Ground transportation for cadet for a day

[Lynpar]

My son has "cadet for a day" scheduled soon. I need to finalize his ground transportation. He flys into to Prov.RI. The best I can arrange is a shuttle or taxi to the train stAtion then Amtrak to New London and then catch a cab to the academy gate. Does this sound about right? And all this transport will get him to the Academy about 2 hours after the posted schedule start time. He misses a train by 5 minutes that would get him in an hour or so earlier! Admissions has said the schedule isacceptable but just wondered what others have done. He is flying in from the midwet.

 

[shellz]

That sounds like a good plan.... Amtrak is very close and convenient to CGA. If you really want him there on time (and if admissions ok'd your schedule I would believe them and proceed with your current plan) you could take a cab from PVD. Pricey, but quicker. Best case scenario would be that another prospective would be arriving at PVD at the same time and could share the ride...unlikely, but a parent can dream, right?

Good luck to your son!

 

[robin820]

There is a shuttle that runs from PVD to the train station, I believe every 1/2 hr. Your son can go to the information desk in the Airport and get info on the shuttle times. I think it is about $11.
The train station in New London is only 5 min. from academy and is minimal in cost.
My 2/c son does this whole trip when he doesn't want to wait for the CGA Shuttles, or hasn't found another ride when returning to CGA from leave.
It may seem confusing, especially if you are not from a metropolitan area and not used to using public transportation!
Good Luck!

 

[Lynpar]

Update, ds
had connecting flight in DC. Rain changed all the "if he lands on time in Providence and can hop a taxi to make the Amtrak by,,,, then,,,, delayed flight made to check carry on. Carry-on sat on the Tarmac unprotected soaked all including text books (to study for 2 missed days of school). Missed train, cell phone fell out of dress pants pocket in taxi-cab! Arrived at USCGA, had great visit, feels it was well worthwhile. On return picked up phone at Airport Taxi office (would recommend them for way they handled the lost phone issue)
had layover at O'Hare, made to check carry-on bag again. This time the airline didn't put it on the connecting flight!
Baggage 0 for 2! Epic fail? Still sorting out this one. Someone in a call center in BFE wanted to know why he didn't report the water damage the day of flight. Had to explain he was without a cell phone and a little busy, serviceacademy visit and all. Then why he didn't file report when he landed at home (when they lost his bag). Told I had to take books toairport for visual inspection. Gas, parking. Nice guy there put the story again into computer but gave me a phone number to call! All in all he is very glad he went and he can handle the gliches along the way!

 

[robin820]

Wow! What an experience for him!
I hope that his day at CGA was worth it after all of the travel issues!
Good Luck!

 

[Lynpar]

More travel drama! Just got notice from 2 of 3 congressional nomination sources that they are going to schedule interviews on the same day ( hopefully same location) but it Is on a day my son had purchased, with his own earned money, a trip to visit friends for fall break, in Texas! Great $150 at least to alter airline ticket one day earlier on the return! With his luck,,,,one day may not be enough,but $150 compared to the opportunity for in person interview with nomination comittee is a nobrainer! I guess he can do a computer generated interview session but I don't think they will see how much he wants this without meeting in person. Has anyone ran into this snag before?

 

[BruceRTalbot]

More travel drama! Just got notice from 2 of 3 congressional nomination sources that they are going to schedule interviews on the same day ( hopefully same location) but it Is on a day my son had purchased, with his own earned money, a trip to visit friends for fall break, in Texas! Great $150 at least to alter airline ticket one day earlier on the return! With his luck,,,,one day may not be enough,but $150 compared to the opportunity for in person interview with nomination committee is a no-brainer! I guess he can do a computer generated interview session but I don't think they will see how much he wants this without meeting in person. Has anyone ran into this snag before?

You may wish to contact the Member's field office and inquire if it is possible to interview the day before, explaining your trip date conflict. Some Members staff are very accommodating however, keep in mind some offices are swamped with requests and they may not be able to accommodate you. Many offices use a retired military officer who volunteers to do the interviews and their schedules are a little more flexible.

Good luck, and do drop in to Strickland Propane while you are in Texas and say "hi" to the Assistant Manager Hank Hill. He's good people. (Watch out for his son Bobby -- that boy just an't right).