Traveling To Usa From Thailand With A Cash Airline Ticket

[Jingthing]

Another poster awhile back indicated if your airline ticket is purchased with cash going to the USA, you can expect special screening.

Is this really true? Where would I expect problems?

Boarding in Bangkok?

Arriving at US customs?

Boarding in the USA on return?

There are very good reasons for me to purchase my ticket with cash (can only get my best fare for my route at a Thai travel agent rather than online plus my US credit card company charges a large currency conversion fee) but I want to have some idea of what I would be in for if I go that way.

Edited February 1, 2008 by Jingthing

[yorkman]

The last time I flew I paid cash, and got some extra attention both at check in and on arrival. That was to the UK though.

For the US situation does this help? http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/02/28/airpo...y.ap/index.html

[jonniebkk]

a little may depend if you are american citizen or hail from the middle east.

just in case, i would pack a small tube (less than 100ml remember) of KY Lube might make thinks go a little smoother

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

The last time we flew into US we had a cash ticket, originated in Australia, traveling on US passport. We used cash to save 3% on the ticket price. Not a good idea. We received all kinds of cr-ap from US customs at every stop. They marked the front of our ticket with XX and went through everything with a fine tooth cone, I ask them why and they said it was because it was paid with cash. They pulled us out of every security check line and went over us with a body scanner. It got to be real annoying. We have been retired for quite a few years so I don't think we resemble your average terrorist. The US was the only place that gave us any problems. I would not do it again to save 20%. Good Luck

[Jingthing]

Wow. Well actually I might be saving 20 percent and I still might do it. Anyone try this and not get hassled?

[lomatopo]

Another poster awhile back indicated if your airline ticket is purchased with cash going to the USA, you can expect special screening.

Is this really true? Where would I expect problems?

No. Nowhere.

Hard to figure where people come up with these crazy notions? No one cares how you paid for your ticket. For a few months after 9/11 those who purchased last-minute one-way tickets, by cash, credit-card, vouchers or bartered livestock, typically received extra scrutiny SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection). Now that is done via profiling at the point of departure in the U.S.A.

CPB will have already received a manifest for your flight, this must be transmitted before the flight lands in the U.S.A. and/or before it takes off, and will have screened all pax including yourself. You may or may not fit one of many profiles warranting special attention? You should purchase the least expensive ticket possible.

If you return frequently to the U.S.A. you really should be purchasing tickets there, for USA-BKK-USA and string them together. You'll save a lot more than 20%. I pay ~ 35,000 THB for east coast-BKK-east coast on UA (accrues full mileage and I can upgrade using certificates).

[sbk]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

OK, back to topic, I have paid cash and I have paid by credit card, all return tickets (and all since 9/11) and have never been scrutinied. I am a single female traveller, so perhaps that is the difference?

[ovenman]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

From the east coast. It's currently cheaper to buy a US-BKK-US ticket than it is to buy a BKK-US-BKK ticket.

Edited February 1, 2008 by ovenman

[Jingthing]

Thanks, I figured there would be more than one side to this story. I don't go to the USA frequently so I can't do that, but I agree it is easier to get deals going with USA originating flights. I will consider myself lucky if I can get a RT BKK to US east coast for 45K baht.

Back to the paying cash issue, I think if you show up at a US airport without luggage and buy a last minute one way ticket with a wad of cash (add bonus points for beards and Arabic headwear) I am pretty sure you would get some extra attention. I bet those type of guys have figured that out already and have their credit card accounts well sorted by now, anyway.

Edited February 1, 2008 by Jingthing

[sbk]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

From the east coast. It's currently cheaper to buy a US-BKK-US ticket than it is to buy a BKK-US-BKK ticket.

I saw that after I posted I'd need a one year open return ticket as I only usually go once a year, barring family emergencies. So, expense would probably be about the same to buy here then

[lomatopo]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

I buy from a east-coast Consolidator who specializes in Asia travel. I buy excursion fares, the "W" bucket (essentially the cheapest fare available, but not available from the airline as they pre-sold this bucket to Consolidators), on UA which accrues miles and I upgrade using free, accrued upgrades. My last ticket, purchased last week for travel in June/Sep, was 900 USD base fare, 1,042.31 USD ALL IN. For BKK-BOS-BKK on UA I'd be paying 60,000 THB. For emergencies I redeem awards for BKK-BOS-BKK, I just had to do this for an unplanned trip in May, so 90,000 miles for business class (TG/US/UA) (taxes/fees: 1,545 THB!!!, no fuel surcharges).

A long time ago, when the exchange rate was ~ 41, I did buy BKK-BOS-BKK, was paying ~ 48,000 THB all in

[JonnieB]

There is a super-secret algorithm that is used by the Department of Homeland DisSecurity in determining who gets the full-Monty security screening and who doesn't' when it comes to entering the USA. Having paid for your air ticket in cash is a definite red-flag for extra scrutiny (along with other factors).

