shuttle service. Basically for folks who are attending PIR, they need to make the arrangements themselves for a cab to and from PIR. Great info thanks! Also that's an awesome tip on the $2 parking for Metra Train GL Station across the street.

Brad said:

Navy Lodge does not do shuttles, although they can give you the phone number for a taxi service, but I'd recommend using Sarge instead.

If you are driving to RTC, I'd also suggest not going on base, but parking in the train station parking lot across the street. For $2, and you can walk into the gate much quicker than driving in.

Permalink Reply by Tom L on December 5, 2011 at 8:59pm

The station is right across from the gate that you will be entering....

 

Permalink Reply by Tom L on December 5, 2011 at 9:15pm

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....:)

Permalink Reply by Brad on December 6, 2011 at 12:32pm

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.

Permalink Reply by Brad on December 6, 2011 at 4:13pm

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.

Permalink Reply by Vincent C Newman on January 16, 2012 at 6:53am

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.