FlyerTalkers Laid Off Thread
Jan 9, 2003 | 3:06 pm
#46
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: None, but flying a lot more Delta these days
Posts: 708
I usually write down my previous occupation and if asked where I work, just say currently unemployed. I figure my occupation is the same but not the employer.
I ran into trouble in November at LHR because I listed "not yet known" where they ask where you are staying. I made the flight reservation the night before on a whim and figured I'd get a hotel when I arrived.
The combination of being unemployed and no place to stay seemed to convince the agent that I was there to look for work. I also got a fairly long lecture on how it doesn't make sense to travel somewhere without any plans. Of course in those situations the best course of action is just to listen and not say anything since I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong and would be let in.
I ran into trouble in November at LHR because I listed "not yet known" where they ask where you are staying. I made the flight reservation the night before on a whim and figured I'd get a hotel when I arrived.
The combination of being unemployed and no place to stay seemed to convince the agent that I was there to look for work. I also got a fairly long lecture on how it doesn't make sense to travel somewhere without any plans. Of course in those situations the best course of action is just to listen and not say anything since I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong and would be let in.
Jan 9, 2003 | 4:31 pm
#47
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,206
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kokonutz:
I always just write something generic: "Manager" or "Director." I manage and direct many things, only a few of them having to do with my job...
However, Using that second definition, we could all fill in "Flyertalker." You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he's really sick and they won't take him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony, they may think they're both f****** and they won't take either of them.
And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people [flying] in [claiming to be flyertalkers] and walking out. They may think it's an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day [flying] in [claiming to be flyertalkers] and walking out. And friends they may thinks it's a movement....</font>
I always just write something generic: "Manager" or "Director." I manage and direct many things, only a few of them having to do with my job...
However, Using that second definition, we could all fill in "Flyertalker." You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he's really sick and they won't take him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony, they may think they're both f****** and they won't take either of them.
And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people [flying] in [claiming to be flyertalkers] and walking out. They may think it's an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day [flying] in [claiming to be flyertalkers] and walking out. And friends they may thinks it's a movement....</font>
Jan 9, 2003 | 5:13 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
Emerging from the above posts, the best advice seems to be, if you are entering a country (UK, Canada, etc.) where you might be suspected of trying to "steal jobs" from the local citizens:
1. Don't use UNEMPLOYED or CONSULTANT as your occupation. ("FLYERTALKER?" -- I'm NOT gonna be the first to try that one!)
2. Have the name of a local hotel on the tip of your tongue in case you are asked where you will be staying, even if you are planning to stay with friends.
3. Carry at least SOME cash (even if it's US dollars rather than local currency) to prove you are not destitute.
4. Dress neatly and cleanly enough that you don't look like a bum, even if you really are one!
5. Have your return ticket handy to help convince them you are actually planning to leave their country.
Kathy
1. Don't use UNEMPLOYED or CONSULTANT as your occupation. ("FLYERTALKER?" -- I'm NOT gonna be the first to try that one!)
2. Have the name of a local hotel on the tip of your tongue in case you are asked where you will be staying, even if you are planning to stay with friends.
3. Carry at least SOME cash (even if it's US dollars rather than local currency) to prove you are not destitute.
4. Dress neatly and cleanly enough that you don't look like a bum, even if you really are one!
5. Have your return ticket handy to help convince them you are actually planning to leave their country.
Kathy
Jan 10, 2003 | 6:42 am
#49
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in VIENNA, AUSTRIA!
Posts: 61,929
Gaucho: I got PS2 for xmas...I've been BUSY 
. On a more serious note, about 2years ago I replaced my old passport with me with long, wild hair and tie-dye with my new one with me in a business suit. You can't imagine how this has speeded ALL immigration stops...
. On a more serious note, about 2years ago I replaced my old passport with me with long, wild hair and tie-dye with my new one with me in a business suit. You can't imagine how this has speeded ALL immigration stops...
Jan 10, 2003 | 7:00 am
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,037
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by El Boocho:
On the landing card in Toronto I wrote consultant as my occupation. You would have thought I wrote International Terrorist. The goons there escorted the two other gentleman I was traveling with and I to a private room where we were grilled at length about the purpose of our one day trip. A long monologue that sounded similar to the riot act but was actually about NAFTA then ensued for several minutes. Subsequently, we were accused of stealing jobs from hardworking Canadians. As a result I now wear my green visor and write accountant on the declaration.</font>
On the landing card in Toronto I wrote consultant as my occupation. You would have thought I wrote International Terrorist. The goons there escorted the two other gentleman I was traveling with and I to a private room where we were grilled at length about the purpose of our one day trip. A long monologue that sounded similar to the riot act but was actually about NAFTA then ensued for several minutes. Subsequently, we were accused of stealing jobs from hardworking Canadians. As a result I now wear my green visor and write accountant on the declaration.</font>
However, I'm considering a(nother) career change this fall, after which I'll write "professor." Has anyone had any negative experiences with that one?
