Dec 31, 2018, 9:41 pm
Last edit by: alexj7
CAUTION - TURNAROUND
"One customer did have issues. Wang Guanran, who documents his travels on hktravelblog.com, had his plans to travel to New York on Wednesday cut short when he was prevented from flying by immigration officials in Vietnam... he was detained by Vietnamese immigration officials, who said it was illegal to return to his city of origin while in transit." - Source:SCMP, 2 January 2019
Also https://rapidtravelchai.boardingarea...-direct-turns/
Visa Information: check out the Vietnam visa/VOA thread in the Asia forum. You can get either a visa on arrival where you get the stamp on arrival) or a "looseleaf" visa in advance from a VN Consulate in the US (which allows you to go straight to the immigration queue). There are sometimes lines for the VOA stamp and so the loosleaf approach can save you some time.
Seat Assignments
per NWPlatinum below - Cathay blocks out all seats except for 2D for some reason. I never understood the reasoning behind this but in any event just contact them for a seat assignment and they’ll let you have your choice. They like to block out seats for people with bassinets and babies. But you can usually get 2A, which is the best see if you’re solo traveler. Just say I want seat 2A and I’ll move if requested at the airport (never was asked to move)
Basic Visa Options for US Citizens
1. One month, one entry
2. One month, multiple entries
3. Three months, one entry
4. Three months, multiple entries
5. One year, multiple entries
Everyone needs an e-visa approval before boarding if they will enter the country. (e.g. clear customs). Connecting flights - even on separate tickets - do not require a visa IF IF IF the connecting airline has a counter in the transit area. (The airline may have their own rules.) Going back to the same country is not allowed without clearing customs first.
Expect the visa check at your point of departure. (Computer will flag your ticket.) The actual stamp is received on arrival (in most cases). (There is also the possibility of a visa insert with no need to go to 'visa on arrival'.)
Official Site: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States
Lounge Access (Access Requirements)
JFK - AA Flagship First (F Departure)
ORD - British Airways Club / First Lounge T5 (J / F departures). AA Flagship lounge T3 (logistics in this post)
BOS
SFO - CX Lounge Terminal A (F or J Departure)
YVR - CX Lounge Gate 67
HKG
HAN - Song Hong Lounge (KA) or ACV/NIA Business Lounge (KA)
DAD
Current status:
- Deal is no longer active (can't book this anymore)
Mainstream media coverage:
- Cathay Pacific says it will honour first and business-class tickets sold in error in move that could cost it millions [SCMP, 2 January 2019]
- Cathay Pacific error sees $16,000 flights sold for $675 [The Guardian, 2 January 2019]
- Bloomberg article by Kyunghee Park
- South China Morning Post article by Danny Lee
- Follow up article from Danny Lee SCMP with individual anecdotes and analyst comments.
- Oriental Daily Hong Kong & Macao news article discussing the fare via lens of airline "mismanagement" (Chinese)
Post your trip dates and itinerary here:
Please use (+1) to denote you are in F and can guest someone (or more than 1 person) into the F lounges in HKG.
