[davocns]

Good afternoon all.I have been a frequent observer of this dicscussion board and have finally taken the plunge and signed on! I have a query and would appreciate your advice. If when one arrives at a foreign port (e.g. Los Angeles) and is refused entry into the US ,at whose expense is the return flight ?Is it the passenger ?The airline that flew you there? All travel documents OK and no issues with funds to support yourself whilst in the US.

[Kiwi Flyer]

Welcome to AFF davocns

AFAIK it is the airline's responsibility to return you whence you came. That is why check in is supposed to be vigilant on documentation.

I'm not sure if that is also the case if, for example, you have valid entry documentation as a tourist but denied entry as they are convinced you are on business purposes (or another example that your passport has been tampered with). I hope I never find out personally.

[davocns]

Thank you Kiwi Flyer. The trip is predominently leisure (6 weeks), but will also be visiting some US clients - and as such will need to take appropriate business attire + laptop + papers etc.I am self employed and so will be funding all ! Just a bit anxious ,as last time I was questioned at length in Immigration in LAX for 2.5 hrs, about my trip to the US. Same questions over and over again. Again, all travel documents in order,and problems with funds for the trip. No reason given for questioning, left a very uneasy feeling though.

[NM]

Not only does the carrying airline have to return the refused passenger, they are also likely to be issued a significant fine for their efforts. There is a real financial incentive for the airlines to check the traveller's information before permitting them to board.

However, I think the airline will only be fined it they had not properly validated the passenger's information. For example, if the refusal was due to the immigration officer thinking you were seeking employment in the USA, it would hard for them to argue that the carrying airline should have know that. But if the arriving passenger was travelling on an expired visa or required a visa and did not have one, then the airline will be paying heavily for their sloppiness.

As you have nothing to hide, just be honest with the immigration officer. Explain the trip is a combination of leisure and business. Don't use the word "work" as that is likely to be interpretted as meaning you are seeking employment in the USA. Use terms like attending some business meetings.

[Yada Yada]

Originally Posted by davocns

Just a bit anxious ,as last time I was questioned at length in Immigration in LAX for 2.5 hrs, about my trip to the US. Same questions over and over again. Again, all travel documents in order,and problems with funds for the trip. No reason given for questioning, left a very uneasy feeling though.

Sorry to hear you had a bad time with US immigration. I have heard similar stories and cannot fathom why they single out certain individuals. :roll: In addition to the suggestions noted above, also make sure that you have your accommodation fully confirmed and can provide proof of when and where you are staying.

[davocns]

Thank you guys.I can guarantee you everything is and will be in order!
Bye the bye, love reading all your travel reports.

[v8Statesman]

OH and by-the-way. Welcome davocns to frequentflyer.com.au :P