Irrational fears as a first timer [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 05:17 AM

Did anyone have anything that stuck in the back of their mind prior to their first visit to the US?

I can't wait for this holiday to begin, and thanks to all of the info I have found over the past few months (:thumbsup2 ), im entirely happy and not in the slightest bit worried about anything that is within my control. Busy parks, fatigue, etc I can do something about. Getting to the airport on time isn't giving me one bit of worry, since we are travelling down the night before and staying at the airport. But, there are a couple of things that have been niggling at me for the past couple of weeks, and I really can't do anything about them until we confront the situation.

Firstly, immigration at MCO. Although I have never at any time been in trouble with the police, I have this stupid fear that somehow, for some reason, I am going to be denied entry to the US. Some of the fear stems from the fact that it is just me and my son - are they going to want proof that his mum is happy (nay, delighted!) that he is getting this holiday? Also, are they going to question me about the fact that he is out of school? I have heard before that they have really took people apart over this and are quite strict with it. His school, however, are also very supportive of his holiday and have said that they will give him some small tasks (keep a diary, take photos etc) so that he can relate it all to his school friends after the summer holidays. Despite this, it still worries me and I don't know anything that I can do to allay my fears :confused3

Secondly, and probably not so irrational, I have a fear that im going to get some ignorant person at the Dollar car hire desk who, despite me being given repeated assurances from my UK agent that they will accept a cash deposit (she even changed my booking from Budget to Dollar on the basis that Dollar will accept cash deposits), they will refuse me and we won't get our hire car. Although being refused a car would not be totally disastrous, it would really curb the things we wanted to do, especially our planned outing to St Petersburg for the baseball. Also, since I booked it through a private agent who works from her home and it will be around 12 midnight in the UK, there is probably no chance of me getting to contact her if I have any problems. Im kinda kicking myself now for doing this. Thankfully I haven't told Junior yet about the convertible, as he will be gutted if we don't get it. I think I might annoy the girl I booked with one more time, and ask her if she can get me some kinda written confirmation from Dollar, or a person's name that has confirmed I can do this?

Am I worried for no reason? :guilty:

jtlover

05-13-2007, 05:29 AM

Netty

05-13-2007, 05:51 AM

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 06:04 AM

Does your son have the same surname?

I would suggest ringing the airline to check or the US embassy in London - I cant imagine it is an issue at all. If anything they might suggest a letter from the mother authorising the holiday. I do recall grandparents taking their grandchildren and they dont have problems.

Regarding the car hire - they are very different now than what they used to be and you wont have a problem. You will have a great holiday.

Yeah, same forename as well (although he has 2 middle names - both his grandad's) :)

I remember there was a premium rate number where you could phone regarding Visa Waiver queries, but im sure I remember reading that they cant give specific answers to questions like 'will I definitely be given entry'. I know in all probability we will be okay.....but what a sickener it would be if it were to happen, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it :scared1: Like I said, probably quite irrational :rolleyes1

About the car....do you mean they are more relaxed now on how they accept deposits and stuff? I actually remember reading somewhere that someone just had to show their return ticket and debit card to Dollar, and no cash deposit would be taken. Would be great if this were to happen, but I have no qualms about paying the $500 deposit quoted by the agent if it means getting the car.

Thanks for your reassurances :)

wicket2005

05-13-2007, 06:11 AM

Immigration worries are perfectly natural, I am totally innocent of any crimes but still feel 'guilty' when I have to go through. It does depend on what type of immigration officer you get which sets the whole experience. Last year we had a really scary one but the year before one that joked with us. I wouldn't imagine they would be any problems with a father and son travelling together. I think they only question people who have kids who don't belong to them, and they are required to show some form of confirmation from the kid's family that they have given permission for the child to travel with another family.

It sounds like you have not taken any car insurance out with Dollar and if so I would strongly advise you to do so. The last thing you want is to have an accident then have to pay all the costs if it was your fault and face being sued by the other person.

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 06:17 AM

Paul why don't you email dollar, they are usually quite quick to reply back. also as said before, get a letter from your sons mum authorising the holiday.
over the fear of not getting through immigration, i think everyone goes through that feeling of being not allowed in to the USA!!-its normal:)
I have on a few occasions took the kids out of term time, the us authorities have never questioned that, and to be honest i have never heard of them ever doing this.:confused3
Relax and look forward to your Floridays!!:banana:

I hadn't even thought about emailing Dollar :headache: Im definitely going to do that. If they assure me it's okay, I can just print that off and take it with me. I'd feel alot better knowing I had something concrete from them.