January:
1/9: KA 294 HAN-HKG - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/10: CX 888 HKG-YVR - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/18: KA 296 HAN-HKG - SOWK
1/19: CX 888 HKG-YVR - SOWK
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Governator
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 840 HKG-JFK - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Governator
1/22: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Governator
1/23: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Governator (won't fly this one)
1/23: CX5227 DAD-HKG rbAA
1/23: CX840 HKG-JFK rbAA (can guest at Wing FC or Pier FC as I have 5hrs+)
1/26: CX 227 DAD-HKG - Synd(+1)
1/26: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Synd(+1)
1/29 KA 227 DAD-HKG - miffSC
1/29 CX 846 HKG-JFK - miffSC
1/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - Synd (+1)
1/30: CX 865 JFK - YVR - HKG - ss2k(+1) can guest someone at JFK Flagship dining (i think)
February:
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - Synd (+1) - will try not to fly this one
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - ss2k (+1) - will probably stay in DAD for couple of days if anyone wants to join
2/2: CX865 JFK-YVR-HKG rbAA (can guest at JFK AA FL FC)
2/3 - KA 227 - DAD-HKG - swgsword, Pochama
2/3 - CX 840 - HKG-JFK - Pochama
2/4 - CX 888 - HKG-YVR-JFK - swgsword (+1, also FL at JFK)
2/4: CX5220 HKG-DAD rbAA (tight connection :50 so no lounge time unless I misconnect)
2/10: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
2/11: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
2/15: CX 831 JFK-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
2/15: CX 812 HKG-BOS - AnttiV
2/16: KA 220 HKG-DAD - usairchairman (+1)
2/18 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
2/19: KA 296 HAN-HKG - IncaTrails
2/19: CX 812 HKG-BOS - IncaTrails
2/22: CX 811 BOS-HKG - AnttiV
March:
3/01: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/01 CX ### HAN-HKG - billbligh (+3)
3/02 CX888 HKG-YVR (0100) billybligh(+3)
3/03: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
3/03: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
3/04: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
3/05: CX1790 HAN-HKG - dordal
3/06: CX872 HKG-SFO - dordal
3/08: CX 873 SFO-HKG - princesakura
3/11: KA 223 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 865 YVR-HKG - SOWK
3/13: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - SOWK
3/14: CX 5227 DAD-HKG - Hudute
3/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Hudute
3/15: CX 5527 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 845 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/16: KA 228 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: CX 890 HKG-EWR - SiempreBCNJFK
3/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
3/20: CX ### HKG-JFK - tcormier (+2)
3/20: CX 888 HKG-(YVR)-JFK - captainstubing (+1)
3/22: CX 831 JFK-HKG - captainstubing
3/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK - jongesander (+1)
3/25: CX 899 EWR-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: KA 226 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: CX 845 JFK-HKG - swgsword
3/27: KA 220 HKG-DAD - swgsword (+1)
3/27: KA ### HAN-HKG - Mauibaby2008
3/27: CX ### HKG-JFK - Mauibaby2008
3/28: CX 766 SGN-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/28: CX 846 HKG-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/29: CX 5296 HAN-HKG - LHG
3/29: CX 872 HKG-SFO - LHG
3/29: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/31: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
April:
4/3 CX 845 JFK-HKG - miffSC
4/4 KA 220 HKG-DAD - miffSC
4/6 KA 294 HAN-HKG - frisbfreek
4/7 CX 830 HKG-JFK - frisbfreek (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - bostonbali (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - swgsword
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK bostonbali (+1)
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK swgsword (+1)
4/19: KA 298 HAN-HKG shek3112
4/19: CX 846 HKG-JFK shek3112 (+3)
4/19: CX 806 HKG-ORD Oshkosh105 (+1)
4/20: CX 807 ORD-HKG Oshkosh105
4/29: CX 845 JFK-HKG shek3112 (+3)
4/30: KA 299 HKG-HAN shek3112 (may change)
4/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
May:
5/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
5/1: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
5/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
