I-Day 2020

gabby1723 said:
I'm in the class of 2024 too. There's also a GroupMe and there are about 300-400 or so of us on that. If he's not, let me know (via PM!) and I'll see if I have him added on Instagram and contact him about the GroupMe. (GroupMe requires me to add him by phone number and I don't believe anyone should be giving that away on an online forum.) Let me know how I can help! I've found that big group super helpful on filling out documents in the PTR packet, buying clothes for PS, etc.
Click to expand...
Group me would be great thanks! I think he added himself to the Instagram yesterday. I will PM you his number. :)
 
For those who have used the shuttle service before, how much time should be allocated between flight arrival time in BWI and the report time in PTR?

earliest flight that day is only 90 minutes prior. Is that sufficient? or should we look to send a day earlier?
 
Arriving at BWI 90 minutes prior to reporting for I-Day does not work. Getting to USNA (or Navy-Marine Corps Memorial football stadium and get on a bus) around 90 minutes prior to report time is okay, though.

I know of no shuttle service that still operates from BWI to USNA. Super Shuttle went out of business at the beginning of last year, I believe.

Uber, Lyft, or taxi are the only options as far as I know. The trip (BWI to USNA) takes about 30-35 minutes.
 
There is a USNA bus running those days from 7am to 11pm for plebes only (no parents, etc) . That was the one I was referring to.
 
Go out the day before for simple peace of mind. You’re about to embark on a military career in which punctuality and presence are paramount (besides the usual “hurry up and wait”). I believe USNA makes accommodations for those coming out early — say, a room in Bancroft Hall — if getting a hotel room is prohibitive. But double-check that as a lot is changing.

I-Day is stressful enough without having to worry about delayed flights, missed connections, and unclear ground transportation. Get out there the day before so that all you have to worry about is whether you’ll sleep for two hours or three the night before you report.
 
justme said:
There is a USNA bus running those days from 7am to 11pm for plebes only (no parents, etc) . That was the one I was referring to.
Click to expand...
Then that is new this year due to COVID. Just so everyone knows to what you are referring, do you mean your appointee’s info says there will be Navy buses at BWI?

Usually when the word “shuttle” is mentioned for I-Day, it means the Navy-sponsored buses going back and forth from the Navy Stadium parking lot off-Yard to the Yard. Families and appointees would use them. All different this year.

“Shuttles” at BWI, until business closures in the last year, meant Super Shuttle, the Go Shuttle, shared van services. Uber and Lyft have driven them out of business.

What is your son’s ETA at BWI?
What is his report time at Alumni Hall?

Whole different scenario if he walks off flight with just a small daypack, makes a pit stop whether he needs to or not on the theory you never know how long you’ll wait in the military, heads to the outside curb for the Navy bus pick-up point. I would assume the buses will leave when mostly full and head straight to Alumni Hall. It’s about a 30-minute ride.

It is not the end of the world if he is not dead-on his report time. The arrival times are staged to alleviate a clogged funnel of 1100-1200 plebes. If an appointee arrives early and stands near the doors, the Alumni Hall black hole has been known to quickly suck him or her in without a trace. It’s one big inflowing current.
 
justme said:
There is a USNA bus running those days from 7am to 11pm for plebes only (no parents, etc) . That was the one I was referring to.
Click to expand...

I am glad that I misunderstood, then. :)
If your Plebe-to-be gets on the bus at the stadium, it's a very short trip to Alumni Hall (just a few minutes). He/She would be fine boarding the bus anywhere from 30-45 minutes prior to report time, giving plenty of cushion.

Edit:
I just read @Capt MJ response above. She's absolutely right. If they are providing USNA Bus service to and from BWI for Plebes-to-be, that's another thing altogether!

Agree on the report time being more of a guide than anything else. It's not like they'll toss you out if you're a few minutes minutes late, but it's your job to not be late. Report times are designed to spread things out.
 
Last edited:
Per the instruction booklet... (and seems similar to previous year(s) though it was for day before the single I-day. The change this year is for 3 days of the service)

Bus Service from BWI Airport
A complimentary bus service will be provided from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to the Naval Academy. The bus runs from 7AM – 11PM. This service is only for candidates who are traveling by themselves. We regret that we are unable to accommodate family members or friends on these buses. Upon arrival at BWI, you are directed to check with the United States Naval Academy Information Desk (Customer Service Desk) located near the International Terminal Baggage Claim area of the airport. Signs will be placed at each of the main escalators directing you to the Customer Service Desk. The Customer Service Desk times vary; however, Naval Academy representation will be there from 7AM – 11PM on June 30th, July 1st, and July 2 nd . They will advise you of the next bus and where to meet it. This bus service is free of charge for all candidates.



I think the flight lands at 11am and time is 1230.
the plan b would be this: (but the change last week says they arent allowed to go out to eat that night, so would have to pack a pbj.)