[Jingthing]

There is a super-secret algorithm that is used by the Department of Homeland DisSecurity in determining who gets the full-Monty security screening and who doesn't' when it comes to entering the USA. Having paid for your air ticket in cash is a definite red-flag for extra scrutiny (along with other factors).

Then it doesn't sound all that super secret, does it, if you are sure buying for cash is a factor.

[DrDave]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

I buy from a east-coast Consolidator who specializes in Asia travel. I buy excursion fares, the "W" bucket (essentially the cheapest fare available, but not available from the airline as they pre-sold this bucket to Consolidators), on UA which accrues miles and I upgrade using free, accrued upgrades. My last ticket, purchased last week for travel in June/Sep, was 900 USD base fare, 1,042.31 USD ALL IN. For BKK-BOS-BKK on UA I'd be paying 60,000 THB. For emergencies I redeem awards for BKK-BOS-BKK, I just had to do this for an unplanned trip in May, so 90,000 miles for business class (TG/US/UA) (taxes/fees: 1,545 THB!!!, no fuel surcharges).

A long time ago, when the exchange rate was ~ 41, I did buy BKK-BOS-BKK, was paying ~ 48,000 THB all in

Interesting! You're able to upgrade a "W" fare class ticket using accrued miles/certificates? The UA website says that the only discount fares upgradeable for transpacific flights are "M" and "H". Full-fare coach "Y" is always upgradeable.

Just curious - were you able to request the upgrade through the UA website after booking your ticket through the consolidator, or did you have to do it over the phone?

As an aside - UA does not seem to allocate ANY standard award seats for SFO - BKK - SFO. I've tried up to a year in advance, and nearly every day in a year - and the website always shows no availability. Haven't tried the reverse direction BKK - SFO - BKK.

[Beavis and Butthead]

Another poster awhile back indicated if your airline ticket is purchased with cash going to the USA, you can expect special screening.

Is this really true? Where would I expect problems?

Boarding in Bangkok?

Arriving at US customs?

Boarding in the USA on return?

There are very good reasons for me to purchase my ticket with cash (can only get my best fare for my route at a Thai travel agent rather than online plus my US credit card company charges a large currency conversion fee) but I want to have some idea of what I would be in for if I go that way.

couple of things jingthing:

no there is no special screening on cash tickets, I have done that recently

credit cards give much better rates now after the infamous credit card foreign currency lawsuit

[Beavis and Butthead]

Quick off topic post here: good lord lomatopo -- where do you get a 35,000 baht return ticket to the east coast with UA?

I buy from a east-coast Consolidator who specializes in Asia travel. I buy excursion fares, the "W" bucket (essentially the cheapest fare available, but not available from the airline as they pre-sold this bucket to Consolidators), on UA which accrues miles and I upgrade using free, accrued upgrades. My last ticket, purchased last week for travel in June/Sep, was 900 USD base fare, 1,042.31 USD ALL IN. For BKK-BOS-BKK on UA I'd be paying 60,000 THB. For emergencies I redeem awards for BKK-BOS-BKK, I just had to do this for an unplanned trip in May, so 90,000 miles for business class (TG/US/UA) (taxes/fees: 1,545 THB!!!, no fuel surcharges).

A long time ago, when the exchange rate was ~ 41, I did buy BKK-BOS-BKK, was paying ~ 48,000 THB all in

Interesting! You're able to upgrade a "W" fare class ticket using accrued miles/certificates? The UA website says that the only discount fares upgradeable for transpacific flights are "M" and "H". Full-fare coach "Y" is always upgradeable.

Just curious - were you able to request the upgrade through the UA website after booking your ticket through the consolidator, or did you have to do it over the phone?

As an aside - UA does not seem to allocate ANY standard award seats for SFO - BKK - SFO. I've tried up to a year in advance, and nearly every day in a year - and the website always shows no availability. Haven't tried the reverse direction BKK - SFO - BKK.

forget about the reverse direction, travel must originate from the USA

[lomatopo]

Interesting! You're able to upgrade a "W" fare class ticket using accrued miles/certificates? The UA website says that the only discount fares upgradeable for transpacific flights are "M" and "H". Full-fare coach "Y" is always upgradeable.

Just curious - were you able to request the upgrade through the UA website after booking your ticket through the consolidator, or did you have to do it over the phone?

As an aside - UA does not seem to allocate ANY standard award seats for SFO - BKK - SFO. I've tried up to a year in advance, and nearly every day in a year - and the website always shows no availability. Haven't tried the reverse direction BKK - SFO - BKK.

I am a 1K so earn, among other upgrades, six (6) Systemwide Upgrades: SWU: international, multi-segment: good on CDYBMHQVW. A friend gives me another four so am covered for my 5 trips annually. My Consolidator-purchased fares earn full mileage and are upgradeable using SWU's. I earn/receive a boatload of domestic 'confirmable' (CR-1) and 'requestable' (e-500) upgrades as well. I have not had to sit in economy in ~ 7 years.

CDYBMH fares are upgradeable with miles, QVW fares are not, internationally.

Standard Awards on UA (120/200/240 in Y/C/F) are always available if there are revenue tickets available. No restrictions.

