APA/Boston Travel Information/Advice/Updates

MOVING TO FRONT FROM YESTERDAY

Post on this subject in this thread.

Comments

[Bitter, Jaded Anon. Job Seeker]

1) Roads in Boston are very slushy and very messy, but traffic is moving steadily.

2) Amtrak service has resumed, though with delays, between New York and Boston. Expect completely sold out trains and a poor onboard experience (sold out cafe cars, overflowing bathrooms, frozen doors, etc.).

[Anne Jacobson]

Continental is allowing one to reschedule without any charge; perhaps other airlines will also. The Westin also says they've had massive cancellations.

There may, then, be a bit of flexibility in the system if anyone can use it.

[Stressed Job Seeker]

Does anyone have advice regarding the following travel gridlock (or at least seeming gridlock)?

My flight has been canceled. I can't reach the airline by phone. The website has a link to flight changes when I log in to see my canceled flight itinerary, but I'm only given options for today (Dec. 27) and tomorrow. No options are available. And I can't afford to simply purchase another ticket. My original ticket is non-ref.

Any advice?

Thank you!

Stressed Job Seeker, afraid of losing a rare shot at a job

[Esa]

To stressed job seeker: I would recommend going to your airport (if you live in the same city) and talk to someone from the airline in person, and try to get your flight rebooked.
Good luck!

[Why is the APA in Boston in December?]

I made it to Boston but wanted to confirm one of the initial comments about regional train service. I was on the first Amtrak train out of DC on Monday morning (approx. 10:30am) and arrived in Boston a little before 10pm (~4 hours late). Since earlier trains were canceled, my train was packed beyond normal capacity (I stood until Philly). Between NYC and Boston, Amtrak was only able to use one set of tracks, and there were numerous technical glitches along the way. That said, it seems like Amtrak was the only thing moving in the northeastern quadrant on Monday, so props to them. Given how many flights have been canceled, as well as the backlog of people stranded at airports, if a job market candidate can make it to DC (or Philly, or Newark, or JFK), then Amtrak may be her/his best bet.

[Anon job seeker]

Contact your interviewing committee and ask them to schedule an interview by phone or Skype. Most committees have been very accommodating with such requests, and according to Leiter's recent posts, they're required by law to accommodate you in situations such as this.