Hampton Roads Academy Class of 2004 20-Year Reunion Travel Giveaways & Cooperative Options

Adam Garrett
Sep 19, 2024
12 min read

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

To assist with those seeking to come to our 20-year reunion, I created this page to offer the following:

Travel Giveaways on Points Offered by at Least 1 Alumn's Business (Getting Here by Plane or Train &/or Staying in Williamsburg)
Opportunities to Help/Combine Efforts/Receive Assistance for those Looking to Carpool, Give Rides, Help Update Contact Info, & Provide Housing
Additional Tips on Things to do (including HRA events), Where to Stay, How to Get Here, etc.

Travel Giveaways on Points Offered by at Least 1 Alumn's Business (Getting Here & Staying Not Far Away)

When Will These be Available to Claim?

As soon as Sarah Kish Morgan sends an email, these will be available to claim via forms added to this page. Soon after Sarah sends the email, I'll be posting a link to the 2004 alumni Facebook page.

Train Travel Giveaway

Up to 3 parties may receive up to $250 each in train travel for coach travel (as long as coach is lower cost than business, and if business is cheaper for the same itinerary, in business class) home to Hampton Roads around the weekend for class of 2004 alumni, bf's/gf's, & their family planning to participate in the class reunion event. If <$750 is claimed within 1 week of the form being sent out, some may receive more than $250 in travel. If 3 parties claim <$750 total, additional parties under those conditions are able to claim further travel.

Claim the train tickets here.

In addition, for those meeting the conditions, I'm offering:

2 BOGO coupons for someone looking to pay $ rate for another person in their party

"Coupon Restrictions

Coupon valid for one (1) free companion rail fare with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult rail fare. Free companion and paying passenger must reserve at the same time and travel together at all times.
Each coupon is valid for travel as one (1) one-way reservation.
Valid for travel on all Amtrak service except train/Thruway series 7000-8999.
Free companion offer is not combinable with any discount, coupon, or Amtrak Guest Rewards® redemption travel.
The Coupon# is unique to your coupon and valid for one use only. (Adam's addition: No transfers to others).
Offer valid for Coach class or Acela Business class. Upgrade to Business class or Acela First class is available upon full payment of applicable accommodation charges.
Offer also valid for private rooms including Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites and Accessible Bedrooms; offer excludes Family Bedrooms.
Other restrictions may apply."

Four 12-hour upgrades for those looking to pay (as long as the value of an upgrade at time of booking would exceed $75 more than the cost for coach - these are available for use 12 hrs before departure if availability is present - booking may need to occur through my account)

"The coupon is valid for one (1) space available upgrade from Coach to Business or Business class to First class.

Please note, a coupon may only be applied once. Your itinerary may be modified prior to departure, and this offer may be applied if available. If the reservation is cancelled, the coupon will not be re-issued and cannot be re-used. If you fail to board a train you have reserved ("no-show"), your entire reservation will cancel, and the coupon will be forfeited." "Coupon valid for one (1) space-available, one-way, One-Class Upgrade.

Valid only from Coach class to Business class, or from Acela® Business class to Acela First class, on a single travel segment or leg.
Not valid for upgrade to sleeping car accommodations.
Not eligible for use with 10-trip, monthly or other multiride tickets.
Subject to availability; upgrade not available on all trains at all times.
Upgrade may be combined with corporate, senior, disabled and military discounts.
Upgrades cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.
Not valid on Amtrak Guest Rewards redemption travel.
Offer is not valid on the following services: Adirondack®, Auto Train®, California Zephyr®, Capitol Limited®, Cardinal®, City of New Orleans®, Crescent®, Empire Builder®, Keystone Service®, Lake Shore Limited®, Silver Meteor®, Silver Star®, Southwest Chief®, Sunset Limited®, Texas Eagle®, and train/Thruway series 7000 – 8999.
This Coupon# is unique to your coupon and valid for one use only. Buying or selling this coupon is prohibited and will invalidate the coupon. Coupon may be transferred to a family member or friend.
Other restrictions may apply."