5/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - zip10001
5/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - zip10001
5/10: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
5/11: CX5297 HKG-HAN - dordal
5/11: KA 296 HAN-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 5294 HAN-HKG - dordal
5/13: CX 872 HKG-SFO - dordal
5/13: BA 28 HKG-LHR - driveswith (+1)
5/15 CX865 YVR-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/16 KA 299 HKG-HAN - james_yuen (+1)
5/19: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Frebay (+1)
5/20: CX 5224 HKG-DAD - Frebay (+1)
5/21: KA 296 HAN-HKG - AndrewT84
5/22: CX 872 HKG-SFO - AndrewT84
5/24: CX 811 BOS-HKG - IncaTrails
5/25: KA 297 HKG-HAN - IncaTrails
5/28: CX 764 SGN-HKG - JetSetDave
5/28: CX 858 HKG-SEA - JetSetDave
5/30: CX 841 JFK-HKG - zip10001
5/31: KA 224 HKG-DAD - zip10001
5/31: CX 5294 (KA) HAN-HKG maverikbc (+1)
June:
6/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR maverikbc (+1)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - greendx
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - greendx
6/3: CX 888 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 766 SGN-HKG - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - UAPremierGuy
6/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - Evianon
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Evianon (+1)
6/9: KA 294 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 845 JFK-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/11: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Evianon
6/12: KA 220: HKG-DAD - Evianon
6/12: CX 841 JFK-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Hudute
6/13: KA 299 HKG-HAN - Mrow (+1)
6/13: CX 5220 HKG-DAD - Hudute
6/17: KA 225 DAD-HKG - CruisingAlitiude47
6/18: CX 830 HKG-JFK - CruisingAlitiude47
6/22: KA 294 HAN-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 830 HKG-YVR - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 888 HKG-JFK - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: KA 221 DAD-HKG ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/28: CX 865 JFK-HKG - greendx
6/30: KA 220 HKG-DAD - greendx
July:
7/3: CX 857 SEA-HKG - JetSetDave
7/4: CX 767 HKG-SGN - JetSetDave
7/4: KA 294 HAN-HKG - Majuki
7/4 CX 872 SFO-HKG - princesakura
7/5: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Majuki
7/5: KA 227 DAD-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/6: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK- afirm (+1)
7/7: CX 841 JFK-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 224 HKG-DAD - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 872 - HKG-SFO - princesakura
7/9: CX 841 JFK-HKG - JALOO5-Flyer
7/11: CX 873 SFO-HKG - AndrewT84
7/12: KA 297 HKG-HAN - AndrewT84
7/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - CruisingAltitude47
7/13: KA 220 HKG-DAD - CruisingAltitude47
7/14: KA 221 DAD-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+2)
7/15: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+2)
7/17: CX 840 HKG-JFK - danfl44 (+1)
7/20: CX 865 JFK-HKG zOhYeahz (+2)
7/22: KA 224 HKG-DAD zOhYeahz (+2)
7/25: CX 841 JFK-HKG - danfl44 (+1)
7/27: CX ### JFK-HKG - tcormier (+2)
7/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
August:
8/5: KA 225 DAD-HKG - sriegert
8/6: CX 888 HKG-JFK - sriegert
8/6 KA 221 DAD-HKG - aradisc (+1)
8/7 CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - aradisc (+1)
8/7: KA 221/840 DAD-HKG-JFK Brituchenite
8/9: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Quanh79 (+1)
8/9: CX767 HKG-SGN - Quanh79 (+1)
8/10 CX 840 HKG-JFK - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/11 CX 841 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
8/11 KA 294 DAD-HKG - pochi
8/12 KA 225 DAD-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/12 CX 888 HKG-JFK - pochi (+1)
8/13 CX 830 HKG-JFK - Dancrane (+1)
8/17 CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
8/17 CX 841 JFK-HKG - pochi (+1)
8/17 KA 297 HKG-HAN - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/18 CX 845 JFK-YVR-HKG - swgsword
8/19 KA 299 HKG-HAN - swgsword (+1)
8/19 CX 841 JFK-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/20 KA 224 HKG-DAD - Dancrane (+1)
8/23 CX 845 JFK-HKG - sriegert
8/23 CX812 HKG-BOS - paul4471 (+2)
8/24 - KA 220 HKG-DAD - sriegert
8/24 CX1790/VN592 HAN-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/25 CX888 HKG-YVR ritesa (+1)
