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Ned Madigan
Advanced Member
Username: Edmphila
Post Number: 357
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 68.81.196.16
| | Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 06:27 pm: | |
I'll second Richard's remarks about the Red Lion Diner out on Easton Pike: They make a great Reuben Platter; I couldn't finish mine at one sitting - had to ask them to make about half of it to go. They also serve chipped beef on toast and they have outstanding pastries. But they do get crowded.
I make advance reservations at the Navy Lodge and a day before our stay, I contact the housing Office and we stay at the BEQ, if available. There's no charge for late cancellation at the Navy Lodge so it saves us about $50.
BRAC has VR52 relocating to Joint Base McGuire, Lakehurst, & Fort Dix next year but I'm not sure about Willow Grove's C12B Operation. It serves Fort Drum, Hanscom AFB, Andrews AFB and the Army Posts around Washington, DC and NAS Norfolk and Oceana. I don't think the JRB is closing down completely ... Of course a C12B wouldn't be adequate for your family; and they have a 30 lb. weight limit. |
Richard Seriani
Member
Username: Richard_seriani
Post Number: 9
Registered: 05-2009
Posted From: 70.161.198.85
| | Posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 04:13 pm: | |
For future reference, it looks like Willow Grove will be closing next year and flights, as we know them, will likely end this year.
It's a shame.
I drive up there from eastern Virginia a few times a year just to go to someplace quiet for a day or two. I've stayed at both the Navy Lodge and at the Gateway Inn. The Navy Lodge was the first one I stayed at that had an elevator! The Gateway Inn wasn't anything spectacular, just a clean and quiet place to stay.
Check out the aviation museum or enjoy a walk around the base. Visit the Elmwood Park zoo in Norristown or fight the traffic and visit the Philadelphia Zoo.
For food (quantity and quality), the Red Lion Diner (just a couple of blocks north of the gate) is the best. Order the kids portion or be prepared for a large doggie bag.
Okay, I know this is sounding more like a trip report, but I do enjoy Willow Grove and will miss it when it is no longer available. |
Ned Madigan
Advanced Member
Username: Edmphila
Post Number: 356
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 68.81.196.16
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 11:12 am: | |
I've been studying the NASNI - NAS/JRB Willow Grove link for quite a while (Son lives in San Diego). My results are less than encouraging.
Flights from NASNI to NAS Fallon and on to NAS Oceana (VR 56) are usually fully booked.
About the only destination I would be comfortable with would be NASNI to/from NAS/JRB Fort Worth (NFW) |
Howard Eastlack
Advanced Member
Username: Howardeglin
Post Number: 181
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 68.14.189.64
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 08:55 pm: | |
John, As for Willow Grove. They are some of the best flight crew and pax reps. I love flying into WG ..Philly. They have C-9s and C-12s and all they do is taxi pax around the states.
The C-9s carry 65 seats usually and they offer soda, cakes, candy for 50 cents. Going to or leaving Willow Grove has always been easy for me. |
Carole G
Advanced Member
Username: Greengal
Post Number: 280
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 06:31 pm: | |
John,
You can view the North island schedule on line and on this board. You can always call the North Island pax reps to get a feel for how often they fly to Willow Grove. Since you need so many seats, it would be best to stick with the Navy flights. Normally, their C-40 flights have seats to spare. |
Roger Curry
Senior Member
Username: Rcurryastro
Post Number: 858
Registered: 05-2008
Posted From: 76.123.106.110
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 06:23 pm: | |
I have flown into and out of North Island several times but never to Willow Grove. My experience with flights out of NI to within the lower 48 has been that there were seats to spare. Always possible that they will be moving a squadron on the day you want to go but I'd say your chances are favorable.
It always helps if you have some flexibility built into your schedule.
Good luck.
Roger in Jacksonville, FL |
john gallagher
New member
Username: Gato
Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2008
Posted From: 207.200.116.12
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 03:05 pm: | |
Hey All,
I am a retiree with a family of 6. Hoping to take space a from west coast San Diego area to northeast in late June. I have heard of somewhat rgularly scheduled flights from North Island to Willow Grove each Tuesday and Thursday. Has anyone had any experience with them that they can pass on? Thanks in advance.
John |
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