Stu Short

I'm bringing a Canon 80D with a workhorse Tamron 18-270 and a Sigma 12-24, a Dead Kitten external mic and a bunch of filters. I'm hoping we'll get close enough so that I don't have to use the full extent of the Tamron

I think I'm Terminal 5 as well but I depart on the day itself.

I'm sure this statement has now jinxed everything!!

Flights booked, coach to airport booked, insurance bought, passport renewed, ESTA completed. Anyone else on Tour 2?

Same here.

ESTA approved HURRAH! Though I think I put the wrong postcode down...

There's usually a TORRO meet up in Oxford in April. Could be an idea?

Thanks Nick

Hi All So, I'm looking at filling out my Visa Waiver and Apis summary - is it too early to ask if we know what the base hotel will be for Tour 2 or what do people generally write? Cheers

Well, I've just booked my flights through Omega Flight Store - direct flight at a 'too good to be true' price. Got my itinerary, no email confirmation as of yet though, but have been onto the BA website to check the booking and I'm all logged and confirmed. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Given there's currently very little difference between 3rd Party prices and Airline prices (well, not enough to take the risk anyway), I think I'll just go with the airline. I'm looking to book a direct flight whilst avoiding the likes of United and Delta airlines. Get this though... a direct flight from Heathrow to Fort Worth is about £700 currently. However, an indirect 1 stop flight from Newcastle to Fort Worth - bearing in mind that the stop off is Heathrow, is £550. THAT is messed up and is apparently all down to airport taxes. Pretty scandalous I reckon.

Hi All I'm interested to know what people's experiences are of booking their flight. As the title says, did you book direct through the airline or via a 3rd party agent and, if so, was it a smooth ride or should I steer clear? This is my 4th trip out now but the last was in 2012 and I can't for the life of me remember how or who I booked through. Cheers in advance.

Delta are currently offering flights for below £450... IF you want 2 stops and a ~24hr trip. Otherwise I've seen prices drop to ~£500 for a direct flight but they seem to hover around the norm of £720.

Hi Nick, how did you manage to book flights to DLF for less than £500? Would appreciate the details on that one

This will be my 4th chase Stateside but my first with the Netweather team and I'll on Tour 2. Looking forward to getting back out there and meeting you all.

For the chase virgins on this tour, this must be insane!