About the letter from Paul's mum. I suppose I should do it - although part of me feels why the hell should I have to. But, that's a totally different matter altogether. All that matters is we don't have any problems, so if it helps in that respect, it's worthing doing.

Thanks Jeanette :thumbsup2 :cool1:

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 06:26 AM

Hi wicket, thanks for the reassurance :thumbsup2 Good to know it's not just me that feels this way about the immigration thing. As well as my and junior having the same name, Dad and brother have the exact same name also - im not sure if this will cause laughter or confusion! Hopefully the former :)

Re the Dollar thing, we have paid the agent for a full package, including all insurance and taxes. It's just that the voucher we have from the agent still states deposit should be in the form of a credit card, and cash deposits are 'rarely acceptable' :confused: Im going to go email Dollar about it now :)

eyoreaud

05-13-2007, 06:37 AM

Good Luck with the e-mail Paul, please let us know what they say about cash deposits when you find out :) this may be helpful to a friend of mine.

Try and not let yourself panic about getting into the US, a few years ago my Dd and i had to travel to Orlando alone as my Dh got held up at work and couldn't travel till a week later and the powers that be never gave us a second look. :goodvibes

Loads of single parents take their kids on vacation and theres never been a problem that i've ever heard of, not since All kids have had their own passports. Maybe if your Ds had still been in his mums passport it may have made a difference but that's not the case nowadays :)

Hope this helps :goodvibes

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 07:03 AM

Just sent the email away Audrey so I'll let you know what they say :) My Dad's debit card has not actually got anything on it that identifies it as a debit card (just a VISA logo and the bank name, unlike mine which says clearly VISA Electron and 'debit card' on the front) and he has been able to use it online for purchases that were marked as being only available to purchase by credit card. I've mentioned this to them in the hope they allow us to use that for the security. I can think of alot of things I would rather spend that $500 deposit on ;)

Thanks for the info everyone :goodvibes

carolfoy

05-13-2007, 07:06 AM

Paul, please don't worry yourself, immigration aren't as bad as all that, yes they're serious but they have a serious job to do, just be courteous and answer their questions politely and you'll be through in a few minutes. I have taken my son all over the world and the only place i've been questioned about his father was in canada, i didn't have a letter or anything with me but it was all ok. my sons dad has taken him a couple of places too and never been questioned.

Also as a travel agent I've had many dealings with cash only customers hiring through dollar and I've NEVER had anyone come back to me and say they've been refused the car.

MorningGlory

05-13-2007, 07:32 AM

Paul, please don't worry yourself, immigration aren't as bad as all that, yes they're serious but they have a serious job to do, just be courteous and answer their questions politely and you'll be through in a few minutes. I have taken my son all over the world and the only place i've been questioned about his father was in canada, i didn't have a letter or anything with me but it was all ok. my sons dad has taken him a couple of places too and never been questioned.

Thanks Carol, good to hear it from someone who has had first-hand experience! I'll definitely be on my best behaviour going through immigration :)

Also as a travel agent I've had many dealings with cash only customers hiring through dollar and I've NEVER had anyone come back to me and say they've been refused the car.

Great! I wished id thought of asking you about this before! :thumbsup2

I feel much more at ease now :goodvibes :woohoo:

mark&sue

05-13-2007, 07:46 AM

Also I think the USA schools may be out of school in June so I am sure immigration would not know which school in which countries and to some extent which local authorities in these countries were having school holidays.

They would have no idea you were even taking your son out of school. I guess everyday people fly into Orlando with children and immigration would not know whether they had school holidays or not.

Have a great time and don't forget to come back here and tell us all about it.

Susan

carolfoy

05-13-2007, 08:55 AM

Thanks Carol, good to hear it from someone who has had first-hand experience! I'll definitely be on my best behaviour going through immigration :)

Great! I wished id thought of asking you about this before! :thumbsup2

I feel much more at ease now :goodvibes :woohoo:

i hope I've put your mind at rest Paul, you deserve a really great holiday - just one thing though unless we get a FULL trip report pics and all you may never be allowed back! ;) ;) ;)

amystevekai&bump

05-13-2007, 09:39 AM

Hi - For what its worth Susan is right - my half brother lives in florida and breaks up from school next week for the summer holidays - so no way will they question why your son is not at school!!!