8/26 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura
8/27 CX865 YVR-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX835 JFK-HKG - terryversay (+1)
8/30: CX830 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer (+1)
8/31: KA297 HKG-HAN - terryversay (+1)
8/30 KA299 HKG-HAN ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX865CX5/220 JFK-YVR-HKG-DAD Brituchenite
8/30: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-JFK-DCA - GlobalNelson
September:
9/1: CX 766 SGN-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 192 / CX 7686 HKG-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 303 LAX-IAD - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Majuki
9/1: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - paul4471 (+2)
9/2: KA 297 HKG-HAN - Majuki
9/6: AA 1139 IAD-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: AA 193 / CX 7685 LAX-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/8: CX 767 HKG-SGN - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: KA 221 DAD-HKG - ChiefNWA
9/7: CX 840 HKG-JFK - ChiefNWA
9/9: VN592-CX840 HAN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
9/14: KA296-CX810 HAN-HKG pschafer+1 in J
9/14: CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
9/26: CX 764 SGN-HKG - Phrantic
9/27: CX 806 HKG-ORD - Phrantic
9/28: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Pochama
9/29: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Pochama
9/30: CX ### JFK-HKG - Mauibaby2008
October:
10/01: KA ### HKG-HAN - Mauibaby2008
10/05: CX855-KA299 YVR-HKG-HAN - pschafer+1 in J
10/08 CX5221 - CX890 DAD-HKG-EWR MCI777
10/10 CX841 - CX5224 JFK-HKG-DAD MCI777
10/10: CX865-KA297 JFK-HKG-HAN - Zebranz
10/11: CX 865 JFK-HKG - ChiefNWA
10/12: KA 220 HKG-DAD - ChiefNWA
10/12: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
10/13: CX5299 HKG-HAN
10/15: VN594-CX840 SGN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
10/16-17: KA221J/CX888A DAD-HKG-YVR-JFK - Shareholder
10/19 CX865 YVR-HKG maverikbc (+1)
10/20 CX1791 (VN) HKG-HAN maverikbc (+1)
10/25: CX/KA ### DCA-JFK-HKG-HAN - GlobalNelson
10/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
10/31: CX 721 HKG-SGN - SiempreBCNJFK
November:
11/1: CX 831 JFK-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
11/1: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-YVR - GlobalNelson
11/2: KA 220 HKG-DAD - sgan317 (+2)
11/4-6: CX865A/KA220J (CX5220J) JFK-HKG-DAD - Shareholder
11/7: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/7: CX841-CX799 JFK-HKG-SGN - Zebranz (changed due to CX Cxl CX845)
11/8: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
11/9: KA 228 HKG-DAD - nutty92 (+2)
11/11: KA296-CX872 HAN-HKG-SFO - Zebranz
11/12: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/13: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+1)
11/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Paul5795 (+1)
11/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Paul5795 (+1)
11/26: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/26: CX873-KA295 SFO-HKG-HAN - Zebranz (might abandon KA295)
11/27: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/29: KA296 HAN-HKG - JAeX
11/30: CX872 HKG-SFO - JAeX
11/30: KA 227 DAD-HKG-Tennislover9
11/30: CX 846 HKG-JFK-Tennislover9
11/30: CX726 SGN-HKG- stephem (+4)
11/30: CX858 HKG-SEA- stephem (+4)
December:
12/02: HKG-SFO CX872- uclabruin82
12/14: KA 294 HAN-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX 830 HKG-JFK - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX873 SFO-HKG - Paul5795
12/17: KA226 HKG-DAD - Paul5795
12/18: CX 807 ORD-HKG - Phrantic
12/19: CX 865 YVR-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 841 JFK-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 865 JFK-YVR - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: CX 865 YVR-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: KA 295 HKG-HAN - FormallyKnownAs (+1) may abandon
12/20: CX 767 HKG-SGN - Phrantic
12/20: CX 845 JFK-HKG-Tennislover9
12/20: CX857 SEA-HKG- stephem (+4)
12/21: CX799 HKG-SGN- stephem (+4)
12/21: KA 228 HKG-DAD-Tennislover9 (may abandon)
12/21: KA 297 HKG-HAN - calcjr23 (+1)
12/21: CX873 SFO-HKG - JAeX
12/23: KA297 HKG-HAN - JAeX
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Frebay (+1)
12/24: KA 295 HKG-HAN - Frebay (+1)
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - UCLABruin82
FARES (YMMV) listed alphabetically - F booked into J/A; J booked into I,D,C.
