Dependent Traveling to Sacramento

**alissac** · 26-Oct-2009, 11:08 AM

Hello all. I'm a college student in Northern Iowa, but my boyfriend moved back to California (where he's from) to take care of his sick mother. It's been tough, but recently my father got out of the Air Force and now flies for NWA (or I guess now it's Delta). I figure there's no reason for me to not fly out there, problem is I'm 2 hours from Des Moines International airport and have no transportation so I have to have a friend drop me off and pick me up. I'm going to leave next Thursday (11/5) night if I can and come back Sunday (11/8...the time difference means I have to leave early). My dad hasn't even told me how to check loads or do any of that good stuff yet, but I remember when we went to Orlando we got bumped a LOT and it was a long day. But there were 3 of us. Dad says Des Moines is bad because the planes are smaller. Also, is there a dress code? I want this trip to go through but this is so stressful.

**mrs767er** · 26-Oct-2009, 11:50 AM

we'll be happy to check loads, but it's easier if you give us flt number/date
DL dress code is almost non-existent--no torn/soiled clothing--no PJ's
I like the idea of dressing for an interview or first impression (meeting HIS grandparents!)
some small commuter service can be difficult but Sunday AM is best choice for that day--afternoon could be asking for trouble!

we sometimes fly in nice jeans but we're 50-something---ours may be different from yours!!

welcome and ck back often

**alissac** · 26-Oct-2009, 03:56 PM

Thanks for replying. I had planned on dressing formal but comfortable enough for being in airplanes/airports all day. Nice slacks and a nice shirt. I'm meeting his mom for the first time (yikes) so I need to look decent anyway. Dad says dressing up and acting respectful can get you a long way with the agents at the gate, which isn't a problem for me. I was raised with the manners are NOT optional philosophy that a lot of kids my age lack, and I'm grateful for that now

My first standby flight alone was from Des Moines to Minneapolis and I had no issues, and then from Minneapolis to Omaha (where my dad lives) with Dad as the pilot which was kind of cool. So I'm hoping this trip goes as smoothly.

Can you check NWA loads? The first flight I think I want is Northwest Airlines 5086 departing 11/5 from DSM to MSP and then Northwest Airlines 2153 departing 11/5 from MSP to SMF. I haven't looked at the return flights yet. I just want to get there for now lol. Though the night flights concern me, because getting bumped could mean a nice vacation in Minneapolis for a night. I'm obviously bringing money to stay if that happens, and I guess if I get stuck that's the best place for it to happen. I'm fairly familiar with the area.

**spongebue** · 27-Oct-2009, 08:31 AM

Are you at UNI? You can always fly out of ALO or something, you're not restricted to just DSM. Yes, those planes are even smaller, but for a good reason: they never fill. If you check around a little bit ahead of time, you won't have any issues. I'd be more worried about getting out of California, personally.

Then again, one advantage of DSM: other hubs. I'm not sure of all of DSM's destinations, but I'm sure if you can't get to MSP, you can probably try for DTW, CVG, or ATL and not have any problems. Just try to get a good idea of which flights are good and when, and write it down. If you can't get to MSP, be ready to try for other hubs.

**mrs767er** · 28-Oct-2009, 10:42 AM

both of your flights look great for now. no nonrevs listed--I'll try to remember to ck again on Monday
nice to see you getting the bennies to fly as dep
love the comments about dressing up--sounds like you were raised well!!
good luck

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