Please relax - I am sure immigration will be fine - when I was little (about 8) the Immigration officer asked me (and told my parents to be quiet as they were speaking to me!!) why I was coming to Florida - I just said for a holiday and everything was fine!! - I'm sure if they are even slightly concerned they will just speak directly to your son and everything will be absolutely fine. (By the way that was just one occasion I was spoken to, in over a dozen trips when I was small (one trip was just with my mum and not my dad aswell).

And getting email confirmation from dollar would be excellent - then you will have no worries at all - just a fantastic time!!

MorningGlory

05-24-2007, 11:33 AM

Good Luck with the e-mail Paul, please let us know what they say about cash deposits when you find out :) this may be helpful to a friend of mine.

Hi Audrey. Well, after 11 days I still hadn't received a reply, so I tried calling Dollar in the US this evening.

Got a quite ignorant woman on the phone who was obviously not interested in being helpful at all. I told her I had an email tracking number from them from when I sent my email - her reply was 'im not interested, just tell me your query' :eek:

When I asked her about the cash deposits at MCO, she said 'definitely not at Orlando', then hung up before I could ask any more! :scared: :mad:

Dont know what to do now :sad2:

wicket2005

05-24-2007, 12:15 PM

MorningGlory

05-24-2007, 12:35 PM

Can you not just buy the insurance and cover yourself. I would not consider driving without insurance over there. I am presuming this is why you have to leave a deposit, I know years ago this was the case if you didn't take the insurance out.
No, you must pay a deposit regardless of what insurance you have taken (afaik).

We are fully insured (I should think so at £175pw :laughing: )

wicket2005

05-24-2007, 02:17 PM

I have never heard of anyone (barring you) having to leave a deposit when you have taken out insurance. What is the deposit for then? I am quite intrigued.

MorningGlory

05-24-2007, 02:27 PM

The cash deposit is in lieu of a credit card imprint, as I dont have a CC.

Most car hirers require something like this I think. Dollar certainly do.

wicket2005

05-24-2007, 03:05 PM

Ahh. The penny drops from a great height.:) Thanks for that explanation.

Ali and boyz

05-24-2007, 03:40 PM

MorningGlory

05-24-2007, 04:05 PM

Hi Paul

Who are you flying with ? just wondering if they would phone Dollar for you

I still panic about going through immigration, hate it to be honest and this is our 10th time so you are def. not alone. we have an unusal surname and I panic they so no you can't get in. once you have done it this year you will be a dab hand at it.

they won't bother about Paul being out of school and I bet there will be loads of kids on your flight

can you not get a cc before you go. I had to get one last week and I got it within the week. I thought Dollar always had to take a imprint of your card regardless if you have paid the full insurance, however, I could be wrong.

good luck and let us know how you get on.

Hi Ali

Im not so worried now about the immigration thing now, since I know im not alone in that one :thumbsup2

About the CC. I know its sorta cutting off my nose to spit my face, but I point blank refuse to use one so it isn't really an option (my stupid dad and the principles he instilled :rolleyes: :laughing: ).

I just hope we get to pay the cash deposit. I've been reassured enough by the people here and the girl I booked it from not to take too much notice of the ignoramus I spoke to earlier ;)

Forgot to add, I booked the hire independently from the holiday with Virgin.

Tiggernut_jadie

05-24-2007, 04:12 PM

I understand your principles about a credit card but maybe you have to weigh up which is worse. Get a card - only use it for this deposit and cut it up when you get home or get to the Dollar desk, find they won't take cash and end up car less? :confused3

Personally I'd go for the former....

wicket2005

05-25-2007, 01:24 AM

[QUOTE=MorningGlory;18832935]Hi Ali

About the CC. I know its sorta cutting off my nose to spit my face, but I point blank refuse to use one so it isn't really an option (my stupid dad and the principles he instilled :rolleyes: :laughing: ).

QUOTE]

Credit cards can be used sensibly. We use ours basically as a debit card and everytime we use it we just put aside that amount of money to pay for the bill at the end of the month which gets paid off in full.:)

amystevekai&bump

05-25-2007, 02:44 AM

Following on from what Tiggernut Jadie said - could you not get a credit card just as a back up - so still plan to pay a cash deposit - but then just have the card incase they flatly refuse the cash when you are there - at least then you do have an emergency backup option???

I can totally understand not wanting a credit card ( I wish I'd never started using one!:lmao: ) and hopefully you would be able to avoid using it - but would it not be worth having it there just in case the cash deposit doesn't work - it would save alot of worry wouldn't it??

