Not sure what to do

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Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

i've had a reservation since they were available, i intend to travel with my mate and when attempting to book plane tickets i find he may not be able to go. I really want to go and I want him to go too, but if he can't I'll feel really guilty about leaving him here (philadelphia). I've recently had some bad news come into my life which i think a nice con\vaction would help with but the fact still remains that I'd feel guilty for going without him. It's still up in the air if he can or can't go and I may not know until it's too late, which i told him in that case i'd be going without him. On top of all that i still don't know wheather to get 1 or 2 plane tickets and they aren't refundable, and the ones that are i can't afford. I guess what i'm looking for here is some advice, I'm a bit lost.

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Unclekage's picture
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It all boils down to WHY he can't commit. Has his boss not answered his request for vacation? In that instance, he needs to go in and say, "Look, I'm about to buy a ticket, so I need to know now." Is he in ill health? Then he should consult a physician. If he's just being wishy-washy, then you should boot him in the hindquarters and tell him to make up his mind.

The one thing you don't want to do is buy a ticket and then have him cancel. You can re-use the ticket at a later date, but most airlines charge you a $100 "change fee" plus the difference in airfare, which for a flight so short is not really worth it.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

Well when the chairman tells you to do something, you do it, but the reasons that he may not be able to go is family. I'm not going to get into the details as it's somewhat personal. I cannot argue with your logic my only hope is a permanent decision is made with enough time for some lucky fur to get my room if we can't go.

firehopper's picture
Location: Kutztown, PA

nice head btw :>

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

why thank you. lacy's fursuts. fusuiting.com hopefully i will be able to display it for everyone soon.

fenrislorsrai's picture
Location: Bethel, CT

Website: [Link]

If the concern is the costs of tickets, you may wish to take an alternate form of transport, such as Amtrak. Their refund policy varies depending on routes, but you should be able to find out what the refund and cancellation policy is for the Philly to Pittsburgh line if you call their customer service line. It may be much more forgiving than the airlines.

The train ride is longer than plane, but very pleasant. The train station is also a block from the con. The airport is about 40 minutes away by shuttle So by the time you factor in all the waiting at security and the shuttle, it probably works out about same.

By the time you factor in the con discount, train is comparable to the super discount airline fairs shown on anthrocon's front page.

May be worth looking at that instead of the plane since its a relatively short difference.

BlackJack's picture
Location: NYC

Philly to Pittsburgh by Amtrak is pretty pleasant. Some of us are taking that train from NYC, through Philly, to Pittsburgh.

If you take Amtrak, you can buy the tickets THE DAY BEFORE YOU LEAVE. How's that for not needing much advance notice? You can also buy them the SAME day but I recommend against that since you'll be on the long ticket line, then trying to run and catch a train.

Unclekage's picture
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My dear and sainted parents will be taking the train, themselves. They quite enjoyed the ride last year.

NESFreak's picture
"I don't like you and you don't like me. Wait, you meen you don't hate me? Well i guess i like you too then."

Location: Madison WI

Philly to Pitts, thats only what 150 miles straight there? That would be a fun 3-4 day walk.

ksharbaugh's picture
Location: Salamanca, NY

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I could just float down the Allegany... though I'd hafta portage past the Kinzua Dam.

Giza's picture
"100% usynlig - som en ninja!"

Location: Ardmore, PA

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Try 305 miles.

Really, it's as easy as typing in "Philadelphia, PA to Pittsburgh, PA" on Google Maps.

NESFreak's picture
"I don't like you and you don't like me. Wait, you meen you don't hate me? Well i guess i like you too then."

Location: Madison WI

alrighty, then week long walk.

And upon further inspection, my map is amazingly not to scale.

Upon Further inspection of the previous inspection, i was looking at the wrong dot for Philly, i don't know how i messed that up.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

the train isn't something I've considered before, I'll look into that, that way i won't need to deal with the plane security increases.

FennecusKitsune's picture
Location: Brown University (school) & LI, NY (home)

Website: [Link]

I've taken the train to the last Anthrocon. It was an enjoyable experience. It was a pretty long ride, but it was a smooth one, and was very comfortable.

I've taken the train to and from school too. It's a much shorter ride Providence <-> LongIsland(ferry ride excluded) than NYC <-> Pittsburgh is. The one thing I have noticed on recent train rides, is that sometimes not all the cars will have outlets, which is a major pain for laptop users. On the Anthrocon train, as far as I knew there was power for all the cars though.

Plus there should be a special fare like there was last year if I'm not mistaken.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

i think this should solve my problems. but additional advice would be lovely. the only other time i've been on a train was in germany. so what train company is doing philly to pitt?

Giza's picture
"100% usynlig - som en ninja!"