- DAD-IAD: ~$1,483 (F)
- DAD-JFK: ~$675 (J) ~$845 (F)
- DAD-SFO: ~$931 (J)
- HAN-BOS: ~$1,120 (J) ~$1,200 (F)
- HAN-IAD: ~$1,000 (J) ~$1,400 (F)
- HAN-JFK: ~$1,324 (J) ~$1,444 (F)
- HAN-SFO: ~$1,240 (F)
- HAN-YVR: ~$768 (J) ~$988 (F)
- SGN-JFK: ~$1,849 (F)
- SGN-ORD: ~$1,115 (F)
- SGN-SEA: ~$1,109 (J)
[Premium Fare Gone]: CX: Vietnam to North America from $674 (J) and $1100 (F)
Feb 18, 2019, 7:38 am
#1651
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: BAEC Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 407
If the dates don't match up, I feel like there is a very high chance you could get denied boarding. Why would you risk the entire return portion over $25?
Feb 18, 2019, 8:37 am
#1652
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Feb 18, 2019, 8:45 am
#1653
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
Feb 18, 2019, 9:02 am
#1654
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
Do they electronically send the visa info to VN and get a response back? If yes, and your visa is ‘used’ then possible to be denied boarding. I doubt it is the case, but who knows?
Feb 18, 2019, 9:15 am
#1655
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Australia
Programs: QF; VA; AS
Posts: 109
Haha ! The risks some folks will take to avoid $25 is hilarious. The only thing funnier would be losing the return and having to pay for economy.
Feb 18, 2019, 10:52 am
#1656
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Platinum Pro, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 215
Anyone has experience changing their flights after the first 2 segments? My mother and sister-in-law are flying soon but they have to go back early due to work obligations.
Previously with CX, if you change your remaining flights after the first flight has commenced, you can change the flights without price adjustment, but I’m not sure if this particular fare has extra restrictions? Only data point I read so far is someone managed to change the last segment at the gate.
Their tickets could be harder to change as it was booked through Orbitz and the first segment in Y on Vietnam airlines.
any data point would be greatly appreciated.
Previously with CX, if you change your remaining flights after the first flight has commenced, you can change the flights without price adjustment, but I’m not sure if this particular fare has extra restrictions? Only data point I read so far is someone managed to change the last segment at the gate.
Their tickets could be harder to change as it was booked through Orbitz and the first segment in Y on Vietnam airlines.
any data point would be greatly appreciated.
Feb 18, 2019, 10:52 am
#1657
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Just off the Main Line
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT 2MM, DL Lifetime GM 2MM, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, HH Diamond, IHG Amb Diamond
Posts: 881
Regarding the re-use of E-Visa, I had posted this earlier in my trip report
I had taken the PDF of the E-Visa I got, edited the visa number (at the top) and the dates to match this trip and printed out a copy. I had guessed, apparently correctly, that while the agent would check that I had a Visa (she did seem to write down something), that she would have no way to actually validate it.
Worked with no problem.
I had taken the PDF of the E-Visa I got, edited the visa number (at the top) and the dates to match this trip and printed out a copy. I had guessed, apparently correctly, that while the agent would check that I had a Visa (she did seem to write down something), that she would have no way to actually validate it.
Worked with no problem.
Last edited by Governator; Feb 18, 2019 at 10:56 am Reason: Added URL
Feb 18, 2019, 11:19 am
#1658
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
The F/O called in sick out of JFK on CX831 today. Flight is delayed 8 hours, and may get cancelled. I Have work obligations, and since this is CX’s fault I’m assuming ticket is now fully changeable. I’m in the lounge, but unsure if I want to change the ticket to May or something. When I asked about changing the return to May I was gettig funny looks from airport counter staff.