Madjock

05-25-2007, 03:43 AM

On the CC I too would go with getting one as a back up plan, if it's not required and your cash is good enough then you could cut it up as soon as you get to your hotel room so you won't be tempted (especially with all the lovely stuff in Florida;) ) but at least you would have peace of mind before travelling that one way or another you will definitely be getting your car!

On the child front, seriously you have nothing to worry about, I too have travelled with both my DDs to several places including Florida without my DH and as I still use my maiden name we don't even have that in common but I have never been questioned, ever.

Go and enjoy your holiday and don't forget to come back and tell us all about it!

Ali and boyz

05-25-2007, 04:21 AM

if it helps Paul I dont use my cc just have it for going to america. don't use it over there either but with America being, in my opinin, the cc country of the world we have always been advise to have one.

reason I got one last week is because my sons account got cleared (he is only 16) luckyly because it was fraud he got it back a week later but the bank has advised me to pay for online stuff by cc to stop this happening to me.

could you not get one and basically only use it for the car hire (as in them swiping it) only.

MorningGlory

05-25-2007, 11:43 AM

Thanks for all the advice folks :) I'll definitely give it some thought over the weekend.

I'll get a pasting from my friends if I do though, as I am always taking the moral high ground on this particular subject lol.

It's nothing to do with not wanting to fall into the debt trap - I just hate the thought of giving ANY credit company any credence by using one of their products.

carolfoy

05-25-2007, 04:04 PM

Paul - i can't believe its just 20 days for you, you must be bursting! :hug:

MorningGlory

05-25-2007, 05:58 PM

Paul - i can't believe its just 20 days for you, you must be bursting! :hug:
Trying in vain to contain it carol :rotfl:

The most important thing of course, is only 10.5 working days left!! :cool1: :woohoo: :banana:

nbodyhome

05-25-2007, 10:05 PM

Firstly, immigration at MCO. Although I have never at any time been in trouble with the police, I have this stupid fear that somehow, for some reason, I am going to be denied entry to the US.

Be glad you aren't going through Philly - that is where I came through two weeks ago (and I'm an American). I was ready to go back to Europe after dealing with them - at least England and France welcomed me with open arms! :) I felt so sorry for the foreigners going through Philly.

MCO has always seemed pretty reasonable to me - hopefully it won't be a problem at all for you.

Ali and boyz

05-26-2007, 05:20 AM

Trying in vain to contain it carol :rotfl:

The most important thing of course, is only 10.5 working days left!! :cool1: :woohoo: :banana:

can't wait to read your trip report, really interested to see what you think if it all :goodvibes :goodvibes

juliebro

05-26-2007, 06:13 AM

Be glad you aren't going through Philly - that is where I came through two weeks ago (and I'm an American). I was ready to go back to Europe after dealing with them - at least England and France welcomed me with open arms! :) I felt so sorry for the foreigners going through Philly.

MCO has always seemed pretty reasonable to me - hopefully it won't be a problem at all for you.

We always fly via Philly and it hasn't really been an issue - but when we went last month it did seem to take longer than normal. We definitely seemed to be in the queue for the officer who was taking the longest time with everyone. We swapped queues in the end and were among the last to go through.

Then when we finally got to the desk, the officer seemed to have a real problem with me. He kept asking me if I had ever been known by any other name. It turned out that there was no record of me having been on the flight. DH was ok - there was a record of him.

I was sent to 'secondary inspection'. It was pretty scary - I was thinking that I might get deported or be 'detained'! While I was at the desk in the seconday inspection area, a guy was marched in who was cuffed at the wrist and ankles! I heard the guards referring to him as 'the prisoner'. :scared:

Seems that my details hadn't been entered at Manchester airport! The guy on the desk then ran some checks. He said I would be ok as long as I hadn't been in any trouble with the police! I assured him I hadn't and tried to look nonchalent, but inside my stomach was churning. :rolleyes1 Finally, he seemed satisfied that I wasn't a threat to US security and allowed me through. By this time the baggage collection area was deserted and we found our bags and made our way to our connecting flight. Such a relief!

Julie

nbodyhome

05-26-2007, 08:53 AM

Then when we finally got to the desk, the officer seemed to have a real problem with me. He kept asking me if I had ever been known by any other name. It turned out that there was no record of me having been on the flight. DH was ok - there was a record of him.

I was sent to 'secondary inspection'. It was pretty scary - I was thinking that I might get deported or be 'detained'! While I was at the desk in the seconday inspection area, a guy was marched in who was cuffed at the wrist and ankles! I heard the guards referring to him as 'the prisoner'. :scared:

Julie

Oh, my! I am sorry for your issue. I can't even imagine! You'd think a ticket would be enough proof.

