How to get to ND?

solamelx · 08-04-2009, 11:17 AM

So the school year is coming up and I'm thinking about ordering flight tickets.
I'm trying to decide whether I should connect multiple times and get to SBN by plane, or to get to the O'hare airport first and then go to ND by train or car?
And does it matter if I'm late on the first day of Orientation?
I really appreciate any help!

Irish45221 · 08-04-2009, 12:27 PM

You probably do not want to be late the first day of orientation. That sort of thing does not leave the best of impressions with hall staff. Flight delays and cancellations are of course understandable though.

Booking flights to the ND area this late in the game can be expensive. The easiest option is to fly to Midway airport (Southwest is almost always the cheapest) and catch the bus from Midway to ND. You can do the same from O'Hare. I tend to suggest against using South Bend airport because they are notorious for flight delays and cancellations throughout the year.

notre dame AL · 08-04-2009, 01:08 PM

Irish^^-our student has always flown in and out of SB Airport on Delta with little or no trouble. Maybe just lucky?!?

aristophanes · 08-04-2009, 01:27 PM

My daughter has flown to and from the South Bend airport several times over the past two years and has never had a problem. Her connecting flights from Providence are usually from Detroit, Cleveland, or Cincinnati. The price is often the same as Southwest to Midway, and of course you don't have to take the bus.

Irish45221 · 08-04-2009, 02:21 PM

Yeah I think luck always has something to do with it. In the past year alone I can think of three problems I had at the airport. One major delay during December caused me to miss my connecting flight back to California. I also had two cancellations during the Spring. One of them was not a major problem but the other one caused me to miss my interview. I am pretty sure this is a case of really bad luck but these are not the only incidences I had with that airport over the past five years.

On the plus side I can vouch for Midway. I live in California and Southwest to Midway is almost always the cheapest ticket ($100 for Southwest's non-refundable ticket vs. $300 with other carriers). I have flown in and out of there about thirty times and I never recall having any delays or cancellations. If you live in the east coast I have a feeling that flying to South Bend is often cheaper, easier, and quicker.

hawkswim09 · 08-04-2009, 06:35 PM

i used united this time and i flew from providence to o'hare to south bend w/o problems. i would advise booking as fast as possible. also with move-in it is much cheaper to rent a car in south bend than from chicago. i would also start looking at flights headed home (i am planning christmas already)

kevdude · 08-04-2009, 06:40 PM

I've flown just about every combination possible by this point, and I would say that SBN in general is not that bad. Just be aware of luggage and weight restrictions. Most domestic flights nowadays only allow one, fifty-pound bag per person. After the first time, it's not bad, because you can leave most necessities at school, but it becomes a problem getting all of your stuff out to begin with. If you are flying with both your parents, try to make sure they can use their allotted bag for your stuff.

Also, just to let you know, airline prices skyrocket at roughly one month before the date of flight. I know, too little too late now, but for future reference, make sure you get on it beforehand.

Mombot · 08-05-2009, 01:15 AM

I would recommend flying Southwest to Midway and renting a car near the airport. There are some places near the airport that are inexpensive. I assume you will have a parent with you? Drive to SB from Midway and then you'll have the car for all the running around you will need to do-there is no way you can pack all the stuff you will need and it is better to order it online and pick it up in South Bend--both Wal Mart and Bed Bath and Beyond will have your order waiting for you in the local stores if you order online and do a ship to store option.

I really recommend Southwest as you can still check two bags for free, and so can your companion if you are flying in with a parent. We got some cheap duffels and checked four big bags, and I carried my weekend bag onboard, so my checked baggage allowance went to getting DD's stuff hauled to Chicago.

If you fly almost any other airline you will pay a fortune for said checked bags and erase any nominal savings on the ticket price.

hawkswim09 · 08-05-2009, 06:58 AM

^why don't you take the bus to ND, and rent a car in South Bend? would that save you any money?

CitricAcid · 08-05-2009, 09:40 AM

It actually would probably cost a little more money (you would need 5 bus tickets, 3 to South Bend and 2 to Chicago). That is about an extra $150.

solamelx · 08-05-2009, 01:39 PM

I've actually ordered my ticket to O'hare, and I plan to ride the coachusa bus to ND. I think that's a decent enough combination for this time.
However, I've found another problem. Hotels. Not surprisingly, Morris Inn is already full. I'm trying to find other hotels near ND, preferably a walking distance. Any suggestion?
Thanks!!
Lesson learned: I'll definitely start booking early next time.

kevdude · 08-05-2009, 01:49 PM

Answer: You will not find a hotel within walking distance of Notre Dame this late in the game. That is a fact. Sorry.

chauffeur · 08-05-2009, 03:07 PM

1. Tried to get close to ND for move in. Should have tried to get close to a Target.
2. Bought Thanksgiving ticket home too late; the Sunday return is the tricky part. This year I made the return early Sunday morning since the morning last year was spent sleeping instead of visiting with family and the dining hall closes at 7pm.
3. Did not discuss what to do if airport shuts down (Midway 12/19/08) with student.
4. Forgot to get car key off kid's key ring and forgot to switch car insurance to "occasional driver".
5. Don't mean to get off the subject but it relates to everything: The biggest mistake I made was not learning to text. I was probably the last person in America to learn but if not, it is priceless to receive a "k" when you inquire about a child that hasn't been heard from in a while. Luck and congratulations and God bless to all!

collegebound41 · 08-08-2009, 10:09 PM

do buses go from o hare and midway airport to nd? how long do they take? are they comfy? lol

red06 · 08-08-2009, 10:47 PM

I'm a current student. Being late on the first day of orientation is o.k. if you have a legitimate excuse. Hall staff are there to help you and not to judge you or be "unhappy" with you. Just explain to them that you being late was because of your travel situation. Of course, if you can avoid being late, do so.