Travel Plan

Dragomir

Dragomir

USNA '27
Joined
Mar 7, 2022
Messages
142
Hello, I'm planning on traveling on my own to the Academy for I-Day and I'm not sure how to approach this. My idea is to leave early on the 28th, arrive at BWI, and then well, here's where I'm lost. I'm not sure how to proceed after that.

I would appreciate any insight on how I should handle this, thank you.
 
Dragomir said:
Hello, I'm planning on traveling on my own to the Academy for I-Day and I'm not sure how to approach this. My idea is to leave early on the 28th, arrive at BWI, and then well, here's where I'm lost. I'm not sure how to proceed after that.

I would appreciate any insight on how I should handle this, thank you.
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Many do this. You will not be the first. If you are purchasing you ticket now, make sure it is ‘changeable’. You will eventually get reimbursed for the cost.

Lodging for one night can be requested at Bancroft (ie: arriving the day before Iday, you can stay at Bancroft).

Congrats again!!
 
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For planning air travel, USNA and DoD are ONLY permitted to reimburse you up to what the government would have paid if you book it on your own. The government rate is typically much cheaper than what you would buy on your own. Something to consider when planning travel. If finances aren’t an issue then this might be an easier consideration. This is why USNA allows the option for your travel to be booked by the government (Commercial Travel Office, CTO)…but it might be at a specific date and time that may not align to your schedule (typically depends on whether the government fare category is available). When the Class of 2027 Permit to Report package comes out in April-ish, it will explain this information.

See page 9, paragraph 5 (travel) and page 13 (getting from BWI to USNA) from last year’s Permit to Report booklet, referenced above.
 
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usnabgo08 said:
For planning air travel, USNA and DoD are ONLY permitted to reimburse you up to what the government would have paid if you book it on your own. The government rate is typically much cheaper than what you would buy on your own. Something to consider when planning travel. If finances aren’t an issue then this might be an easier consideration. This is why USNA allows the option for your travel to be booked by the government (Commercial Travel Office, CTO)…but it might be at a specific date and time that may not align to your schedule (typically depends on whether the government fare category is available). When the Class of 2027 Permit to Report package comes out in April-ish, it will explain this information.

See page 9, paragraph 5 (travel) and page 13 (getting from BWI to USNA) from last year’s Permit to Report booklet, referenced above.
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Data point: both our boys purchased early (so cheaper) airfare and were reimbursed 100 pct. They must have been under the govt rate. We had to purchase bc we all wanted to travel together.

They were also reimbursed the Uber fare to Annapolis.
 
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justdoit19 said:
Data point: both our boys purchased early (so cheaper) airfare and were reimbursed 100 pct. They must have been under the govt rate. We had to purchase bc we all wanted to travel together.

They were also reimbursed the Uber fare to Annapolis.
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Is transportation the only thing an incoming plebe can be reimbursed on?
 
Dragomir said:
Is transportation the only thing an incoming plebe can be reimbursed on?
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I'd assume so. The transportation is reimbursed because you are being ordered to your appointed place of duty. King Hall will also provide lunch. The PTR will have more info on what is reimbursable, but I only remember submitting my flight receipt during I-Day.
 
Where do you plan to stay if you're getting in earlier than your report time?? Hotel, friends, family?
 
Dragomir said:
Hotel or Airbnb. Depending on which is cheaper.
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If it is the same like last year, you should be able to stay the night prior to I-day in Bancroft Hall.

Per last year PTR:
"If you plan to arrive in the Annapolis area prior to I-Day, you should make your own arrangements for lodging.
Unfortunately, no reimbursements can be made for the use of commercial lodging facilities... If you wish, candidates may elect to spend only the night prior to I-Day in Bancroft Hall, the Midshipmen’s dormitory. In that case, report to the Main Office in Bancroft Hall for dormitory accommodations. Meals will not be provided prior to I-Day, but you will be permitted (and are encouraged) to go into town to get something to eat the night before I-Day. If you arrive after 2200, you must call Bancroft Hall Main Office..."
 
PLC007 said:
If it is the same like last year, you should be able to stay the night prior to I-day in Bancroft Hall.

Per last year PTR:
"If you plan to arrive in the Annapolis area prior to I-Day, you should make your own arrangements for lodging.
Unfortunately, no reimbursements can be made for the use of commercial lodging facilities... If you wish, candidates may elect to spend only the night prior to I-Day in Bancroft Hall, the Midshipmen’s dormitory. In that case, report to the Main Office in Bancroft Hall for dormitory accommodations. Meals will not be provided prior to I-Day, but you will be permitted (and are encouraged) to go into town to get something to eat the night before I-Day. If you arrive after 2200, you must call Bancroft Hall Main Office..."
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Yes, I learned about that but I want to get there on the 27th so I can have time to explore DTA. This would mean I'd have to find separate lodging before heading into Bancroft.
 
Possibly post on a social media USNA parent page and see if anyone is willing to scoop you up at the airport, host you, and maybe offer a meal the night before?
 
Lodging anywhere within five miles of the yard will be very pricey and likely for those over 21.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Possibly post on a social media USNA parent page and see if anyone is willing to scoop you up at the airport, host you, and maybe offer a meal the night before?
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I don't personally mind that but I don't think my mom will be too fond of it. (she's afraid I might get kidnapped 😅)

Thanks for tip, I'll see what I can do!
 
Dragomir said:
I don't personally mind that but I don't think my mom will be too fond of it. (she's afraid I might get kidnapped 😅)

Thanks for tip, I'll see what I can do!
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Well, staying with a USNA family or sponsor family of USNA might be safer than hotel or and Airbnb type as a solo traveler. This USNA MD family is pretty generous and welcoming.
As you get closer, reach out if you run into a dead end. I might have a local option. But run your strategy first. You’ve done well so far!!!!
 
Yes, or maybe a not quite so local option if you aren't dead set on staying in Annapolis. :bleh2:
 
You can also take the long view and realize you will have 4 years to sally forth from the gate and explore DTA, often in the company of good friends looking for a few hours of relaxation. Chocolate from Kilwin’s, burger and fries and a shake from Chick ‘n’ Ruth’s, crab cakes from any number of places, waffles for a late lunch at the Iron Rooster, a walkie cup of ice cream from the Annapolis Ice Cream Factory…
 
I highly recommend seeing if a sponsor or local family will take you in! It doesn't hurt to ask and it may help ease the nerves. The "your mid is my mid" is accurate! There's a great community here, please use it when ya can.
 
LST271 said:
Hopefully you and your Mom will soon realize that the phrase "Your Mid is my Mid" is accurate. It really is.
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So true. And it goes beyond USNA. We had the pleasure of hosting one of DD’s ex-shipmates/teammates as they drove their way from training on one coast to their new unit on the other coast. It was just one night, plus dinner and breakfast, but it was a joy. And we know others would do the same for DD.
 
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