1 lounge pass for someone who would go to the lounge in the newest NYC area station, rated the nicest train lounge in the country, at Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station,

"Only available for single use at one club on one day.

Valid for bearer and one guest, or bearer's spouse/domestic partner and children under the age of 21.
Same-day Amtrak ticket required.
(Adam's addition: Transferring) this pass is prohibited"

Flights Giveaways

Examples Are Subject to Change on Airline End

Keep in mind that any examples below are subject to change over time by airlines or frequent flyer programs and that these examples were compiled over time, so some may no longer be available.

Avianca Lifemiles Giveaway: 6- 1 way (or 3 round trip) of up to 8k miles per ticket (most of NE including Maine & Chicago)

There are blackout dates with these:

Example Return to DC Monday Morning at 6 AM or Evening at 8 PM the 21st for 7500 miles

Example Return to NYC Monday Night the 21st for 6500 miles

Example Return to Chicago Monday Night the 21st for 8000 miles

Example 8 Return Options to Boston Tuesday the 22nd

Minimum redemption value per 1 way: $.015/pt (i.e. $140 for 8000 miles due to roughly $20 in fees I'll pay)
Minimum redemption value per round trip: $.015/pt

Jetblue Miles Giveaway: 6 1 way (or 3 round trip) of up to 10k miles per ticket

Did you know that Jetblue is rated the best economy US-based airline in terms of onboard experience?

Orlando

Getting to Hampton Roads:

Return Examples:

Fort Lauderdale

Examples to Richmond:

Returns:

Boston

Here are some examples of trips from Boston to Richmond:

Here are some examples for a return:

NYC

Getting to Hampton Roads Example:

Turkish Air Miles & Smiles Giveaway: 6 1 way tickets (or 3 round trip) throughout United Airlines territory of US, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, & the US Virgin Islands (10k miles per 1 way ticket)

There are blackout dates with these:

Booking Domestic, Puerto Rico, & US Virgin Islands Flights on United using Turkish Air

Southwest Giveaway: 6- 1 way (or 3 round trip) of up to 10k miles per ticket

Here are some examples of direct options:

From Richmond:

From Norfolk

Here is the form for claiming a booking.

Stay Giveaway

Up to 5 Free 2-night stays at Club Wyndham Patriots' Place resort in Williamsburg

These are "One Bedroom Deluxe" rooms.
870 sq ft
one king bed
one queen sleeper sofa in the living room
Full kitchen & dining room table

Additional Amenities

full fridge
full oven
microwave
dishwasher
balcony
fireplace

room capacity is up to 4 (any combination of kids and adults, as long as at least 1 adult is in the room)
Rules: alumni can claim 1 room at max per party, with stays of 2 nights, since Club Wyndhams don't allow 1-night stays; the intent should be to use both nights).

Pictures of the Room for the Giveaway

King Bed (likely something smaller than a king is pictured below, but likely same configuration, except king size in the actual room based on the details on Extra Holidays)

Queen sleeper sofa, dining table, and kitchen

The living room from a picture from Wyndham Destinations:

Pictures of the Resort Amenities for the Giveaway from the Ground

Firepit:

Image courtesy Wyndham Destinations

Grills & outdoor tables:

Keurig coffee & tea bags in the lobby

exercise room

ping pong and pool table w/ grills, giant chess, giant checkers, horseshoes, & tables for dining

Pictures of the Resort Amenities for the Giveaway from the Air

Hot tub & (open year-round 9 AM-10 PM as long as the weather isn't bad) heated outdoor pool

Resort

Lobby, exercise area, & firepit

Playground

Cornhole

Basketball court

Floorplan

While the website provides a floorplan, it gives 2 different room configurations under deluxe rooms:

I'm also offering the points portion for 2 nights at up to 10 additional $ & points rooms (around $45/night savings for deluxe rooms).

