The Official Chicago Flightfest Thread

[noflyingfan]

We (and by that I mean mostly Mark and Scott) have been working hard behind the scenes to plan the October Flightfest, and here's the schedule of events so far, but they are, of course, subject to change, because that's how things go.

Friday
Arrive in Chicago
Welcome Dinner at Connie's Pizza, dessert at The Original Rainbow Cone

Saturday
something educational and flying related in the daytime
dinner at some downtown restaurant, TBA, but I'm looking into banquet rooms. It would help to have a basic head count ahead of time, but Scott is helping out with that.

Sunday
Depending on how late people are staying, maybe a farewell brunch.

[Barb-SAN]

Can you give us some idea where in Chicago these events will take place? Will it be feasible to get to them on mass transit if we don't rent cars? Where are they in relation to Midway Airport? (A Google or Yahoo map would be lovely, or at least the street addresses so that we can look them up ourselves).

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: for the aviation/ educational activity..(I think...waiting to see what it is)...but am glad to see that is on the schedule.

I'm about 50/50 on attending right now...I do have a Rapid Rewards ticket I can use...will decide a bit closer to the date.

[noflyingfan]

Actually, maybe we want to go with Pizzaria Uno instead of Connie's. (You can get anywhere by public transport, but to get to Connie's, you might have to get on a sketchy bus). Uno is right downtown and easily accessible by public transport. It's at 29 E. Ohio. You can get the orange line (http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/rail.html) right from Midway to downtown.

I'm thinking for the actual fest, perhaps Weber Grill; I'm waiting to hear from them on cost and menus.

[Barb-SAN]

Thanks for the train map.
Would you suggest that staying at a hotel near the airport would be most convenient for the weekend activities? I suppose it depends on how early/late one's flights are too.:)

[noflyingfan]

DON'T stay near Midway Airport. Midway itself is just fine, and you'll be fine on the orange line, but the area surrounding the airport is not a place you want to be navigating if you don't know your way around. It's kinda sketchy. (I swear, not all of Chicago is sketchy; most of it is just fine).

Stay downtown if you can; everything is accessible to downtown.

[Barb-SAN]

Recommendations of specific hotels and areas are always appreciated. That's a huge benefit of knowing a local resident...if you aren't familiar with a city it's hard to be sure where the best (safest) places to stay are located. Once again, flying there is the EASY part! ;)

[noflyingfan]

Unfortunately, I really don't know anything about any hotels, never staying in them myself. Anywhere that says its on the Magnificent Mile should be fine; that's a nice area and centrally located.

[EyesSkyward]

Anywhere that says its on the Magnificent Mile should be fine; that's a nice area and centrally located.

And near an Apple store...

- Jeff

[scottr0829]

I would like to thank Gary Friedman of http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ for the photo that I altered to make the banner above. He has many more beautiful images on his site from around the world, so take a look if you have a chance! The full photo is available at http://friedmanarchives.com/Chicago/pages/Chicago%20skyline%20at%20night%201%208x10%20300%20 dpi.htm

[noflyingfan]

And near an Apple store...

- Jeff

Sigh.

[Barb-SAN]

Actually, maybe we want to go with Pizzaria Uno instead of Connie's. (You can get anywhere by public transport, but to get to Connie's, you might have to get on a sketchy bus). Uno is right downtown and easily accessible by public transport. It's at 29 E. Ohio. You can get the orange line (http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/rail.html) right from Midway to downtown.


O.K., Here's the map for Pizzaria Uno (where the cross is, in the middle of the page). Somehow seeing where everything is on the map helps me to start thinking in the direction of planning a trip...;)

[noflyingfan]

I was thinking for the Saturday night dinner, we could do Weber Grill (539 N. State). They have really good food (I recommend the garlic mashed potatoes).

We have to book a party room if we have more than 10 people, but if it's 10 or fewer, we can just make a regular reservation. So any time people want to jump in and let me know if they're coming would be great so we can plan accordingly and make sure we get in where we want to go.

[Barb-SAN]

We have to book a party room if we have more than 10 people, but if it's 10 or fewer, we can just make a regular reservation. So any time people want to jump in and let me know if they're coming would be great so we can plan accordingly and make sure we get in where we want to go.

