I-Day

Civilian: “Set in stone.”
Military: “Written in Jello.”


Southwest, if you cancel a flight, has no cancellation fee, as I recall. (I’m a mega-points person with them but haven’t flown in over a year.) You get a flight credit = to your dollars, good for a year. SW is a two-concourse presence at BWI.
 
why Southwest if you don't mind me asking (we are flying out of SLC UT and usually fly nonstop to BWI via Delta)?
Southwest reservations can be changed without any fees. Most forgiving change policy in the airline industry.

I do understand the appeal of Delta, which offers nonstop SLC-BWI, while Southwest requires a connection. So comes down to what you value more: time vs. money.

@Capt MJ beat me to the punch. What she said!
 
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RE Southwest, if you have to book a flight last minute (this happens) your Mid can call Southwest and ask if there is a lower fare available for active duty. An agent told me that they have a handful of the cheapest fares held back, that the consumer cannot see on the website and if you get a nice agent, they can offer that fare to your Mid. She also told me if you get told no, call back and try another agent.

We had 3 flights scheduled for him on 3 consecutive days last winter to come home. Each non traveled flight was banked in his name via the confirmation number (hang on to that) to be used for future travel. Very handy in normal times, a lifesaver in Covid times.
 
Civilian: “Set in stone.”
Military: “Written in Jello.”


Southwest, if you cancel a flight, has no cancellation fee, as I recall. (I’m a mega-points person with them but haven’t flown in over a year.) You get a flight credit = to your dollars, good for a year. SW is a two-concourse presence at BWI.
With the pandemic, I believe all airlines have dropped their rebooking fees. I know on American they also give you flight credit and changeable tickets (you might pay the difference if the desired flight is more expensive).
 
They told us that they are still figuring that part out. The only thing they have set in stone is that following our arrival everyone will be having about a 2 week ROM period where those who have not been vaccinated prior to their arrival will be receiving their vaccinations so they told us if you can get BOTH vaccinations before reporting for I day, do it, however if you cannot get BOTH then just wait.
Thanks for the information! 🤗 Was there any mention of the 1 dose Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine? DS received it 2 days before it was halted...assuming it will count for him.
 
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Thanks for the information! Was there any mention of the 1 dose Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine? DS received it 2 days before it was halted...
If he didn't have any issues then the efficacy of the vaccine is still established. It also appears that recommendations from pharma will be re-vaccination/booster in 6-12 months, and depending on what happens with FDA regs on J&J that might be J&J or another vaccine.
 
I’ve been seeing some discussion of a change of date for I-Day. Instead of July 1, which is still on the academic calendar, some are hearing that it might be June 29. Does anyone have any solid info on that? We have to fly, so moving things around is a bit of an exercise, but this is our second Mid, so we’re used to the changing plans and we book flights as refundable and changeable. Any info anyone has is much appreciated. And congrats to all you talented and hard working young men and women.
My DS said on his visit last week the Superintendent said June 30th and July 1st. If 85% come vaccinated that Plepe Summer would start like normal no Quarantine.
 
My DS said on his visit last week the Superintendent said June 30th and July 1st. If 85% come vaccinated that Plepe Summer would start like normal no Quarantine.
Now that's more like it...DS has had his vaccine for a few weeks now...if the plebes can be proactive and get that accomplished everyone will benefit. No one wants to waste time in Q. :cool:
 
So now the the dates could be the 28th, 29th, 30th, or July 1st... plane ticket was booked a couple weeks ago to fly in June 30th :( luckily refundable!
I switched my hotel rooms and the rates sky rocketed from when I first booked and they would not give me original rates - ugh!!! its all refundable but I know we will be there at some point!! bummer!!!! I was planning ahead months ago trying to be smart - oh well!!! have not even booked flights yet!!!
 
You will learn to cover your best bets. Make a guess, and purchase refundable. Sometimes, even two itineraries. Someone alluded to SW....here is some more about them:

Book one way tickets (as there is no discount for round trip). That way, if something changes one day, you aren’t loosing a good fare on the other leg of travel.

Cancelled flights go into your bank, as discussed. But if you make a frequent flyer account, it’s all kept there and you don’t have to keep track of record locators. It’s all in your account.

Cancelled flight refunded dollars are good for a certain amount of time. However, you can exchange those dollars, into points (again, frequent flyer membership...), that never expire. Additionally, points can be used for anyone (vs dollars from a cancelled flight are only good for original traveler).

There really isn’t a better all around airline, that’s more easily used by mids (and family) than SW. IMO. They have close ties with USNA through their BWI heavy presence, and are very supportive of military. They also have very competitive fares...always the cheapest from our town!

We all currently have a bank of points, and refunded tickets in our accounts. And also have their credit card and earn a great deal of points for travel monthly. Haven’t paid for flights for over 2 years. But other people have other priorities.
 
You will learn to cover your best bets. Make a guess, and purchase refundable. Sometimes, even two itineraries. Someone alluded to SW....here is some more about them:

Book one way tickets (as there is no discount for round trip). That way, if something changes one day, you aren’t loosing a good fare on the other leg of travel.

Cancelled flights go into your bank, as discussed. But if you make a frequent flyer account, it’s all kept there and you don’t have to keep track of record locators. It’s all in your account.

Cancelled flight refunded dollars are good for a certain amount of time. However, you can exchange those dollars, into points (again, frequent flyer membership...), that never expire. Additionally, points can be used for anyone (vs dollars from a cancelled flight are only good for original traveler).

There really isn’t a better all around airline, that’s more easily used by mids (and family) than SW. IMO. They have close ties with USNA through their BWI heavy presence, and are very supportive of military. They also have very competitive fares...always the cheapest from our town!

We all currently have a bank of points, and refunded tickets in our accounts. And also have their credit card and earn a great deal of points for travel monthly. Haven’t paid for flights for over 2 years. But other people have other priorities.
Great advice for sure!! We fly southwest some but will for sure be using them in the future. We’re your kids able to get the credit card on their own or did you have to get the card and add them as an authorized user? Thinking once my girl is at USNA she will have income that she can state. Right now she has her allowance from us that is it. Some credit cards are easier for students to get than others.
 
NFCU will be there to facilitate the opening of bank accounts and credit cards. They’re a great “starter bank” for mids. Very easy to use and they understand mid issues.

Eventually, mid may see a need for USAA. They’ll figure it out when the time comes.
 
Great advice for sure!! We fly southwest some but will for sure be using them in the future. We’re your kids able to get the credit card on their own or did you have to get the card and add them as an authorized user? Thinking once my girl is at USNA she will have income that she can state. Right now she has her allowance from us that is it. Some credit cards are easier for students to get than others.
So that’s another ‘hint/hack’. We signed up for our own, when they had their annual big bonus push. My oldest Mid is just now applying for his own, as a referral from us (and we both get big bonus points). This card is pretty persnickety, a plebe probably would qualify. But as @MidCakePa said, their NFCU or USAA ones kick in right away (and build up that credit).
 
United has a phone number for those flying on government orders. Several years ago, DD was finishing sea term (USMMA) when her ship was stuck in the fog outside of The Port of Houston for 3 days. DW changed her flight 5 times with no charge. DD made it to the airport in time to catch an earlier flight, 6th change. Also, on government orders, there is an increased weight limit on one's luggage. Bring a copy of that page of the rule book as many counter agents don't realize this.
 
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