Last edited by NWplatinum; Feb 18, 2019 at 11:24 am
Feb 18, 2019, 11:23 am
#1659
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 524
I agree with people's sentiments of trying to save $25 on a 2nd Vietnam Visa by lying or worse falsifying/faking Communist government documents. What could go wrong right?
I hear the Hanoi Hilton these days are very comfy and actually managed by the American Hilton hotel management company.
Picking up pennies in front of a steamroller comes to mind. SMH
While I was waiting to pick up my 1 year multi entry visa on arrival at Saigon airport last month ($25 invitation letter + $135 stamp fee), I witnessed an young mid twenties Caucasian male getting yelled at by an very stern Vietnamese immigration official.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
I hear the Hanoi Hilton these days are very comfy and actually managed by the American Hilton hotel management company.
Picking up pennies in front of a steamroller comes to mind. SMH
While I was waiting to pick up my 1 year multi entry visa on arrival at Saigon airport last month ($25 invitation letter + $135 stamp fee), I witnessed an young mid twenties Caucasian male getting yelled at by an very stern Vietnamese immigration official.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
Last edited by dchen2; Feb 18, 2019 at 11:46 am
Feb 18, 2019, 11:38 am
#1661
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 524
Yep, I seen VOA invitation letters as cheap as $6 online if you request it 2 working days prior. Much better alternative than forging or trying to pass off an already used e-Visa form.
Feb 18, 2019, 4:27 pm
#1663
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
CX831 out of JFK today was a nightmare. The first officer calls in sick two hours before departure so nobody had time to make alternate arrangements. I just rebooked for tomorrow and grabbed a hotel which should be picked up by my travel insurance.
Feb 18, 2019, 5:02 pm
#1664
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I agree with people's sentiments of trying to save $25 on a 2nd Vietnam Visa by lying or worse falsifying/faking Communist government documents. What could go wrong right?
I hear the Hanoi Hilton these days are very comfy and actually managed by the American Hilton hotel management company.
Picking up pennies in front of a steamroller comes to mind. SMH
While I was waiting to pick up my 1 year multi entry visa on arrival at Saigon airport last month ($25 invitation letter + $135 stamp fee), I witnessed an young mid twenties Caucasian male getting yelled at by an very stern Vietnamese immigration official.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
I hear the Hanoi Hilton these days are very comfy and actually managed by the American Hilton hotel management company.
Picking up pennies in front of a steamroller comes to mind. SMH
While I was waiting to pick up my 1 year multi entry visa on arrival at Saigon airport last month ($25 invitation letter + $135 stamp fee), I witnessed an young mid twenties Caucasian male getting yelled at by an very stern Vietnamese immigration official.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
I don’t know how anyone could be dumb enough to actually present a fictitious visa to a communist government border agent who obviously has access to the system and can check if the visa is valid or not.
Feb 18, 2019, 7:46 pm
#1665
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,800
While I was waiting to pick up my 1 year multi entry visa on arrival at Saigon airport last month ($25 invitation letter + $135 stamp fee), I witnessed an young mid twenties Caucasian male getting yelled at by an very stern Vietnamese immigration official.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
The official proceeded to yell that the "young man was getting sent back to his country of origin with no chance of appeal. And to not question his authority as an Vietnam government immigration officer."
I imagine the offender not only lost any of his non-refundable planned Vietnam travel/lodgings, but also had to pay for a full fare flight back to his originating country and will deal with the airline carrier billing him for the large fine Vietnam immigration will levy on the airline for the immigration violation. Plus a likely Vietnam immigration ban for the future to boot.
It has to be something airline check-in failed to spot.
A dodgy letter can be an answer, but he'd be stupid actually proceeding to Vietnam with forged letter (as opposed to using such letter to short check, which is argurably feasible if not ethically questionable)