If you wish, candidates only may elect to spend the night prior to their check in day in Bancroft Hall, the Midshipmen’s dormitory. In that case, report to Mitscher Hall for dormitory accommodations. Once you check in to Mitscher Hall, you will not be allowed to leave the Yard. You are encouraged to eat prior to arriving at USNA or bring food onto the Yard.
 
Ah. Most helpful to see the actual instructions.

I would go the day before and stay in Bancroft. The journey and any associated stress will be over with. He can’t possibly be late. He has a shot at some sleep. The NAPSters will be there, good chance to meet others. It will be low-key, no yelling, just basic administrative oversight of the herd. Everyone is pre-oath.

At BWI, there are plenty of food kiosks to buy sandwiches, chips, cookies, drink to stick in daypack. Hit those before heading to the bus. Or, if he’s chosen day-before arrival and no need to madly rush to the bus, actually sit down and eat a big meal before heading to the bus, then grab some to go. Terminal A has a big Food Court. I am fond of the Silver Diner.

Add a few Kind or protein bars from home for the morning.

Having some fuel in the tank, especially protein and carbs, is essential to get through I-Day, though appetite might be lagging.
 
Last edited:
.
DD told me last night that she got the email from her NAPS command services director that her updated orders had her arriving on Sunday 28 June. I will assume all NAPSters will report on June 28. Luckily, we are driving distance.

Will there be a Shuttle running from BWI on this Sunday for NAPSters arriving there on Sunday 28 June?
.
 
It doesn't sound like it. They show only having representation at airport for the final 3 days.
 
Our son just got his report time this am. June 30, 11:30 am.
Also, the updated permit to report lists this for men's hair, zero blade in advance is requested.

Grooming Standards Men’s Hair and Beards. Midshipmen are required to keep their hair neatly trimmed. Mustaches and beards are not permitted. All males will receive a “zero-blade” haircut on I-Day, and will be permitted to go to a “1-blade” haircut on subsequent visits. There will be a total of four haircuts over the Plebe Summer schedule. It is highly recommended that all males show up on I-Day already with a “zero-blade” haircut to maximize social distancing measures with our barber shop staff
 
I also wanted to share a nice thing that occurred this weekend. A parent of alumnus and sponsor mom reached out to me via FB, offering to assist with airport and night before lodging if needed since we are western US. It is so nice to know, first hand now, that there is a massive network of people who will support, assist, mentor, feed and house our mids when needed. It is much appreciated and brings great peace of mind to this mom.
I have no doubt the academy will provide everything our kid needs, this additional support is a blessing.
 
I like the idea of getting a burr cut/zero blade cut before reporting. My DS asked his girlfriend to do that before I-Day and had time to get a suntan on his head beforehand. Sunburn on a newly shaved head is uncomfortable, to say the least.

It's also one less band-aid to tear off on I-Day. A lot of guys have never had their hair completely cut off before. It's a shock to some.
 
THParent said:
I like the idea of getting a burr cut/zero blade cut before reporting. My DS asked his girlfriend to do that before I-Day and had time to get a suntan on his head beforehand. Sunburn on a newly shaved head is uncomfortable, to say the least.

It's also one less band-aid to tear off on I-Day. A lot of guys have never had their hair completely cut off before. It's a shock to some.
Click to expand...
.
I use #2 guard (1/4”) on top and #1 guard (1/8”) on back and sides ... then I use zero guard to nape (by feel).

I have to use a hat on and off this time of year to acclimate my scalp. Your son can do the same.
.
 
I am guessing the haircut request for males ahead of time is to speed up the lines. Even though they are processing new Plebes over several days, it’s a choke point. Where they used to sit them down and gone in 2 minutes now takes more time as everyone is more spaced out, disinfect every chair top to bottom, etc takes much more time than a normal I Day. If you can do it, no worries, if not, show up, they will take care of it!
 
Posting here because Western states new PTR date/times came out this morning and several parents on the 2024 site didn't realize that are no USNA buses, there is no USNA table to look for at BWI 6/29 (confirmed with Admissions--omission of 6/29 was not a typo). P2Bs who have to arrive 6/29 because they have morning 6/30 report times need to get to Gate 1 6/29 by Lyft/Uber. This is a reimbursable travel expense. If yours is in this Western gaggle of Plebes traveling without parents, connect with me to see if yours wants to link up to ride with some arriving BWI in the afternoon. BEAT ARMY!
 
Therese_In_Denver said:
If yours is in this Western gaggle of Plebes traveling without parents, connect with me to see if yours wants to link up to ride with some arriving BWI in the afternoon. B
Click to expand...

I'm guessing its going to be real easy to spot the incoming Plebes at BWI during the report periods..especially with the haircuts ! Even without haircuts, it's not that common to see teenage boys and girls traveling alone, and the Deer in the headlights look is all to obvious.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top