Airline Tickets

[EnfieldMom]

Is it a good idea to purchase tickets this far in advance?. Ryan's PIR date is 3-14 As you know the closer tickets are purchased the higher the price. But, I also realize anything can still happen (hope not but you never know.) So what do you think? I always like to plan ahead.

Susan

[NavyMomx2]

We bought our tickets for both PIRs as soon as we could. You have the option of buying tickets that can be changed/cancelled if need be - that usually runs from $75 to $150 a ticket in my experience. I did get that awful call a week before my daughter was to graduate to tell me she was "on hold" and "may not graduate" and my heart sunk. She was a minute off her run, but she pushed through and made excellent time and I think her motivation was that we were coming to see her...so yes, that possibility is out there and you just need to keep that in mind. We will send out only positive thoughts that he will make it to graduation with flying colors. Also, depending on the airline you use, some will allow you to cancel your flight with the option of using the ticket within one year of purchase w/o an added charge...I know Southwest Airlines does this.

So now that I've rambled - I'd say yes, buy your tickets as early as you can, but remember to check the airlines policies on refunds/changes/cancellations and make sure you are will to handle those extra chargers if there are any.

Hope that helps.

[Kristie]

I think I got ours about a month and a half before expected date and then prayed really hard for no set-backs.....like Beckie we came really close with Jennifer's run but thankfully she passed it on her last shot at it....

[Proud of Zach]

my hubby and I drove but my two daughters and one of their b/f flew. They got tickets about 6 weeks before expected PIR date . . . we, too, got a call about 4 days before Battlestations saying he may be put back . . . we held our breath and prayed a lot then the morning after BS was completed I got the call saying I was speaking with one of the newest US Navy Sailors!!!! It's one of the best calls you will ever receive . . . I was so ready to call his sisters and tell them to postpone their tickets . . .

[sweetmtn]

I would try and get your tickets as soon as possible, BUT get the guarantee to be able to change just in case. The reason I say to get themnow, is the date of your son's PIR. It is very close to Easter and many colleges start their Spring Break around then too! You may be able to save some by getting them early.
Or sign up for Price Alerts and get them as soon as they get to a price you can deal with.

[NCMEDIC]

Use Southwest Airlines if possible, they don't screw you on changing your tickets.

[NavyMomx2]

Good luck to all of you traveling to PIR - I remember how exciting this was. May your travels be safe and speedy to your new United States Sailors!

[jnalise83]

My boyfriend left for boot camp on 6/5. In one of his letters he said that he should graduate August 1st. Should I go ahead and buy my ticket? He told me that he hurt his leg and is LOD for 4 days, so would this be something that would keep him back??? Also, Is it true that only 4 people can come to graduation??

[glennsmom]

Well you can get a refundable ticket in case you need to change flights but they are expensive. If you can take Southwest they do not charge to change flights and if you go directly to their web site you can find some pretty good deals. Usually more people can attend the graduation. I know there are more sailors graduating during the summer but I have never heard of anyone being turned away.