Logistical Question About Airplane Ticket

[bbiedny 1]

So we are in the final processes of the visa application, smooth sailing so far, here is my Question:

Let’s for sake of discussion assume an interview date of September 6th (A Monday). Let's also assume that I would like to bring her back after the interview, I would like to purchase the ticket beforehand because if I wait until after the interview and try to get flights for the next day or so it will cost me a fortune. How have other folks done this? do you buy tickets to fly back with your fiancée for a few days later? how long does it really take to get the visa if I am willing to pick it up? Any info is GREATLY appreciated.

[Claudia2010 1]

i am not expert on this and someone can correct me if i am wrong i understand your position of buying the airplane ticket so its not so expensive but i dont think it will be like a next day thing where u will get a visa...i will call the embassy and ask..

[Dodi 69]

I strongly caution you about purchasing your ticket before the visa is in your hand, because more often than not they are non-refundable. If something WERE to go wrong and you needed further documentation or if it took longer than planned to arrive from the consulate (since most will only tell you generally 1 week to receive).

You could have great luck, and receive your visa in 3-5 business days, or you could get it in 2 weeks. Then there have been some who have been thrown into additional AP after the interview for some reason they never understood and didn't get their visa for close to another month! If something DOES go amiss (knock on wood that it doesn't) and you couldn't get things cleared up in time for your flight, you would be out the cost of the ticket, and there's nothing the embassy would do for your because they don't guarantee anything.

Yes, you'll pay more for getting last-minute flights, but you'll save your peace of mind by not having to worry about being out the full cost of the ticket if you have to change your plans.

Sorry to be a downer, but unfortunately, most of us can't afford to pay for double airfare if something goes wrong, so just trying to offer some realistic advice.

Edited July 15, 2010 by Dodi

[bbiedny 1]

I strongly caution you about purchasing your ticket before the visa is in your hand, because more often than not they are non-refundable. If something WERE to go wrong and you needed further documentation or if it took longer than planned to arrive from the consulate (since most will only tell you generally 1 week to receive).

You could have great luck, and receive your visa in 3-5 business days, or you could get it in 2 weeks. Then there have been some who have been thrown into additional AP after the interview for some reason they never understood and didn't get their visa for close to another month! If something DOES go amiss (knock on wood that it doesn't) and you couldn't get things cleared up in time for your flight, you would be out the cost of the ticket, and there's nothing the embassy would do for your because they don't guarantee anything.

Yes, you'll pay more for getting last-minute flights, but you'll save your peace of mind by not having to worry about being out the full cost of the ticket if you have to change your plans.

Sorry to be a downer, but unfortunately, most of us can't afford to pay for double airfare if something goes wrong, so just trying to offer some realistic advice.

No I appreciate your honesty, trust me I have do desire to purchase extra tickets. I guess I will just get my return ticket for the day after the interview and get her a ticket AFTER she receives the visa. I would stay and wait but I do not want to eat up all my vacation time that way.

[Dodi 69]

Good idea. You'll want to save some vacation time for some honeymooning!

[payxibka 10,047]

moving thread

[dakay ♥ 10]

I do not recommend purchase the ticket to a date close to the interview, I have seen at least three cases in Bogota which the delivery of the visa took two weeks (one of them couldn't travel because the visa didn't arrive in time) when normal time is five business days, anything can happen.

p.s. One case decided to pick up the visa in Domesa office, but took 2 weeks to do it, because the embassy sent the visa 2 weeks after the interview

[MRStee 19]

In my opinion, the best thing to do is wait to have the visa in hand. So many things could come up and like someone else said the tickets are usually non-refundable. As much as you've waited to be with your loved one already, waiting a little longer could mean a "sure" plane ticket to come "home".