Do you have to pay to reserve a party room? Any penalties if you downsize at the last minute? If not, I'd say better to book the party room now, and be optimistic about the turnout, if it's hard to get the room in the first place. If you have to pay to reserve it...well....that's more of a gamble then....

[noflyingfan]

I believe they do require a deposit. We're still months away, so I'd think we'd be alright, but I would like to figure it out soon.

[StPeteMark]

Recommendations of specific hotels and areas are always appreciated. ... ;)When we flew to Chicago to see Madonna in mid-2006, we stayed at The Allerton Hotel...then, it was part of the Crown Plaza chain. It's a beautiful landmark building and right on Michigan Ave., at the south part of the Magnificant Mile, and in walking distance to the Navy Pier.

http://www.theallertonhotel.com/

We highly recommend it! Like most nice hotels in downtown Chicago, the downside is that rates are relatively hight, between $300 - $400 per night in late October.
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[scottr0829]

We highly recommend it! Like most nice hotels in downtown Chicago, the downside is that rates are relatively hight, between $300 - $400 per night in late October.
Is there a reason why the prices are so high in late October? Isn't it almost winter there at that time?

Disclaimer: I have no problem with winters. I live in New England so we get the coastal storms with the wind too :tongue:

[Barb-SAN]

We highly recommend it! Like most nice hotels in downtown Chicago, the downside is that rates are relatively high, between $300 - $400 per night in late October.


"Relatively high"?? I guess so!!:eek: :eek: My hotel in Scottsdale for PhoenixFest, during the Arizona high season, no less, was "only" about $120/night (granted I could have found more expensive lodging...but it was perfectly adequate, and in a nice part of town).

[StPeteMark]

Is there a reason why the prices are so high in late October? Isn't it almost winter there at that time? ... :tongue:The Magnificent Mile section of Michigan Ave. is one of the prime areas of downtown. The closer you get to Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year's Eve, the higher the rates go...the same is true with the Times Square area of New York City. They probably will go up at least another $100-$200 per night before year's end.

If you're planning on going to the Chicago Flight Fest, I suggest you book your hotel of choice ASAP! Rates also go up as the percentage of a hotel fills up.
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[StPeteMark]

"Relatively high"?? I guess so!!:eek: :eek: My hotel in Scottsdale for PhoenixFest, during the Arizona high season, no less, was "only" about $120/night (granted I could have found more expensive lodging...but it was perfectly adequate, and in a nice part of town).If cities could talk, you might hear in a Presidential debate, "Mr. Scottsdale, you're no Mr. Chicago or Mr. New York City! " :) If you've never been to Chicago, you'll really appreciate more than perfectly adequate for a location that's close to places you want to visit. We were in Chicago mid-year and the rates were about half of what they get in early fall.
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[Barb-SAN]

If cities could talk, you might hear in a Presidential debate, "Mr. Scottsdale, you're no Mr. Chicago or Mr. New York City! " :) If you've never been to Chicago, you'll really appreciate more than perfectly adequate for a location that's close to places you want to visit. We were in Chicago mid-year and the rates were about half of what they get in early fall.
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The last time I was in Chicago was in about 1980...and I stayed with a friend (my favorite type of "hotel"...ha ha)...out in the suburbs...1/2 hr. on the L to get downtown. Granted...if you don't have to rent a car, you can pay a bit more for a hotel. The last time I was in NYC was in 1989, so I guess hotel prices would be a shock there now as well.

[noflyingfan]

Scott, it's actually not that wintry in Chicago in October. It's pleasantly brisk, fall-like, but it doesn't usually start getting bone chilling until later.

And SPMark is right about the location being expensive. The Mag Mile is a great location, so you are going to pay more for it, but I hear there are deals to be had, so shop around a little bit.

Don't rent a car if you don't have to. Like in any big city, parking is a nightmare, and even if you just leave your car in the hotel garage, that's going to cost you some money too.

[Barb-SAN]

If cities could talk, you might hear in a Presidential debate, "Mr. Scottsdale, you're no Mr. Chicago or Mr. New York City! " :) If you've never been to Chicago, you'll really appreciate more than perfectly adequate for a location that's close to places you want to visit.

I was just looking at the website for the Allerton Hotel....nice photos...and a bit of "reality"...those buildings are SO TALL...:lol: . (You can tell it's been awhile since I've been around a LOT of skyscrapers...we have a few in San Diego...but not so many). I'm thinking...."riding the elevator" practice...:rolleyes:

[EyesSkyward]

Last time I was in Chicago, I used Priceline and got room at a Club Quarters, in the Loop. I don't remember the exact price, but it was quite cheap for Chicago, and the room was great.

Club Quarters is one of those private, executive joints that your company has to be a "member" of to book a room. But their unsold rooms get dumped to Priceline where any schmoe can get 'em. :thumbsup:

- Jeff

[Barb-SAN]

Thanks, Jeff, for that tip! I've never used Priceline before. I assume if you buy a ticket through them, part of the deal in exchange for the low price, is that you can't get your money back if your plans change and you need to cancel your trip, right?

Do you remember (ballpark) how much you saved by buying your hotel room this way?

[EyesSkyward]

I don't really remember what I paid or saved.

And, come to think of it... maybe it was Expedia and not Priceline.

Boy, I'm a whole lotta help, aren't I? :D

Well here's another tip, then. Check out TravelAxe (http://www.travelaxe.com). It was originally designed to find cheap Las Vegas hotel rooms, but they've since expanded to other cities, including Chi-Town. Basically, it's a website that checks other websites and tells you which ones have the best rate.

- Jeff

[StPeteMark]

I was just looking at the website for the Allerton Hotel....those buildings are SO TALL..I'm thinking...."riding the elevator" practice...:rolleyes:I know what you mean! On our second visit to NYC, we stayed at the Crown Plaza in Times Square...this hotel is 46 stories. They put us on the 29th floor and I thought, Oh S**t! :) Well, it was an inside, fast elevator. I just used my FF tools and did not hesitate to get on the elevator right after check-in. Again, the pre-AA was the problem like with flying; the ride and subsequent rides were fine!

Just down the street is the Marriott; it has a center cluster of inside glass-walled elevators in the 49-story atrium. Those glass-wall elevators that are attached to buildings use to give me the creeps. This one at 49-stories tall, even though inside, is just plain flightning to look at from ground level. We haven't stayed there yet, so it still represents a BIG future challenge for me.

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/n/nycmq/phototour/nycmq_phototour24.jpg?Log=1


I have, however, conquered the Empire State building elevators several times. The first time, I used every FF tool I could think of. Again, the pre-AA was the problem; and the ride was not. I've taken it two more times without any AA or ride problems. The view from the top is so surreal and beautiful!

After NYC, the Allerton was a piece of cake. While we were there, we went to the observation deck of the John Handcock Building, which is several blocks south of the Allerton. Not as tall as the ESB, but it offers great views in all directions. No elevator problems. Never made it to the Sears Tower Building.

It's strange that in the early stages of overcoming FFlying, the tall elevators were harder to confront!? :dunno:
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[Barb-SAN]

It's strange that in the early stages of overcoming FFlying, the tall elevators were harder to confront!? :dunno:
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Yes...a lot of people have mentioned having fears of riding in elevators along with their fear of flying. I had that problem too; it's odd that it developed, because I used to ride elevators without much problem. To get over it, I started with an elevator at the mall that was glass on one side so that you could see out, and it only went up one level. I rode that a few times, and got more and more comfortable with it.

I gradually worked up to being comfortable riding an elevator that goes up 40 stories at the Hyatt Hotel at Seaport Village. There's an observation window on the 40th floor that faces SW...so you get a fabulous view of the harbor. I've been up there many times now at sunset. It's a great place to practice "aerial" photography and work out your camera settings at a relaxed pace. Everything happens much faster when taking aerial photos from an airplane.

Mark...have you considered making some elevator videos to post along with your take-off videos? I'm thinking those glass-enclosed elevators would be perfect for that, as you could show them as they appear on the outside, looking up at them, (like the picture you posted) and then the view once you are inside, and ascending and descending. I'd think that the glass-enclosed elevators would be good for people with claustrophobia, maybe not so good for people with fear of heights.

I think also if you were focusing on making this rather unique video, that you might go into "observer, technical mode" and think about how to make a good video, rather than being anxious. At least that is how photography is helpful to me.

I do have to say that I've felt quite overwhelmed when I've been in very large cities in the past, even when I didn't have fear of flying. (I'm thinking London, Paris, Athens, Madrid, Los Angeles, NYC). There's something about the crowds, tall buildings, traffic congestion...that makes me feel a bit claustrophobic.

I think because I grew up in a small town and spent lots of time outdoors in nature, that's the environment where I feel most comfortable.

[StPeteMark]

...Mark...have you considered making some elevator videos to post along with your take-off videos? I'm thinking those glass-enclosed elevators would be perfect for that, as you could show them as they appear on the outside, looking up at them, (like the picture you posted) and then the view once you are inside, and ascending and descending. I'd think that the glass-enclosed elevators would be good for people with claustrophobia, maybe not so good for people with fear of heights. ...SURE, send me a First Class, round-trip ticket TPA-JFK, a helicopter transfer to Manhattan, and a 2-Night paid reservation at the Marriott! :lol:

I don't know of any high-rise, glass-enclosed elevators in our area. But if I run into one, AND get on it, :eek: , I'll take my camera the next time. :)
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[Barb-SAN]

SURE, send me a First Class, round-trip ticket TPA-JFK, a helicopter transfer to Manhattan, and a 2-Night paid reservation at the Marriott! :lol:

I don't know of any high-rise, glass-enclosed elevators in our area. But if I run into one, AND get on it, :eek: , I'll take my camera the next time. :)
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Ah, Dream on....:lol::lol: But, you said it was one of those challenges out there waiting for you...so I just offered that little suggestion as a way of "just doing it". :angel:

[LeslieDEN]

I don't know of any high-rise, glass-enclosed elevators in our area. But if I run into one, AND get on it, :eek: , I'll take my camera the next time. :)
Next time you're in Phoenix, check out the downtown Hyatt (http://phoenix.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp). It has an external glass elevator that goes up to a rotating restaurant.

[stardust]

i was skimming through this thread of posts... and being i am farely new here, can someone explain this flight fest to me a little?

[Passenger Mark]

Hi Christina!

A Flightfest is where members come together and get to meet each other face-to-face.

Usually involves an educational event on Saturday morning, and then a dinner in the evening.

Sometimes... depending on the event... a get-together on Friday night, and brunch on Sunday morning.

Basically a time to get to meet each other!

[noflyingfan]

Um...so was anyone actually planning to come to the Flightfest? Because we should make arrangements soon if so.

[Barb-SAN]

Um...so was anyone actually planning to come to the Flightfest? Because we should make arrangements soon if so.

You are quite right. I'd been thinking maybe this Flight Fest wasn't going to be happening, as there hadn't been any information posted as far as what the educational aviation activity would be. I consider that to be the "big draw" of a flight fest, after having participated in the behind-the-scenes tours at the Nashville and Phoenix fests. Of course having a chance to meet people from the board is also a "draw", provided that there's a good group that shows up.

I'm in the process now of making plans for two other trips this fall...one for business, one for fun. Looking back over the past year....I realize I've taken more trips this year than in the last about 10 years. I'm rationalizing that it's all part of getting over fear of flying...one has to FLY FREQUENTLY in order to make it a routine event. The long-term payoff is so worth it (but it does take time, money, and effort).

It seems like this fest might be an expensive one due to the high hotel rates in downtown Chicago. I'm wondering if this has dampened people's enthusiasm too. :confused: Would there be an option of doing something "educational" at the airport on Saturday afternoon for folks who would consider flying in for the day just to meet people and do the aviation activity, and then fly out again the same day? I'm thinking Midway, since that's where Southwest flies, and we can get cheap flights (or rapid rewards free flights), with no penalties for changes or cancellations.

[wonka]

I just found this forum....I have never flown but may need to work up to flying in December. I live in the Chicago area. What kind of aviation related even(s) are planned for this flightfest?

thanks.

-Bob

[scottr0829]

Hi Bob,

I am researching some events now with Erika (noflyingfan) and Mark (Passenger Mark).

We will post stuff soon with (hopefully) more info and a schedule of events.

Scott :nerd:

[wonka]

Is flight fest chicago going to happen?
thanks.
-Bob

[noflyingfan]

It's been cancelled. See the "Worldfest" thread.

It's unfortunate, but we just weren't able to get everything to come together this time. But stay tuned for updates on future fests!