Those HRA alumni looking to claim rooms may do so here.

Opportunity to Join in Gifting Points or Otherwise Contribute to Alumni Class of 2004 Gathering

Whether you want to donate simply as an individual or as a business, there are options to give points or financial contributions. Donations can be anonymous, in the name of an individual, or in the name of a business.

The current points gifts are from Adam Garrett's business at Garrett Realty Partners.

Points gifts can be done to other alumni with Adam's assistance in coordination or directly. Here are some points gifting basics. If you have Amex Membership Rewards, it's possible to transfer them to Avios with a 30% transfer promo going until September 30th. The transfer to Qatar Avios can be solid, since it opens up flights up to 650 miles (including multi-leg) on American Airlines for 6k Avios, or less than 5k Amex Membership Rewards. For 651-1151, 9k Avios is a solid option. 1152-2000 is 11,000 and 2001-3000 is 13k. Saver awards are needed - there are blackout dates.

If you'd like to help by donating points, feel free to reach out to Adam at 757 879 9651 or agarrett@ggrva.com

Additional Conditions for Giveaways

Be among the 1st to respond once Sarah has sent the email. A response is considered secured after the pertinent form has been fully filled out.
Must be coming to Hampton Roads around the weekend for class of 2004 alumni (& their family &/or significant other, if applicable) planning to participate in the class reunion event in person.
I'll be covering any copays involved with the flights on points. These are economy tickets; none of these tickets are basic economy. All have a carry-on bag and personal item included in the fair. I will not be covering any additional baggage.
Points availability must be present.
See individual terms on the giveaways
No more than 2 round trip flights or 4 1-way flights per party.

2. Opportunities to Help/Combine Efforts/Receive Assistance for those Looking to Carpool, Give Rides, & Provide Housing

Giving & Receiving Rides

Here are some of the options to coordinate with others:

Carpool with others from far away
Carpool from local airports to Newport News
Carpool from a local hotel to the James River Country Club or HRA
Carpool to an airport outside of SE VA to split airport parking costs

Here is a form if you'd like to give rides, receive rides from others, or partner with others to split a fare.

Providing or Partnering with Others for Temporary Housing

There are a few ways you could help provide temporary housing:

Offer to be a local host
Offer to room with others in a hotel room, host home, or other short-term housing.
Offer to be a host on the way for those driving from far away to Hampton Roads
1. i.e. 3+ hrs away leading up to or immediately following the reunion

Here is a form if you'd like to do any of the above.

3. Additional Tips on Things to Do, Where to Stay, How to Get Here, etc.

Housing Options

Short-Term Rental Options
SE VA Hotels
Hampton Roads & Richmond Hotels Based on US News & World Report Rank
Rooms for Rent
Extended Stay Hotels
Hotel Maps by Category (w/ emphasis on lower point categories & multi-bedroom suite options on points)
Basics of Hotel Points
SE VA Points/Certificate Options when considering Hotels, with emphasis on value per point

Getting Here

Train

When to Travel by Train

While many in the US avoid trains, train travel has several benefits vs flights or driving, including but not limited to:

1. Typically lower prices than flights for relatively close proximity travel (i.e. under 10 hrs, but it still depends), half-price options for those 12 and under occupying their own seat, no cost for lap infants under 2

2. A more spacious seat than economy flights

3. Typically 2 free checked bags.

4. Many more direct itineraries to Newport News than are available with flights (the only direct option with flights to Newport News is to/from Charlotte on American Airlines)

Getting to Newport News by train is a solid option, especially for those without a vehicle located in Richmond, DC, Philadelphia, & elsewhere between Newport News & Philadelphia on the Amtrak train route. While you can get here faster by flight in distant cases often (especially if there's a direct flight to Richmond, Norfolk, or Newport News), it's also an option from additional locations. Here's part of a North East route map, with the items in green being coordinated by Amtrak by bus:

Here are some examples of viable itineraries to SE VA, comparing them to drive time with and without traffic:

Here are some examples of itineraries that don't make much sense due to long times of train travel vs drive time from the same locations and the absence of direct travel that contributes to that extended timeline:

Here are some example itineraries with pricing as of 8/6/24 for 1 ways to Newport News on October 18th:

Charleston to Newport News - $62 for a typical adult; $93 for adult & 1 child 0-12 occupying their own seat.

