<p>Doc, or UN—or anyone “in the know”…</p>
<p>If I want to book flights home and back for my freshman cadet for Thanksgiving, and/or Christmas, what is the earliest (dates and times) I would be guaranteed that he is finished with finals, etc, and also when he would need to be back. I have studied the perpetual calendar on the AOG website, and have searched for clues on the USAFA website, and I cannot find any definitive answer. I figured since you guys have “been there, done that” you could give me some idea. If I book online at the low rates now, the tickets will be non-refundable, so I can’t afford a mistake.</p>
<p>Any reason he wouldn’t be granted leave? Do cadets ever have to stay for some reason?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>He will let you know when dates are official. Buying tickets before that could result in tickets that need to be changed (for a fee greater than what you saved by buying the early). For Christmas, make sure he knows his final exam schedule first. Very few cadets have finals the very last day (or few days, depending), and cadets are allowed to leave after their last one. This means that if you go by the official last day of finals, your son may end up spending a few extra days in the C-Springs area that he could have been at home.</p>
<p>For Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is no reason (within reason - the curcumstances that would take it away you shouldn't need to worry about at all) he wouldn't get leave. If for some reason he ends up on some kind of probation (academic probation in particular is not uncommon for four degrees), he can still take advantage of the leaves.</p>
<p>I've posted on this before--UN is absolutely correct. I may owe you a dinner or something here soon for subbing so well. Bottom line: Make any plans before your kid gives you written proof of when he/she is free to get a flight and you do so at your own peril (and cost). ASK FOR WRITTEN PROOF BEFORE BOOKING!</p>
<p>Thanksgiving leave is 22 -27 Nov.<br>
Flights from Colorado Springs can be booked for no earlier than 6:30 P.M. Flights out of Denver for no earlier than 8:30 P.M. Wing returns @7:00 P.M. 27, Nov. </p>
<p>Christmas Break 21 Dec. - 4 Jan.
Depart after last final Plus 5 hours from Denver plus 3 hours from Colorado Springs. (last final should be no later than 5:30 P.M. on 21 Dec.) </p>
<p>This information was given at an information session for parents at USAFA during inprocessing day. I assume it is still correct. As UN and Doc have stated I would wait for solid info from my cadet before purchasing tickets.(but now you can start to shop!!!)</p>