Appointee tour on 11 Apr

fnafgg

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Anyone doing the 11 Apr USAFA appointee tour? DS wants to go but we are working on logistics since rental cars for 17 year-olds are an issue. I don't think USAFA has any transportation provided for this. If DS goes he will likely be flying solo into DEN on 10th and out of DEN on 12th. If anyone else is sending their appointee out solo and would like to share transportation, please PM me and we can talk.
 
Anyone doing the 11 Apr USAFA appointee tour? DS wants to go but we are working on logistics since rental cars for 17 year-olds are an issue. I don't think USAFA has any transportation provided for this. If DS goes he will likely be flying solo into DEN on 10th and out of DEN on 12th. If anyone else is sending their appointee out solo and would like to share transportation, please PM me and we can talk.

Did you check into uber? I think there is also a shuttle service available.
 
Yes. Looking into uber as an option, but that doesn't change the desire to share the trip with other appointees.
 
My son is going solo to the April 1 tour and he is also 17. His plan is to fly into COS the night before and stay at a hotel by the airport. He has downloaded uber and plans to get to USAFA that way. We really couldn't find any better option. I'm hoping all goes well. I can let you know how it goes.
 
Our family is attending the April 8th appointee tour. We are staying at the Drury Inn on Interquest Parkway about 2 miles from USAFA. If anyone is sending their DS or DD alone for that time let me know and we would be glad to take them with us...renting a midsize SUV so we should have room for 1 or 2 more.
 
Fnafgg

PM me I might be able to help out as I will be in the Springs 4/4-4/14 at our place across from USAFA, I am a USAFA sponsor parent.
 
Anyone doing the 11 Apr USAFA appointee tour? DS wants to go but we are working on logistics since rental cars for 17 year-olds are an issue. I don't think USAFA has any transportation provided for this. If DS goes he will likely be flying solo into DEN on 10th and out of DEN on 12th. If anyone else is sending their appointee out solo and would like to share transportation, please PM me and we can talk.
I learned this from a friend with a younger-than-25 yo daughter: UHaul rents vans and trucks for $20/day plus milage and rent to younger adults. I am not sure of the age, but less than Enterprise (which is 21, I believe)
 
Just a heads up, I'm not sure Uber is allowed through the gates. I know it was being discussed, but I don't know how it turned out. You may want to look into that.
 
Just a heads up, I'm not sure Uber is allowed through the gates. I know it was being discussed, but I don't know how it turned out. You may want to look into that.

Very good point. Some new appointees and parents might not realize that the gates are not at the front door of the Cadet Area. The Academy is 18,000 acres and the North and South gates are miles from the actual Cadet area.

Stealth_81
 
I don't see why they wouldn't be let through the gate during visiting hours. The appointee is getting on base some way without a Military ID - I don't think it matters if it's his mom or a stranger driving him.
 
My son was told by USAFA that he could get through the gate with Uber bc he has DOD creds. I would think that an appointee without these might be able to show his or her appointee tour registration papers. His tour is tomorrow and I will let you know how the transportation goes.
 
I don't see why they wouldn't be let through the gate during visiting hours. The appointee is getting on base some way without a Military ID - I don't think it matters if it's his mom or a stranger driving him.

I should probably let someone at USAFA answer this, but the Academy grounds are still a federal military installation. As with any military base, post, etc., ever since 9/11, you cannot get onto the installation without proper ID, orders, escort, or being on an authorized EAL. So, as an appointee visitor, one or more of these will be in place. As for an Uber driver, seriously doubt it.
 
My son was told by USAFA that he could get through the gate with Uber bc he has DOD creds. I would think that an appointee without these might be able to show his or her appointee tour registration papers. His tour is tomorrow and I will let you know how the transportation goes.

and yes, if the Uber driver already has DOD credentials or ID, he/she can get through the gate.
 
As a clarification, I think there is no prob getting through the gates btwn 9-6. It's the early morning that may be problematic for the appointees. I believe it is a very long walk from the North gate to where the appointee tour starts.
 
What if he gets a ride to the gate from uber and hitchhikes (with another appointee going on the tour) up to Arnold hall? I'm sure anybody would be fine with him jumping in for the short ride
 
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I think that Uber was?/is? banned because the person being dropped off can't vouche for the driver, whereas they could for someone they knew dropping them off. So non-commercial drivers (aka friends, family, etc) would be allowed during visitor hours and Uber is banned because it is a non-approved company. But in reality, its very likely you could just show the gate guards your DoD/tour paperwork and you would be fine. I just wanted to make sure that OP knew it was a possibility they could be denied at the gate...and that it is a very long walk.

And of course, all of this means nothing if Uber is actually allowed. Just trying to help! :)
 
I will be in COS from 4/4-4/15 and can help out if need be. PM if you need help.
 
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