Here's the 1 way cost to get to Newport News from Charleston as of 8/6/24 for 10/18/24:

Here's how that looks when it's an adult with a child 2-12 occupying their own seat:

Philadelphia to Newport News for $58 for a typical adult

Washington DC to Newport News: $37 for a typical adult;

More Options to Richmond than Newport News (i.e. $16 from Washington)

If you are coordinating with someone to pick you up in Richmond or otherwise on their way, or if you'll be getting a rental car, there are some options that are worth considering in addition to a direct arrival in Newport News. If considering Richmond, here are some examples between the 2 stations:

Newport News Transportation Center Recent Developments for Superior Transportation From It

(Repeated in Flight Section)

While it was supposed to already be open, the Newport News Transportation Center is in the process of completion and is supposed to be finished sometime this Fall. Once finished, it is supposedly going to have a free shuttle available to take people from Newport News Airport to a brand new transportation center around a mile away that will have Amtrak as well as local and distant bussing options from it. That will put it in close proximity to Hampton Roads Academy.

Driving

For most who already have vehicles & will be coming from under 5 hours away, driving will be their best bet to get to Newport News and to get around town without having to rely on mass transit, Uber/Lyft/cabs, or a rental car. It's a viable option even for those over 5 hours away, especially if:

Your mileage-based depreciation rate on your vehicle isn't high
You have family coming with you
Your miles per gallon is high
You're driving an EV, with free charging available at both York County libraries & a number of other locations.

Flights

Airport to Fly To

If flying from under 10 hours away

If flying from under 10 hours away, it's typically best to consider Norfolk Airport (ORF), Richmond Airport (RIC), & Newport News Airport (PHF). Newport News Airport currently only flies American Airlines, with the only direct flights to Charlotte, while Richmond & Norfolk have considerably more direct options.

If flying from >10 hours away

Newport News Airport Recent Developments for Superior Transportation From It

(Repeated)

Things to Do

Things to Do Associated with HRA

There is NO CHARGE for any on-campus events.

To RSVP for any HRA on-campus events, & for any questions about campus events, contact Tommy Yevak '83 at TYevak@hra.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

FALL FESTIVAL - 2:30-5:30

On-Campus all school games, food, drink, fundraising - club by club..

ALL-ALUMNI TAILGATE - 4:00 - ?

There is no official ending time. Come, enjoy as long as you can/want to. This event takes place near the main, front entrance - aka "The Helm" and/or "Anspach Patio"

UNOFFICIAL GUIDED OR SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Tours can be experienced at or during the All-Alumni Tailgate Party

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER MATCH - 6:00

The match is occurring in the stadium. Any/all alumni lined up on the track by 6:30 for a halftime recognition....photos etc...

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

HRA ATHLETIC HALL of FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY/BRUNCH - 10:00-12:00

in the Dining Hall. This event is open to ALL with no charge. However, RSVP WILL BE REQUIRED (for food service management). look for this invitation from our official Marketing team. Inductees were explained on a past email.

CAMPUS TOURS offered by student ambassadors - 12:00 - 1:00.

2004 CLASS REUNION 6:30 PM-10:30 PM

See the email from Sarah Kish for more details about the James River Country Club reunion & to RSVP so that your spaces(s) can be secured in advance. If you didn't receive that email, let me know by call or text at 757 879 9651 with your most up-to-date email address.

Things to Do Not Associated with HRA