Saver Awards and Star Alliance Awards (60/90/120k miles in Y/C/F for South Asia<-->North America) are more restricted but still available, you need to be flexible and research all possible routes. I just redeemed a Star Alliance award using UA miles for BKK-JFK/LGA-BOS-SFO-TPE-BKK on TG/UA and US. You can redeem awards for BKK-USA-BKK or USA-BKK-USA so am unclear what Beavis and Butthead is (are?) referring to? You can even fly via Europe, with a stop-over if you want, but will pay more in miles (75/105/140). I often book awards via Europe as it is a shoter travel time for me.

Do not, I repeat do not, use the website for awards, visit the Bangkok UA CTO (Wireless Road) or ring (009) +1 888 674 4680

Another "trick" is (if you have the award miles) to bracket a PAID A TRIP: USA-BKK-USA with an AWARD TRIP: BKK-USA-BKK, which with astute planning and scheduling would allow for two visits in a year and allow you to take advantage of the cheaper fares ex-USA.

AWARD TICKET OUTBOUND: BKK-USA stay for a few days/weeks (USA visit #1)

PAID TICKET OUTBOUND: USA-BKK stay for a long time:say 6 months (at home in Thailand)

PAID TICKET RETURN: BKK-USA stay for a few days/weeks (USA visit # 2)

AWARD TICKET RETURN: USA-BKK

[sbk]

I booked award travel with United in Bangkok about a year and a half ago--BKK-USA-BKK. First on the phone and then by email to get the eticket. The first time I called the woman was extremely unhelpful, but I called back, got a man and he was terrific. Very helpful. Next time I book award travel I think I will call and ask for him directly

[jfchandler]

Regarding the comment about credit cards for airfare, many still charge foreign currency transaction fees, but some do not. I specifically chose and use a Capital One Platinum Visa card from the U.S. because it has NO foreign currency transaction fees on any purchase anywhere in the world, plus No Hassle Travel Rewards points. That's a big advantage living here because you don't get hit for anywhere between 1 and 3% extra.

Re air travel, I go between here and L.A., and consistently find that EVA's Hot Fares available through their web site are the best deals I can find, usually less than $1000 U.S. now for LA BKK LA travel. Yes, it always seems less expensive to start the ticketed trip in the U.S., as opposed to starting it here. But for me, that means trying to find one-year return tickets, which sometimes can be difficult.

[guru]

I use Nationwide cards from the UK and like yours do not charge any extra foreign transaction fee for signing or ATM use.

BUT the Thai travel agent will still charge you 3% on top of the fare for visa/mastercard as they tell me the Thai bank that is handling it this side passes this charge on to the travel agent.

Many places such as department stores, restaurants etc and most hotels (I was charged a commision by one budget hotel out in the sticks once) dont charge this. The airlines dont charge if you book with them at least via their websites and BA advised me to book on their website and not with their office in Bangkok to avoid paying commision. They were the same fares.

I now use my Nationwide card to get a cash advance at the bank which is free from commision both sides and then pay the travel agent.

In fact I have only payed cash once before and that was the only time I've been searched upon arrival at Heathrow but I'm sure that was a coincidence.

[Jingthing]

I want to report my experience with this. I paid for an airline ticket in CASH from Bangkok to the USA. I encountered absolutely NO special screening at any point on this round trip. My entry into the US was one of the smoothest I have ever experienced. They were only interested in whether I was bringing in food (at the passport entry station) and then nothing at all after that. Just an anecdotal experience, but there you have it.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

I want to report my experience with this. I paid for an airline ticket in CASH from Bangkok to the USA. I encountered absolutely NO special screening at any point on this round trip. My entry into the US was one of the smoothest I have ever experienced. They were only interested in whether I was bringing in food (at the passport entry station) and then nothing at all after that. Just an anecdotal experience, but there you have it.

Pretty much same with me end of May 2008.  Ticket paid for in baht, ATM transfer to the Thai travel agent downtown, save me a trip.  I'd not been back to the U.S. for three years, if that makes a difference.

POE was SEA, greased right through w/o use of KY!

Mac

[Jingthing]

I'd not been back to the U.S. for three years, if that makes a difference.

I don't know if it does. Millions of Americans live abroad. I had not been back for two years.

[tartempion]

There is a super-secret algorithm that is used by the Department of Homeland DisSecurity in determining who gets the full-Monty security screening and who doesn't' when it comes to entering the USA. Having paid for your air ticket in cash is a definite red-flag for extra scrutiny (along with other factors).

Yeap, having Spanish blood in your veins is definitely red-flag.

In my 30+ trips on passenger planes to the USA I ALWAYS got intercepted in the immigration line and picked out by 3 to 5 agents surrounding me dangerously. I got used to this kind treatment.

This as of the late sixties, before they invented Al-Qaida, but we did have the Kadafi terrorists, the Panam 103 Lockerbie bombing was in 1988, and when did we have the Munich Olympics again?

[Jimjim]

I have no idea. I've often bought tickets in cash but from a travel agent so maybe that makes a difference? Never noticed anything with this.