Girlfriend Flying To Toronto, Worried About Traveling Alone

[Lopburi99]

Hello from shivering Windsor Canada.

My girlfriend will be visiting me here in Canada next summer June or July for a couple of months. She is scared stiff about traveling alone. This is a long shot but I thought I'd throw out the idea of possibly timing her trip to Toronto with somebody who you know will be going sometime around then so they could perhaps travel together. She worries about passing through customs, changing gates, etc, not the flying itself. She hasn't flown before and has no idea what to expect. BTW, her English is so-so - quite basic. That largely explains her anxiety.

Thank you.

[craigt3365]

My wife was like that her first time also. Unbelievably scared! Terrified. But now, some 35 countries later, she is a pro and travels on her own from time to time.

If you want, please have her call my wife and they can talk about this. We live in Pattaya. Maybe that will help? PM me if you are interested....

[slapout]

You can also notify the airline she is traveling on that she will need assistance. (changing gates, fill forms, etc. they will giver her a tag to wear on the flight which notifies those involved to give assistance. Its best to notify from your end as that way there is less chance of misunderstanding. Send her a copy of the written request you have made for her to present when she checks in. This does work and the airlines are most helpful.

[Kwasaki]

I'd take the kind offer of " Lopburi99 " if I was that worried.

My wife now girlfriend at the time coming to England was OK I took her on a few flights within Thailand first but the first time was funny at the time she had not been places where there were esculators and she reminded me of the film with crocodile Dundee at the airport in New York.

[Meridian007]

I would suggest that you make sure her flight doesn't land/transfer in the states at all. I used to take Thai airways to New York, and then transfer to Pearson, but the security issues became too much of a headache. I can only imagine what it would be like for someone who isn't comfortable travelling, and who cannot speak English well.

When I visited Ontario this past August, I took a Cathay Pacific flight. It had a layover in Hong Kong, but then went directly to Pearson. It was a fraction of the cost of the Thai airways flights, and surprisingly enjoyable in economy. I'd say that it is almost as good as Thai airways, just not quite as posh. I probably won't bother going back to Ontario for a couple of years, otherwise I'd be happy to help. Good luck!

[NamKAheng]

I would suggest that you make sure her flight doesn't land/transfer in the states at all.

Meridian007 is right about that and don't forget that if she transfer in the US she may need a US transfer visa. Better to fly directly to Canada without transfer in the US since she does not have good English skill because the Canadian immigration officers are much more open and helpful in Canada not like our southern neighbour where they are rude particularly if you are not a white US citizen.

[MSingh]

If she is so scared etc which is for pretty good reason, wouldn't it be a good idea if you in fact flew with her ??

[craigt3365]

I would suggest that you make sure her flight doesn't land/transfer in the states at all.

Meridian007 is right about that and don't forget that if she transfer in the US she may need a US transfer visa. Better to fly directly to Canada without transfer in the US since she does not have good English skill because the Canadian immigration officers are much more open and helpful in Canada not like our southern neighbour where they are rude particularly if you are not a white US citizen.

My wife has never experienced problems with US immigration, and has gone through on her own many, many times. Quite the contrary, she has had good experiences. One guy told her his upcoming plans to live there after retirement, super nice guy. Another, on her first trip, spent time reassuring her everything was going to be fine with her application for a green card. Remember, it is probably true that the white US citizen is a minority now...especially true in the US government!

[afarang]

Some good suggestions.My wife had to fly to Aust. by herself. Was absolutely terrified. Told the check-in staff at Swampy, who promptly provided an employee,who met her before Customs, and took her all the way through to boarding.He was excellent, so I am told. Full marks to Jetstar.For so graciously providing this service.It was very much appreciated

[DP25]

I would suggest that you make sure her flight doesn't land/transfer in the states at all.

Very true, avoid US airports at all cost if possible. Especially with limited English. Even for a transfer she can still be subject to genital inspection.

[mmushr00m]

Avoid transfering through the states as she may need s transit visa. If you have to transit through the states, do your research and look for a friendlier airport.

I used to transfer through Chicago O'hare and even for me it was intimidating. Depending on the airline she will have to change terminals.

I also suggest having her 1st port of entry as Toronto Pearson. Immigration at Pearson are alot low key and less intimidating then Vancouver.

The times the missus (then gf) have flown to CDA she has said Vancouver asked alot more questions and were less friendly then TO. With my own personal experience, I agree with her. TO is nice, I always get the welcome home and wife always get the welcome to CDA.

My suggestion fly Cathay Pacific: BKK-HKG-TO or EVA Air: BKK-Taipei-TO.

Ps. Hope you gave her some small change. The trolleys at Pearson are not free, they cost a twonnie!

[Lannatyne]

I remember back in 2004, my mother-in-law flew alone all the way from Bangkok to Manchester (UK) with Emirates. That was the first international flight she'd ever taken.

We made a few cards out for her, eg "Where do I go for flight EK1234 to Manchester?", written in Thai and English. She used these as necessary during the journey.

Also, there's every chance that there'll be Thai cabin crew, and virtually certain that there'll be other Thais travelling on the same flight she can make friends with.

[Lannatyne]

One other idea.

Are you going to be here before she comes over to visit you?

If so, taker her to KL or Singapore for a couple of days, so you can show her how immigration, baggage etc works.

[Lopburi99]

Some good suggestions to consider and discuss with her. If I had the resources this would be no problem at all because I would love to spend some time with her in LOS then travel back together. Totally impossible in my fixed income situation unfortunately.

