Mid Leave

[dav1y]

Hi all!

My parents are suggesting that I book my flights now for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), but I am slightly confused about a few things. For Thanksgiving, the USNA calendar says "Fri and Early Schedule" for the last day of class (23 Nov) before Thanksgiving break. In the case of an early schedule, what time would we be allowed to leave the Yard? The flights I'm looking at from BWI depart around 2 or 3 pm, but would I be able to make those? Or would I have to opt for a flight later in the day from DCA instead? In terms of Christmas/Winter break, the calendar also has multiple exam days (13-20 Dec) before leave officially starts (21 Dec). Are we allowed to leave after our last exam if it is before 21 Dec? Or do we have to stay on the Yard until 21 Dec? Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate the help once again!

 

[Capt MJ]

Thanksgiving. Your normal Wednesday academic schedule will start much earlier in the day, so all 5 class periods are done before midday. You can check out in leave after LMO, last military obligation.

BWI is far closer than DCA. A 1500 flight is likely doable - remember all airports and security lines are clogged at that time of year, even TSA pre-check.

More challenging is there is usually the rule your flight has to land on Sunday at least 4 hours before liberty expires, to allow for delays. Over the last several years, I have seen leave expiration set for anywhere between 1800 and 2400. Just because something is one way last year, does not mean it will stay the same. Some play fast and loose with the 4-hour rule, and hope they are not delayed. If they report in late and did not follow the guidance, they can be fried.

Winter break. Yes, once you have completed your LMO (usually last exam), you can check out on leave. I think the earliest you will know your exam schedule is during the academic year. Mids depart on leave as various exams wrap up on different days, a staggered flow, unlike Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Same guidance applies for expiration of leave and planning carefully.


One pro tip is it may make sense to not book round trips. Book outbound and return legs as separate trips. That way, if you have to adjust a departure or arrival, you are not juggling your schedule at a peak time of year.

Southwest is extremely popular because if you have to cancel, there is no penalty, you just have full credit you can use for another flight within the year, or if you change to another flight, you simply pay any differential if the fare is higher.

 

[Usnavy2019]

Leave at the Academy always begins after Last Military Obligation (LMO). An early schedule starts at 0655 and goes through lunch. That gets you out in the 1330 time frame if I remember correctly. You can leave earlier if you don't have a 5th or 6th period. BWI is the closest airport (30 mins). DCA is a hour or so and Dulles is pretty much roulette with Beltway rush hour.

You can go on leave after your last exam. However, plebes will usually have exams later in the exam period. Even though the exam period covers a week, you might not have an exam on a day and you might have multiple on one day. There are also three exam blocks during the day: 0700-1000, 1330-1630, and 1900-2200. 1900 exams aren't as common, but I had one as an upperclass. I think they only try to give you two a day at a maximum. Saturdays are in play for exams as well. I had plenty of Saturday finals. Final exam schedules aren't posted until sometime during the Ac Year. You might be able to get away with Thanksgiving now, but Christmas will have to come later.

PSA to everyone: Unless you need to for a sport or restriction, do not reside in Bancroft for a leave period. It is a literal ghost town so there is not much human interaction. You also will muster in a uniform every morning. Also, watches are stood 24/7/365 in Bancroft. Usually restrictees are manning the the watch positions during leave blocks, but other people residing in the Hall will be taken to supplement (read lots of watch).

See if your sponsor family or a company mate can take you in for leave. People are pretty understanding it's not easy to go home for everyone.

Also, keep your nose clean. USNA can and will take your Christmas leave if you get a Major or 6K Conduct Offense.

 

[dav1y]

Thank you again for all the help! Another quick question, but what's the best way to get to Dulles from the Yard? I've heard the metro can be great (as long as you can find a ride to New Carrollton) or taking an Uber, although that could definitely get pricey. I only ask because Dulles is the only place where I can fly direct back to Japan and it would be a pain to connect if I fly out of BWI or DCA.

