San Antonio and Lackland Air Force Base

Much Needed Break, Back In The Saddle

The Francis family enjoyed a trip to San Antonio TX this past weekend to attend my youngest sons graduation from Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base. We had a great time and it offered 4 days away from my computer and the daily grind.

San Antonio was hot and humid! No real surprise there except it seemed a sunburn would come in just a few short minutes.

We stayed downtown at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Downtown (318 W. Durango Blvd.) where we enjoyed outstanding service as well as good clean rooms. The hotel offered free shuttle service to the river walk which we enjoyed each of our three nights.

We really enjoyed "Howl at the Moon" which features dueling piano style entertainment though that could seem misleading because between the audience involvement and a complete band with guitar, bass, drums and even brass at times, it's much more than just a piano bar.

We ate at a few restaurants including, La Margarita in Market Square and The Olive Garden on 410, neither of these restaurants offered food or service worth mentioning. Market Square however is a must see as is the famous River Walk and the Alamo.

We flew on Southwest Airlines and as usual, the service was outstanding. One thing anyone should keep in mind is that Southwest Airline offers what I call "festival seating." They do not have reserved seating so you must get your boarding pass as early as possible. If you don't, you will likely be sitting in less than desirable seats and if traveling with companions, will be separated.

The trick! Check-in online 24 hours in advance! http://www.southwest.com/ If you do this, you can print your boarding pass on your own printer. It will also ensure that you get the coveted "A" boarding pass. Boarding passes are marked A, B or C and those with the A pass get on first providing a better chance for preferred seats. Frankly, I don't like this method but can see the wisdom in doing so by the airline.

Another advantage of checking in online is you get to use the electronic check-in at the airport. These lines move much faster than the manual check-in lines, just make sure you have your boarding pass and that your checked luggage is ready (unlocked and well marked). Simply walk up to the touch screen terminal, enter your confirmation number and select the number of bags to be checked. An attendant will place the tags on the bag for you and give you instructions. If you don't have checked bags, you can skip this step altogether, providing you have successfully checked in online properly.

Remember, no locks on the luggage and it is likely to be search by TSA after you leave it with them. Once TSA is done with it, it goes to the regular baggage handlers. How do I say this sensitively? If you have anything so valuable that it needs to be locked up, or so breakable that it cannot withstand a drop of 3 feet, then don't pack it! Bags pop open, things get lost and there are so many bags to move in such a short period of time that you can't blame the handlers for "tossing" the bags now and then.

Security checkpoint. Keep it simple! We like to wear slip on shoes (because they're coming off) and empty our pockets long before we get to the checkpoint. I wear flip flops and put my change, phone, keys and even my watch in the carry-on bag. Anything to make the process smoother for myself as well as my fellow travelers.

Be sure and have your boarding pass and identification in your hand before you approach the TSA agent. Again, makes life easier and the line move faster for all.

Liquids! This is a new concern for security if you haven't traveled in a while. There are a number of concerns and instructions for bringing liquids or gels onto the aircraft. Bottom line, don't bring them. If you must, put them in your checked bags or better yet, plan to buy them when you get past the checkpoint. If you have liquids or gels, put them in one clear zip lock and plan to place them separately in the bin for x-ray.

From the Transportation Security Administration

on Monday 16 Jul, 2007

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm     

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula, juice and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

There are a number of tips available from Southwest Airlines as well.

Travel Tips/Airport Information

 provided by Southwest.com on Monday 16 Jul, 2007

• Carryon Baggage Travel Tips
• Inflight Services
• Passenger Facility Charge
• E-Ticket Check-In kiosk
• Suggested Airport Arrival Times
• ATA Codeshare
• Traveling With Kids

Source: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/travel_center_tips.html

Our car! We rented our car from Enterprise and I must say I was well pleased with all aspects of the process. The car was amazing! A brand new Chrysler 300C (11 miles on it). Carrie had rented a full sized car because we would need extra space in the back for the boys... eh... men. They escorted us to our red Pontiac, I saw the Chrysler and asked, "how much more for that?" We got it for $10 per day more.

We rented the car from our own website @ http://www.CarriedAwayVacations.com. We printed our confirmation before we left and handed it to the Enterprise representative at the San Antonio Airport. They asked a couple of questions, scanned my credit card and gave us instruction to meet the bus.

A note about the Enterprise shuttle bus. I was impressed!!! I have to mention that the drivers to and from the airport were both more professional and courteous than I could have expected. Well dressed, well mannered and eager to help with bags and provide information, these guys were top notch! Yes, I tipped them both $5 in gratitude!

The shuttle took us to the car lot where the paperwork was already done and the nice representative walked us to our car. As mentioned, I complicated things myself by choosing the jet black and chrome Chrysler 300C yet our rep didn't miss a beat. He was more than accommodating making a few annotations on the paperwork and getting us on our way fast.

They provided maps and instructions and there was no hard sell for upgrades, insurance or other add on features. Personally, I like it when service organizations treat you with respect and don't try to force features or upgrades on you.

Another word about the Chrysler 300. This was an amazing car! It had plenty of room in the front and the back for all 4 of us. While Carrie could fit comfortably in a MG Spider, my sons and I are not small people and we found the car more than comfortable. Even luxurious. From the automatic windshield wipers to the powerful engine, this car was a joy to drive, even so much as to have me questioning my preference for trucks and considering buying my own Chrysler 300C.

There is much more I could write about San Antonio as there are countless things to do and places to see. July probably wasn't the best time to visit as far as the temperature goes but in all the heat had little effect on our plans.

Tips for people visiting San Antonio for the purpose of attending graduation at Lackland Air Force Base.

1. Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Trainees have many rules they must abide by and their schedule takes precedence over convenience.
2. The summer is hot!!! The winter is cold. Dress accordingly because you will be spending a good amount of time outside.
3. At the visitors center, there are people available to answer your questions, provide maps and offer instruction. If you have questions, this is the place to ask.
4. Prepare for changes! Base liberties as well as town passes can be revoked for any reason. Trainees are subject to the requirements of their training instructor and it is possible that all or part of the free time "privileges" may be taken away for reasons that may seem unreasonable. Any attempt by parents, spouses or friends to take matters in their own hands will likely result in severe and embarrassing consequence to the trainee.
5. Read all instructions provided carefully! Instructions are provided to all authorized visitors and the contents of these instructions are important. Everything from driving on base to personal conduct while on base are carefully outlined. Deviation from these instructions can have an adverse effect on your loved one so please read them carefully.
6. Driving pass. The person who is named as a driver must drive the vehicle. No exceptions! The driver should approach the gate with their valid driver's license and gate pass ready to hand to the guard. Remember, you are entering a military base and are subject to the rules and requirements of security forces, this includes search of your vehicle and personal belongings.
7. Listen carefully to your loved ones!!!!! They may be your baby back home, but they have endured 6 weeks of intense training. Their Basic Military Training Instructor has given your "baby" very specific and important instruction that supersede anything you may have been told or read. Bottom line, your loved one has all of the answers and you should be prepared to obey their instruction.

The official website of Lackland was offline at the time of this post. The address is http://www.lackland.af.mil/

I hope you find this post useful but please keep in mind that it is based on my opinion and recent experience. Please follow the official links provided for official and recent information.

Travel | Southwest Airlines | Holiday Inn | Enterprise Rental | San Antonio | Lackland | Basic Training | BMTS | Chrysler | Checkpoint | Market Square | River Walk | Howl at the Moon | Carried Away Vacations