Jan 10, 2003 | 11:03 am
#51
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Memphis, TN USA UA 1K, NW Platinum, AA Gold, Starwood Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 701
Actually listing "Professor" as your occupation might accord you additional 'honor'. In many Asian countries, a teacher or professor is a position of great honor. When I travel into China/Taiwan, I list Teacher as my occupation. This is a large part of the reason I go into these countries. I have never been hassled, and in fact on a few occasions, have been given assistance with the customs process so that I could be more quickly on my way.
Just my experience.....
Just my experience.....
Jan 10, 2003 | 3:39 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,502
I'm thinking of changing what I put in those boxes. My usual occupation is a 'Trainer and Technical Writer', but because there is never enough room on the immigration cards to fit that in I usually shorten it to 'Trainer'.
Many times, especially in AU and NZ, I am stopped at Quarantine and asked if I am a 'Horse Trainer', but I whisper back that I train people...
Many times, especially in AU and NZ, I am stopped at Quarantine and asked if I am a 'Horse Trainer', but I whisper back that I train people...
Jan 10, 2003 | 4:29 pm
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Latitudes:
I'm thinking of changing what I put in those boxes. My usual occupation is a 'Trainer and Technical Writer', but because there is never enough room on the immigration cards to fit that in I usually shorten it to 'Trainer'.
Many times, especially in AU and NZ, I am stopped at Quarantine and asked if I am a 'Horse Trainer', but I whisper back that I train people...</font>
I'm thinking of changing what I put in those boxes. My usual occupation is a 'Trainer and Technical Writer', but because there is never enough room on the immigration cards to fit that in I usually shorten it to 'Trainer'.
Many times, especially in AU and NZ, I am stopped at Quarantine and asked if I am a 'Horse Trainer', but I whisper back that I train people...
</font>
Kathy
Jan 10, 2003 | 4:48 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: No one cares
Posts: 7,616
My partner and I went to a YVR in Nov 2001 on OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL to give a talk at a INTERNATIONAL meeting that was being held in YVR. We were detained at the border for a good 15 minutes while they poured over our Travel orders, meeting agenda and our passports. It was really too much.
We should have just told them we were up for the day to go shopping. It would have been faster.
As for job titles, I just put my boring old one down and am happy to show them proof.
We should have just told them we were up for the day to go shopping. It would have been faster.
As for job titles, I just put my boring old one down and am happy to show them proof.
Jan 10, 2003 | 7:05 pm
#56
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: Lowly BA Blue. One of the original easyJet Flight Club members and still am.
Posts: 4,319
I was offered a very enticing package in early December and decided that for the first time in my life being unemployed could be just what I needed. I left the UK on Christmas Eve and I'm now touring around Australia. I'm burning a few Hilton points to keep me in the style I'm accustomed to but I'm also staying in some less pricey hotels!
I'm due back in the UK around mid_february and will start looking for a job then. The IT market is not good so I may try my hand at something else.
I'm due back in the UK around mid_february and will start looking for a job then. The IT market is not good so I may try my hand at something else.
Jan 10, 2003 | 9:59 pm
#58
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 592
Hi guys. Thanks for all the answers to my question. Given the variety of responses I'm still not quite sure what to make of it, but I do feel better prepared for when the time comes to leave the office in favor of the 747 and go on an extended mileage run. Of course, it all goes to show you - no matter what travel situation you find yourself in, there's always someone on FlyerTalk who's been there, done that.
Personally, when someone asks me what I do for a living, the conversation goes something like this:
"So what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a frequent flyer."
"Um... And who writes your paycheck?"
"Oh, you're asking me what I do for working. I'm a computer programmer by profession, but flying is what I do to make sure I keep living!"
Or...
"What's your occupation?"
"I'm a frequent flyer."
"Really? You mean someone pays you for that?"
"Oh, you want to know what I get paid for... Well, I work with computers, but honestly, if I had to occupy myself with that all the time I'd go insane!"
I'm not eager to try either of these on an immigration official though.
Of course, it all goes to show you - no matter what travel situation you find yourself in, there's always someone on FlyerTalk who's been there, done that.Personally, when someone asks me what I do for a living, the conversation goes something like this:
"So what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a frequent flyer."
"Um... And who writes your paycheck?"
"Oh, you're asking me what I do for working. I'm a computer programmer by profession, but flying is what I do to make sure I keep living!"
Or...
"What's your occupation?"
"I'm a frequent flyer."
"Really? You mean someone pays you for that?"
"Oh, you want to know what I get paid for... Well, I work with computers, but honestly, if I had to occupy myself with that all the time I'd go insane!"
I'm not eager to try either of these on an immigration official though.
Jan 10, 2003 | 10:46 pm
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Factotum:
I work with computers, but honestly, if I had to occupy myself with that all the time I'd go insane!</font>
I work with computers, but honestly, if I had to occupy myself with that all the time I'd go insane!</font>
Kathy