She definitely will not connect through the states for the reasons mentioned. Hmm, just thought of one alternate possibility. If she flew into Detroit I could meet her then we could drive where we'll be staying in Canada. I wonder if U.S. immigration has an easily obtainable 'transit' visa of some sort? Then maybe while in Canada we could duck into Michigan through the Windsor tunnel for a day or two so she could meet some of my friends and see my old stomping grounds.

Regarding the choice of airlines, I've been checking prices to YYR for some time now since cost is very much a factor. The best so far I've found was Air India for about $1250 US. Unfortunately that low fare involved a very inconvenient one day layover in India but we'll see what other flight options may open up. I need to decide on or rule out the 'DTW then drive' possibility soon.

Shit. There were days when I just Gold Carded everything, but those days are long gone.

[mca]

I remember back in 2004, my mother-in-law flew alone all the way from Bangkok to Manchester (UK) with Emirates. That was the first international flight she'd ever taken.

Unfortunately you live in Christchurch, New Zealand.

[NamKAheng]

My wife has never experienced problems with US immigration, and has gone through on her own many, many times. Quite the contrary, she has had good experiences. One guy told her his upcoming plans to live there after retirement, super nice guy. Another, on her first trip, spent time reassuring her everything was going to be fine with her application for a green card. Remember, it is probably true that the white US citizen is a minority now...especially true in the US government!

Your are right but your wife go to US immigration with a US visa so no problem there.

My friend was coming back from Indonesia to Canada with his wife and with the new visa transfer law she was put in jail at the airport to wait to her next flight to Canada because she did not have the transfer visa. She was put in her flight by 2 arm officers like someone who is the most wanted criminal.

[NamKAheng]

She definitely will not connect through the states for the reasons mentioned. Hmm, just thought of one alternate possibility. If she flew into Detroit I could meet her then we could drive where we'll be staying in Canada. I wonder if U.S. immigration has an easily obtainable 'transit' visa of some sort? Then maybe while in Canada we could duck into Michigan through the Windsor tunnel for a day or two so she could meet some of my friends and see my old stomping grounds.

Regarding the choice of airlines, I've been checking prices to YYR for some time now since cost is very much a factor. The best so far I've found was Air India for about $1250 US. Unfortunately that low fare involved a very inconvenient one day layover in India but we'll see what other flight options may open up. I need to decide on or rule out the 'DTW then drive' possibility soon.

Shit. There were days when I just Gold Carded everything, but those days are long gone.

If she fly to Detroit and you want to go to Canada by car she will need a US visa so not a good idea.

You can check EVA airways flights, they now flying to Toronto and they have good price. I flown 2 times Eva Canada to Thailand and return and they are good. With the Eva flight she will not have to transit by the US.

[craigt3365]

My wife has never experienced problems with US immigration, and has gone through on her own many, many times. Quite the contrary, she has had good experiences. One guy told her his upcoming plans to live there after retirement, super nice guy. Another, on her first trip, spent time reassuring her everything was going to be fine with her application for a green card. Remember, it is probably true that the white US citizen is a minority now...especially true in the US government!

Your are right but your wife go to US immigration with a US visa so no problem there.

My friend was coming back from Indonesia to Canada with his wife and with the new visa transfer law she was put in jail at the airport to wait to her next flight to Canada because she did not have the transfer visa. She was put in her flight by 2 arm officers like someone who is the most wanted criminal.

Very good point. She always had some sort of US visa. Horrible to hear of your friend's wife's problem. I would be extremely upset if that were to happen to my wife. Luckily, now, she is a seasoned traveler and would take it all in stride if it were to happen. But as a newbie traveler, it would be horrible!

[IanForbes]

Under no circumstances would I have her fly into the USA. All US authorities are paranoid. The Immigration department attracts bullies as employees, both in the US and Canada. A few of them are little more than thugs who assume everyone, including little old ladies in wheel chairs, are terrorists. You never know when you are going to get one of these thugs. It really helps if the person traveling has a calm demeanor and all their papers in order. I've flown a lot and most of the time everything is okay, but occasionally I've run into a paranoid bully. I'm a calm person, but when dealing with one of those thugs it's everything I can do to remain calm.

The last time I checked, Cathay Pacific had the cheapest flights and the most connections. But, she might have to over-stay in Vancouver. it's another 5 hour flight between Vancouver and Toronto. I live on Vancouver Island and would be glad to help out, but I'm not sure where I'll be at the time of your ladies flight. You can contact me any time you wish and I'll try to help out.

Ian

[mmushr00m]

Detroit option is a no go IMO. She will need to get both a US Visa and a CDN visa.

Also ask yourself this. If the guy at immigration in Detroit ask her where she will be staying in Detroit and for how long. Is she capable of explaining, flying into Detroit to save money then driving to Windsor? Also will the officer believe her. Remember having a visa is no guarantee of entry. The final decision is made by the immigration officer at the port if entry. I has a Thai friend who was denied entry to the US, with a valid visa, because the immgration officer did not feel that the questions were answered truthfully and comprehensively. He was put into a cell and escorted onto the next flight back to BKK. My friend speaks good English, have been to CDA, UK, Europe etc.

Also your day trips to the US from Windsor are probably no go either. Her visa is probably single entry. So if she goes to Detroit from Windsor, she can't go back to Windsor.

Flights I would suggest Cathay pacific, EVA or Korean. Cathay and Korean is good as she can always go explore the cities during her stopovers. No visa required for Thais to hkg or Korea.

[Thongkorn]

Dont worry there will be plenty of Falang who will want to sit near her and ask her for her phone number ,

They wil show her what to do .They did my wife,She gave them a false number after the idiot would not shut the F,uck up.

[DougLee]

How did she even get a visa if she doesnt speak english? you must speak thai fluently or this theres been so bribery