ftgordon

With my son being at sea, we are not sure about the new leave policies etc. Would someone provide advice on what time it would be safe to book a flight for Thankgsiving break? Thanks!

2012kpmam

Heard on 880 news this morning (NY channel) that everyone at the USMMA must get the swine flu shot. I was wondering if they will also give them the regular flu shot and will they also give the kids who have had the swine flu the shot too. I hear that several kids have been sick but have not gone to Patton for fear of missing classes and have just toughed it out.

SeaScout

Leave should begin after last class on tue 11-24 or 1600 hrs. Leave ends per class rate on sun 11-29.

KPMom2012

Mids have gone through the annual bout of plebe plague. Our DD was sick for several weeks and did not go to the Patton. All mids on campus have already had the regular flu vaccine. They got the flu mist in August or early September. DD hasn't said anything about getting another shot. But then they get so many, what's one more. If they say you get stuck, you do it. She's much more excited by the anticipation of getting her orders for her sea term this week!

atlsmith

ftgordon, assuming your son is flying out of LaGuardia, booking a flight around 6pm seems to work well. Since you won't know his class schedule until after he returns from sea and you want to book the ticket now to save money, you are safe knowing he should be on break by 4pm. This gives him 2 hours to get to the airport, go through security, and get to the gate. We use the same rule of thumb for the return flight. That is, arrive in LaGuardia around 2 hours before liberty expires. This allows time to get baggage, call Friendly Taxi and get back to campus. JFK takes at least 1/2 hour more by taxi. Newark needs about an hour more, provided they take LIRR to Penn Station, then NJ Transit or Amtrak from Penn Station to the Newark Airport stop then the Newark Airport Shuttle train. Some midshipmen like more cushion just to take care of things at KP before liberty expires. However, the 2 hour rule is usually adequate to cover flight delays and traffic. If there is a problem, the midshipmen just call the Midshipman Officer of the Day to let KP know.