Location: Ardmore, PA

Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]

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Amtrak

Note that we have arranged a 10% discount. Details are on our travel page.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

well that should be alot easier for my mate. as he has fear of flying. thanks everyone.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

So I've went ahead and booked the train, I just wish I'd get thee sooner, according to the agent I won't get to Pittsburgh until 8:05, then we have to get our badges, I just hope we don't miss anything fun at the con. Also if you factor in the fact the hotel charges for the use of their shuttle it's cheaper than flying. Also the tickets are fully refundable. Now i just have to think how to transport my head safely in my luggage last time i just carried it in my friend's car. Just want to thank everyone for helping me through my little drama, Hugs all around. *hugs*

-Rawr

Sid Unpleasant's picture
"meine Kaese ist muede damit ich putze mich die Haare"

Location: University of Pittsburgh/Downingtown

Which train are you going to be on? I'm planning on being on the train from Paoli on Wednesday July 4th on business class - I wouldn't mind bumping into some furs on the ride over ^^

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

I'm taking the 43 train i think. and 42 on the way back, but i'm traveling on the 5th, which is why i'm still a bit upset that i'll be missing some fur fill fun, but i'm sure that i will met a couple furs on the train, i would try to extend my room reservation but i can't afford the extra day, *pouts*i'm still working out how i'm going to afford this, but i'm sure i can handle it, I just need to stop buying video games.

-Rawr

Timmue's picture
Location: Milwaukee, WI

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I'm debating going by train but my train would arrive at 5:30am, so I'd travel overnight on it.

fenrislorsrai's picture
Location: Bethel, CT

Website: [Link]

I used to do long haul overnight train rides to and from college and they're really not bad, assuming you're capable of snoozing in a chair. If you can sleep in a recliner or sprawl on a couch, it's fine. If you absolutely cannot sleep except on your stomach, you'll be unable to sleep.

The conductors are very good about making sure to wake everyone for their stop. Last thing they want is someone stuck on train. One tip, roll up a throw blanket and tie it to your luggage. A light blanket that is only one step up from a sheet will do for this time of year. Trains are frequently over air conditioned and otherwise you may keep waking up repeatedly because you're cold. You can also hide head under it to deal with people that want to have lights on to read.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

thats good advice. i hate being cold. but doesany have any idea what the festivites for the first day are. i know there isn't going to be anything super fantastic, but i'd like to know what i might miss while i'm in the long line for my badge.

-Rawr

desteredra's picture
"Little dragon. Big mouth."

Location: Philadelphia area, PA

Quote:
i know there isn't going to be anything super fantastic, but i'd like to know what i might miss while i'm in the long line for my badge.

Like there isn't always something super fantastic going on. ;=8)

Seriously, the times when i've been there, the big registration rush times have been pretty quiet. I think it's because so few presenters are done with registration.

Just think of the registration line as an opportunity to meet some new furs you might not have otherwise. I've had some great conversations while waiting for my conbadge.

Joatmon's picture
"I'm growing older but not up. My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck."

Location: East Northport, New York

You won't miss much of anything good. thursday is not really an official con day. That night, they'll have a general mixer dance, open registration tables, and several staff meetings. The dealer's room, Art show, and especially the opening ceremonies won't happen till Friday morning. Thursday is the best day for getting in touch with friends and planning the next three days after getting your schedule. I will be on the train from NYC to Pittsburgh on Thursday the fifth. Look for the crazy old man with a hat full of furry pins. There should be enough of us to take over a whole car of the train, if we can get organized.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

Well i certainly will be looking for other furs, I'm gonna be on the 43 train on the 5th from phila to pitt. is anyone else taking the train from phila?

-Rawr

BlackJack's picture
Location: NYC

I'll be on the train, but I'm travelling Wed and will miss running into Joatmon this year. Oh, well. I'll have to run into him once he arrives. I still find the return trip a great way to make up the lost sleep from the con. I sleep, and catch catnaps during the con, but that's not the same as getting all the sleep I WANT. So, I sleep most of the return trip, and am wide-awake when I get home and can do stuff. Smiling The only catch is not being tired GOING, so I might have to entertain myself the entire trip there again.

fenrislorsrai's picture
Location: Bethel, CT

Website: [Link]

I should be on that one again with a friend (or two. finalizing travel plans now) Last year, the train was PACKED. I think every seat was booked. You may have trouble finding multiple seats together when getting on in Philly. Don't worry, it lets up after a few more stops.

You CAN change seats on the train after it gets going. I was with a party of 3 last year and we had to sit apart for about the first half hour to 45 minutes out of Philly until some people got off. We were in same car and within sight of each other, but not close enough to talk. Once some people got off, everybody got up and changed where they were sitting. You just need to take the punch card over your seat with you.

Since your travel companions seem nervous about the going out with lots of strangers, you may want to warn them that you may have to sit apart when getting on the train. It's only for a short while and they WILL be able to get back with you, but otherwise it could be a nerve racking surprise.

Kaze Lionpawz's picture
"The mind is a dangerous place, I try to stay out of it."

Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA, Earth, Milky Way,

well I'll look for you and other furs, Don't feel like a stranger say hi, it's gonna be a long trip. *smiles* is anyone going to be wearing any furry paraphernalia? I'm thinking of wearing my tail.

-Rawr

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