Originally Posted by
CHUD
Yes, basically I wanted to extend my 24-hour TWOV for one more day but based on the information I was given, this was not possible.
It absolutely should have been possible. AA should have assisted you with this, based on the latest rebooking, or even with a note that you were having to rebook on a later flight on another airline (United) due to <any plausible excuse, like being bumped>.
Originally Posted by
CHUD
My demeanor and attitude was humble and apologetic. One fact I omitted is that my wife was born in China but left the country when she was 5 and does not speak any Chinese. She is a naturalized US citizen but her passport says "Born in China". They gave her much grief for not speaking any Chinese. They asked me my origins and I responded with Taiwan Chinese. I felt that I could communicate my plight more efficiently speaking Chinese but in hindsight, this was probably wrong.
(my bolding) While I hate to say it, IMO all of this was the crux of why you and your family was singled out for Immigration hard-line approach and a punitive fine, whereas most others in the same situation would not have been. Frankly, it was low down meanness of the Chinese for doing this to you, maybe you just got somebody in a very bad mood, but it was quite uncalled-for and an example of how some Chinese are capable of letting Motherland politics creep into places it shouldn't. I don't see any other explanation for this unusual and upsetting experience with them.
I would not dissuade you from getting a 10-year, multiple-entry Chinese visa just to cover yourself, in the event your future travels to Asia may take you through China for foreseen or unforeseen transits. In your case, it would be worth peace of mind to have the protection of a visa, rather than worrying about conforming to TWOV.