Location: El Paso International Airport
VOBS staff will be standing outside by the flag pole with an Outward Bound sign and will meet students there. The El Paso airport is small, so our staff will be easy to find. Staff typically arrive at 11am MST (El Paso is on MST). If your student's flight arrives earlier than that, just wait in the baggage claim area until staff arrive and meet staff outside at the flagpole. Staff will also make rounds in the airport baggage claim area.
*If you're arriving by car, and you can get there early, please try to arrive between 10:30 - 11:30 AM. This will help us get you checked in and avoid a rush right at 1:00 PM.
If you cannot find a flight that arrives in El Paso by 1:00 PM MST on your course start day, you will need to arrive the night before and stay in El Paso. Please see the Pre & Post Course Accommodations Tab for information about hotels in El Paso. If you arrive the night before, you will still meet the group at the airport by 1:00 PM on your course start day.
*Recently, we have found that there are fewer flight options overall, and far fewer connecting flights into El Paso, TX. Many families have had a more positive and stress-free travel experience if they arrive the day before the course, spend the night in El Paso, and meet the group at the airport the next day. While not required, this can be a nice option to consider as you make your travel plans.
Please eat lunch and make any final phone calls before arriving at the airport. Expect to be at the airport until your whole group has arrived, at which time they will drive the 5 hours to our basecamp in vans.
With so many people traveling on the same day, we anticipate some hiccups. If your arrival is delayed, don’t worry too much. Contact our Travel Coordinator and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.
Students will be transported back to the El Paso International Airport at the end of their course. If you are picking up your student you may meet them there between 12:00 and 1:00 PM.
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR STUDENT ON ARRIVAL DAY – It’s a good idea to send a phone with your student for use during travel days (don’t forget to include a charge cord). All electronics are stored in a secure location during the expedition and will be returned to your student on departure day.
Please remind your student to call/text you when they’ve arrived and met the Outward Bound representative. There will be time for this communication. If there are any problems or your student doesn’t arrive as scheduled, we will contact you right away. Otherwise, no news is good news! Your student’s course director will accompany their group to the start of their wilderness expedition and will contact you within 2-3 days to introduce themselves and share an update.
MEALS AND MONEY ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS - Please bring a little cash for meals during your travel days. Outward Bound will provide dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day, and some snacks on both of these days. There are minimal food options once you exit the security gate at the airport so plan to get something before you arrive or before you exit security. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout travel days!
MEDICATIONS – If you take a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough to complete the entire course, and bring a back-up set if possible. If you use an inhaler or carry an Epi-pen, please bring 2 sets.
Remember to pack your medications and other important items (contacts, glasses, travel documents, money) in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.
CLOTHING/DRESS ON COURSE START DAY (DAY 1) – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Your boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt and warmer long-sleeved layer (accessible) work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.