I flew through Philadelphia first a number of years ago (2002) and it was fine. That was the last time, until 2 weeks ago. It was the way they were barking orders - so many of them, from the x-ray machine to where everyone was herded in for passports and such. I don't think they take into account that many people have been up a long time, and you just don't need to yell.

Then again, we had a flight attendant yelling on our flight, I should have been used to it by then. :)

The only problem I had with Orlando coming back in the last few years is once they went through my bag and didn't zip it. I wasn't happy about that. But I do sometimes get a "welcome back". Travelling to England and France (I prefer to fly actually into London, since it's straight over on VA or BA) is a lot friendlier and at least more effiecient than coming back here. It amazed me how quickly I landed in France and was through to my bags.

scottishsue

05-26-2007, 09:06 AM

I remember the first time we went Paul, and afterwards I wondered what all the fuss was about. Everything went so smoothly.

No-one will question you taking your son out of school - we have taken our 2 boys out of school every time and no-one bats an eyelid !!

Wish I was going as soon as you - you have to give us a great report of your trip when you get back. I'll be looking forward to it.

Give my love to Mickey ::MickeyMo

ANTSS2001

05-26-2007, 04:15 PM

1st ~ignorant person at the Dollar car

2nd ~Also, since I booked it through a private agent who works from her home and it will be around 12 midnight in the UK, there is probably no chance of me getting to contact her if I have any problems.

Am I worried for no reason? :guilty:

answers to:

1st: I am not familiar with the cash thing... but my only advice is make sure you check your charges at the end of your trip... just sharing my previous experience with DOLLAR :eek: ... This past April, I booked with DOLLAR since they had a good deal online (I always use either ALAMO,NATIONAL,Enterprise and stupid me I got lured to do otherwise), by the time we got to the desk of DOLLAR at MCO we were told that the economy car I originally booked were out but they will upgrade me to the next level without extra fee. Which sounds really good. And also I always take the bumper to bumper insurance for the "just in case" situation. By the time we returned and was in a hurry to rush to get on board... only when I was on the plane I realized they charged me for the price of the upgrade and their insurance wAs $10 more than the other car rentals I have been to. So now I am trying to have them refund me for the upgrade but it has been a month and am getting the run around...

2nd: when are you arriving ? if you need me to grab anything online just in case your stuck I can do that for you... we do this alot, like one time... AVIS at MCO explained we dont have any reservation even after the fact that I have my paperwork with me and they did not want to honor it... I called my friend who was at work... browsed the internet grab a package .. called me for the reservation number and just moved along to the next desk... just a thought... (unless am also at the WORLD then I guess this wont work :laughing: )

~timmy

MorningGlory

05-27-2007, 05:43 AM

edinburghlass

05-27-2007, 03:00 PM

We arrive on the 10th June, two weeks today :cool1:

ANTSS2001

05-27-2007, 03:50 PM

Thanks timmy, thats really nice of you to offer :) I'll have my laptop with me so if im having problems, I should be able to get online with that. Im sure everything will be fine though :thumbsup2

Well.....sorta sure :scared: :rotfl:

Oh, we arrive on June 14th....2 and a bit weeks :cool1: :woohoo:

:thumbsup2 COOL... and the offer still stand just in case you need it... just PM away!! Thats what DIS Family are for :grouphug: And June 14th I will def'ly be in my neighborhood unless mom decides to surprise us that she wants to trek the world.. :laughing:

MorningGlory

05-29-2007, 10:01 AM

Okay, now im definitely feeling much better about this!! :teeth:

I was poring over the voucher earlier that I got from the agent (Florida Homes & Travel based down south), and noticed that they had done the booking through a separate company, Worldwide Cars (also based down south). I had never realised this before...

So, I had a look on their website and found a contact number. Phoned them up and spoke to a nice lady who, after speaking to her manager, assured me that they do hundreds of rentals a week through Dollar at MCO, and they definitely accept the $250pw cash deposit!!

She promised I would have no problems at all, so for that fact alone I am now convinced everything is okay. Also, I still have the transfer booked with Virgin, so we agreed that in the "highly unlikely" event that I do have a problem, I have to call her straight away the next day and she will make sure I get a car, and it gets delivered!

:cool1: :banana: :woohoo: :thumbsup2 :dance3:

The reassurance from everyone on here has been great, but to hear it from the agent who was absolutely convinced I wouldn't have a problem, it has really set my mind at ease :thumbsup2

And has removed the need for the dreaded CC :laughing: