My nephew came home for Christmas & his ride back changed their plans. Should I drive him the 16+ hours back?

SPC James Seigars — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 20:51:49 -0500

My nephew is fresh out of high school/Basic & is stationed at Fort Drum, New York. His ride back told him AFTER he got here he had changed his travel plans. Should I drive the 33 hour round trip to take him back or try and help him get a flight? The cheapest is over $425 and it is a 2 to 4 hour drive to the airport as well depending on if he leaves from Memphis or Atlanta. Suggestions/thoughts?

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 22 at 2017 9:04 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 21:04:37 -0500

Is he worth that kind of investment to you? Are there other options, the bus perhaps? I don't know where you are, so I guessed something like Montgomery, AL to Watertown on Greyhound and it's $155, less with a veterans or military discount. He'll be on for 31 hours, but it saves you the drive.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 22 at 2017 9:08 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 21:08:31 -0500

There is thing called a bus.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 9:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 21:44:43 -0500

Train to bus
....
Bus....
Have him rent a car

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Dec 22 at 2017 10:13 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 22:13:06 -0500

I vote for bus, or maybe train. Which would be more direct?

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Dec 22 at 2017 10:53 PM

PO2 Loren Gilmore — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 22:53:08 -0500

I dont know how close you are to this young man but I would suggest that if you can make the time and commitment, make a road trip out of this. Might be a great time for some bonding there and to see just where he is at in his head and his choice of career. Just a thought thrown your way. Doc Gilly =)

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Dec 23 at 2017 2:56 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 02:56:31 -0500

Make a road trip out of it, weather permitting.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2017 7:05 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 07:05:17 -0500

SPC James Seigars Does he have a Gov Travel Charge Card (GTCC)? Since he is traveling to a point of duty, he might be eligible to use the City Pair Program (CPP) for airline tickets. Compare the CPP fares quoted on the DTMO Travel Explorer (TraX) website versus the airlines' commercial websites for a quick price comparison between the airports you travel.

Possessing the GTCC is often required but "using" the GTCC is not always required. In other words, the airline probably won't talk to him without the GTCC but the airline usually doesn't care which card is actually used to pay the bill. Even if he doesn't have the GTCC, call the various airlines and explain the situation. Some reps do wonderful things at times. What's the worst that happens? They say no?

(Note: If a link does not work in Chrome, try it in Internet Explorer)
DTMO: Airline City Pair Program: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/cityPair.cfm
GSA City Pair Program (CPP): http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104512
DTMO Travel Explorer (TraX) Trip Tools: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Passport
GSA CPP Fare Finder Search Tool: http://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/
Defense Travel System (DTS): http://www.defensetravel.osd.mil/dts/site/index.jsp
TSA PreCheck Program for DoD Personnel: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/news.cfm?ID=18
DTMO: Airline City Pair Program, FAQs (2015): http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/faqcp.cfm
GSA FAQs for City Pair Program: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/106159
GSA Dual Fares Fact Sheet: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101543

Airline City Pair Program

Airfares offered under this program are significantly discounted from comparable commercial fares. DTMO assists in developing the contract solicitation for air passenger transportation services and the route requirements for the program contract. It offers government travelers benefits of service and maximum flexibility in planning official travel. As a result, it is government policy that government travelers use contract carriers when...

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Dec 23 at 2017 3:07 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 15:07:47 -0500

154 from Nashville to Watertown on a saturday or sunday. AA

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 26 at 2017 6:01 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 18:01:24 -0500

Check with the USO. They help in situations like this. They gave me a plane ticket from LA to Portland when I needed it, back in the day.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Dec 27 at 2017 4:10 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 04:10:04 -0500

Gas up and get him back and tell him to find some new friends.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 27 at 2017 8:45 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 20:45:26 -0500

Get him to Harrisburg Pa and I'll meet you there and take him the rest of the way.