 

[ders_dad]

Related: unless you already have TSA-Pre, I would suggest waiting until after I-Day to book flights. You will then have your military ID number (not sure if there is another term) which will serve as your Known Traveler Number to qualify for TSA-Pre. Much easier to get in the system before you book rather than trying to get that applied to an already purchased ticket. TSA-Pre (and avoiding checking bags) will make cutting close departures much less stressful.

 

[dav1y]

Related: unless you already have TSA-Pre, I would suggest waiting until after I-Day to book flights. You will then have your military ID number (not sure if there is another term) which will serve as your Known Traveler Number to qualify for TSA-Pre. Much easier to get in the system before you book rather than trying to get that applied to an already purchased ticket. TSA-Pre (and avoiding checking bags) will make cutting close departures much less stressful.

Luckily I do have TSA-Pre already, but a lot of the airline websites did say that my Known Traveler Number would only apply to future bookings when I had to enter my info, so I would definitely agree that waiting until after PS would be smart if you don't have TSA Pre Check yet

 

[usna1985]

The metro will go to Dulles . . . Someday. The tracks are built but it’s not open. The closest open metro station to Dulles is Wiehle Road in Reston. It’s literally as far from New Carrollton as you can get and then you still need to take a taxi or Uber for about a 10-minute drive to the airport.

Your sponsor may be willing to drive you or you can use Uber or a car service. It’s about an hour without traffic and there is ALWAYS traffic on that route. Allow yourself at least 2 hours, more on a major travel day.

Dulles is also a challenge to get through quickly. If you fly ANA, you’ll have an easier time because it leaves out of the B gates, which are closer, easier to get to and not as crowded. United leaves out of the C and D gates, which means a tram ride plus a long walk. Allow yourself another 20-30 minutes to get from the entry to your gate, assuming no major lines at TSA pre.

[Note: I lived near Dulles for the last 20 years and flew to Japan often, so I know this story very well.]

 

[Capt MJ]

Something else to consider if you are trying to fly a long distance for the Thanksgiving break. Many elect not to do it, because of the short time at home, expense and crazy turnaround time.

Some meet family “in the middle” and enjoy a mini-vacation someplace other than home. We had a sponsor mid who had a parent with embassy in Singapore. They met in Hawai’i at Thanksgiving and had a great time creating a new tradition. West Coast people might meet their mid in Chicago or New Orleans. Or there might be family on the East Coast to visit.

Local sponsor families cheerfully scoop up mids not traveling home for Thanksgiving. We usually have a selection of West Coast mids or whose families can’t really afford two expensive airfares in adjacent months.

 

[turtletrip]

Hi all!

My parents are suggesting that I book my flights now for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), but I am slightly confused about a few things. For Thanksgiving, the USNA calendar says "Fri and Early Schedule" for the last day of class (23 Nov) before Thanksgiving break. In the case of an early schedule, what time would we be allowed to leave the Yard? The flights I'm looking at from BWI depart around 2 or 3 pm, but would I be able to make those? Or would I have to opt for a flight later in the day from DCA instead? In terms of Christmas/Winter break, the calendar also has multiple exam days (13-20 Dec) before leave officially starts (21 Dec). Are we allowed to leave after our last exam if it is before 21 Dec? Or do we have to stay on the Yard until 21 Dec? Sorry for all the questions but I appreciate the help once again!

there isn't really a "4 hour rule." You can book whatever flight you want. usually leave expires at 8pm. If you have delays or what not it's not that big of a deal you just contact your company leadership (first sgt). I usually get in at 6:30 pm

 

[turtletrip]

Leave at the Academy always begins after Last Military Obligation (LMO). An early schedule starts at 0655 and goes through lunch. That gets you out in the 1330 time frame if I remember correctly. You can leave earlier if you don't have a 5th or 6th period. BWI is the closest airport (30 mins). DCA is a hour or so and Dulles is pretty much roulette with Beltway rush hour.

You can go on leave after your last exam. However, plebes will usually have exams later in the exam period. Even though the exam period covers a week, you might not have an exam on a day and you might have multiple on one day. There are also three exam blocks during the day: 0700-1000, 1330-1630, and 1900-2200. 1900 exams aren't as common, but I had one as an upperclass. I think they only try to give you two a day at a maximum. Saturdays are in play for exams as well. I had plenty of Saturday finals. Final exam schedules aren't posted until sometime during the Ac Year. You might be able to get away with Thanksgiving now, but Christmas will have to come later.

PSA to everyone: Unless you need to for a sport or restriction, do not reside in Bancroft for a leave period. It is a literal ghost town so there is not much human interaction. You also will muster in a uniform every morning. Also, watches are stood 24/7/365 in Bancroft. Usually restrictees are manning the the watch positions during leave blocks, but other people residing in the Hall will be taken to supplement (read lots of watch).

See if your sponsor family or a company mate can take you in for leave. People are pretty understanding it's not easy to go home for everyone.

Also, keep your nose clean. USNA can and will take your Christmas leave if you get a Major or 6K Conduct Offense.

Residing in bancroft is definitely not that bad. I've never heard of any mustering happening for people who are RIB over leave. It's actually kind of nice since most people are gone and you can pretty much do whatever you want, leave the yard on liberty in whatever attire, and nothing is crowded (gym).

 

[Usnavy2019]

I'd steer clear of Uber if able because you might spend close to a month's pay to get a ride during a surge. Uber also can't access the Yard and sponsors can provide door to door service.

Pre-Check is a game changer. If you are traveling in summer whites, you still get the magic wand due to your shirt stays. You'll probably get to travel in civvies since you'll be OCONUS. If you don't get it somehow, some customer service agents can add it to your boarding pass. Just have to ask them.

Also, hit up the USO if you get there early or have a long layover. Most major airports have them. Some are airside and others are on the non-screened side. It is good place to rest and get something to eat. It's all free too.

@turtletrip The four hour rule is something I have seen selectively implemented. Kind of one of those regulations that is there and usually not enforced, but I have seen kids get caught up in it when I was there.

Same with RIB. I had to muster when I RIB'd. It wasn't like restriction muster or anything, but the SDO was calling names at 0700 and we had to be in working blues.

Not saying you're wrong. The policies and things the Dant or whoever cares about changes on the reg haha.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
Everyone seems to forget about the

BWI-2-Dulles shuttle bus ….
Dulles-2-BWI shuttle bus ….

There is also a DCA equivalent bus to Dulles or BWI.

A LOT cheaper than an Uber ride …. I’m guessing $30 or so on and such …

So if you can get to and from the Yard to BWI … the shuttle can do a lot of work on the cheap
.

 

[justdoit19]

there isn't really a "4 hour rule." You can book whatever flight you want. usually leave expires at 8pm. If you have delays or what not it's not that big of a deal you just contact your company leadership (first sgt). I usually get in at 6:30 pm

Yes there is…seen it full force. Follow your company guidance.

Getting in at 6:30 bc your flight is late is different than a scheduled arrival at 6:30, when instructions are to arrive NLT 4:00. Maybe you won’t get called out on that, but you could. And I’ve seen it happen. ‘Fried’ as @Capt MJ stated.

Follow your company guidelines is good advice. Imo.

 

[justdoit19]

Thank you again for all the help! Another quick question, but what's the best way to get to Dulles from the Yard? I've heard the metro can be great (as long as you can find a ride to New Carrollton) or taking an Uber, although that could definitely get pricey. I only ask because Dulles is the only place where I can fly direct back to Japan and it would be a pain to connect if I fly out of BWI or DCA.

Keep in mind that overseas travel requires early request paperwork.

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

Thank you again for all the help! Another quick question, but what's the best way to get to Dulles from the Yard? I've heard the metro can be great (as long as you can find a ride to New Carrollton) or taking an Uber, although that could definitely get pricey. I only ask because Dulles is the only place where I can fly direct back to Japan and it would be a pain to connect if I fly out of BWI or DCA.

hopefully your sponsor family can help or there are drivers you can hire - I have one that my girl has used when her sponsor family could not take her bc they were out of town too - thanksgiving break - he is great - you can private message me and I will send you his info - also think the thanksgiving break through - you might want to go with a new friend to their house for the very short thanksgiving break - we are in texas and my girl last year arrived at 11:45 pm on Wednesday night and had to leave bright and early sunday morning - you dont want to be late on sunday as a plebe for sure!!!! it was a very short visit. We actually considering going to Annapolis this year for thanksgiving!

 

[turtletrip]

Yes there is…seen it full force. Follow your company guidance.

Getting in at 6:30 bc your flight is late is different than a scheduled arrival at 6:30, when instructions are to arrive NLT 4:00. Maybe you won’t get called out on that, but you could. And I’ve seen it happen. ‘Fried’ as @Capt MJ stated.

Follow your company guidelines is good advice. Imo.

I cannot say I have ever once been told to schedule my flight back from leave so that it lands 4 hours before EOL. But hey maybe it used to be a thing.

 

[turtletrip]

I'd steer clear of Uber if able because you might spend close to a month's pay to get a ride during a surge. Uber also can't access the Yard and sponsors can provide door to door service.

Pre-Check is a game changer. If you are traveling in summer whites, you still get the magic wand due to your shirt stays. You'll probably get to travel in civvies since you'll be OCONUS. If you don't get it somehow, some customer service agents can add it to your boarding pass. Just have to ask them.

Also, hit up the USO if you get there early or have a long layover. Most major airports have them. Some are airside and others are on the non-screened side. It is good place to rest and get something to eat. It's all free too.

@turtletrip The four hour rule is something I have seen selectively implemented. Kind of one of those regulations that is there and usually not enforced, but I have seen kids get caught up in it when I was there.

Same with RIB. I had to muster when I RIB'd. It wasn't like restriction muster or anything, but the SDO was calling names at 0700 and we had to be in working blues.

Not saying you're wrong. The policies and things the Dant or whoever cares about changes on the reg haha.

That's wild definitely most mids now would shrug that off - understandably. And I guess you really are at the whims of the SDO if you're living in Bancroft.. that sucks lol that SDO must've woken up and chose violence

 

[Usnavy2019]

That's wild definitely most mids now would shrug that off - understandably. And I guess you really are at the whims of the SDO if you're living in Bancroft.. that sucks lol that SDO must've woken up and chose violence

This was 2016 or 2017 so this is back when COVID wasn't a thing.

 

[Capt MJ]

The 4-hour thing finally disappeared when the last edition of Mid Regs came out - I dug into the archived versions. Now mids are treated like regular military members who are expected to plan sensibly in order to return from leave before it expires. This becomes very real in the Fleet when missing ship’s movement due to failure to plan properly with an allowance for delay can be a career-ender.

 

[usnabgo08]

As stated many times on the forum, policies can change from year to year. Specific leave periods can be published in notices. For example, in 2019, Thanksgiving leave was published in a notice…by the way…only published about a month before the holiday…(https://www.usna.edu/Commandant/Dir...SHIPMEN-THANKSGIVING-LEAVE-LIBERTY-POLICY.pdf). Notices are lawful orders. The last page references the “4 hour” rule.

Keep in mind the larger picture…MIDN are going to be future officers…don’t want to be that ENS or 2ndLt (or anyone for that matter) cutting leave times close and missing unit movement. Ship underways and deployments don’t change because someone is late. Think of the trust eroded when you are expected to live and exceed standards and to set the personal example, but fail to.

There are many choices you get to make in life and the military, but there are also consequences. You get to decide the risk vs. reward. I know of many officers who would stay aboard ships the night before an early underway to ensure there was no possibility of missing movement.

Outside US leave requires proper clearances per foreign clearance guides. USNA has an instruction on this process, but understand there is vetting. Routing of internal paperwork typically requires the first O6 in the chain of command and going to a restricted area requires the first Flag officer (Superintendent) approval, but understand there are external permissions required, with most requiring a minimum of 30 days lead time to process. In the 2019 Thanksgiving notice, outside continental US leave wasn’t being entertained.