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Hi everyone! I'm planning to enter the US by the 2nd week of July. I was just wondering from people who have POE'd, where they bought their tickets and why in that specific airline? The pro's and con's? When I had my interview, there were a lot of travel agencies giving out flyers when we were lining up (So Pinoy) and their rates are really cheap. :o $300-400 sans tax so maybe around $600 all in all. I just thought it was too good to be true. I'm trying to look for a cheap/reasonable one and will book it within this week.

Thanks in advance for all your input.

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Where to? $600 dollars seems to good to be true. The lowest prices that I've seen are around $850 to various locations on the east coast and some folks here even doubted that I'd found those.

The Airlines websites tend to offer the best fares. You'll also find lower fares if you have flexible travel dates and don't have to leave on a particular day.

I tend to fly Continental myself because I live on Guam. Check out Philippines Airlines and Delta also. BTW, Guam is a great place for someone from Phils. to do their POE. A large number of the immigration/customs folks are of Filipino descent.

George

11/15/10: I-130 package FEDEX'd to Chicago Lockbox

11/15/10: NSO Marriage and Birth Certificates available for pick-up at NSO

11/17/10: Receipt Date of I-130 petition at Chicago Lockbox

11/19/10: NSO Marriage Cert and Birth Cert (4x each) received by Gina in Philippines

11/19/10: CRBA package couriered to US Embassy in Manila

11/22/10: CRBA package/application including NSO BC & MC received by embassy

11/22/10: NOA1 Date

11/24/10: Electronic notification of receipt received from Chicago Lockbox

11/24/10: Embassy scheduled CRBA appointment for 12/21/2010

11/26/20: Check cashed

11/27/10: NOA1 Hardcopy received via USPS

12/21/10: Interview/Personal appearance at Manila Embassy for CRBA **approved**

01/03/11: CRBA and US Passport for daughter received by Gina via FEDEX

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Have you heard of the "first time immigrant" discount? I learned about it on VJ.

I booked a one way ticket to SFO on PAL for $430 + taxes. In total it will be under $700. In contrast the PAL website quotes about $1100 for travel on the same date (2nd week July).

See if you can get the same deal, email Camia Briones.

camiabriones@yahoo.com

MOTIVATION TOURS AND TRAVEL CORP

G-4 CCH Bldg, 136 LP Leviste St.

Salcedo Village Makati City

tel nos : 8126051-54

Good luck.

Btw, the reasons I prefer PAL are:

- They fly direct to LAX or SFO, only 12 hours vs 16 or more with Delta or other airlines (which have stopovers at Seoul or Narita)

- Nice to do my bit for a local airline :yes:

Edited by PAGE 11

Dec 05, 2011: Received U.S. permanent resident status (AOS based on K-1 visa)

Dec 16, 2013: Removal of conditions on green card

Apr 28, 2015: Became a U.S. Citizen

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
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Have you heard of the "first time immigrant" discount? I learned about it on VJ.

I booked a one way ticket to SFO on PAL for $430 + taxes. In total it will be under $700. In contrast the PAL website quotes about $1100 for travel on the same date (2nd week July).

See if you can get the same deal, email Camia Briones.

camiabriones@yahoo.com

MOTIVATION TOURS AND TRAVEL CORP

G-4 CCH Bldg, 136 LP Leviste St.

Salcedo Village Makati City

tel nos : 8126051-54

Good luck.

Btw, the reasons I prefer PAL are:

- They fly direct to LAX or SFO, only 12 hours vs 16 or more with Delta or other airlines (which have stopovers at Seoul or Narita)

- Nice to do my bit for a local airline :yes:

I prefer PAL also! direct Flight from Manila to LAX!:thumbs:

Sent NOA1 April 30th 2011

received May 2nd 2011

NOA1 Notice Date:May 4th 2011

NOA 2 txt/ email on july 18th 2011

NOA 2 received in Mail July 20th dated July 18th 2011

NOA2 in "74" days!

NO RFE

Personal issue in the Philippines

Medical Exam: March 22nd 2012

Medical Cleared on March 23rd 2012

Interview Date:April 16th, 2012......PASSED

Arrival Los Angeles California: July 7th 2012.

Marriage September 7th 2012 at San Bernardino County Hall of Records

Preparing for AOS

"I Wholly disapprove of what you say, But I will defend to the death, Your RIGHT to say it"

" _ Volitaire- "

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Have you heard of the "first time immigrant" discount? I learned about it on VJ.

how does that work?

i-129f sent - 5/25/11

noa1 - 6/1/2011

approved! - 1/26/2012

23h2kc4.jpg

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how does that work?

It's basically a promotion, meant I guess to secure an immigrant's future business ::-):

You need to submit a copy of your passport, visa and CFO stamp before they can issue the ticket.

Dec 05, 2011: Received U.S. permanent resident status (AOS based on K-1 visa)

Dec 16, 2013: Removal of conditions on green card

Apr 28, 2015: Became a U.S. Citizen

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$981 for July 27 from Manila to Los Angeles via talking to a reservation agent at Philippines airlines for an immigrant flight. (Note this is not talking to a ticket office) Not sure of the $300 to $400 rate. Something just sounds fishy to me. Alkways expect a fare around (about the same rate with Cheapoair and expedia as well for nonstop.) Maybe there is cheaper airfare out there. Just always be careful.

w

ish you the best.

K-1 Visa Timeline:

02/11/2011 - Engaged at her house by her Godmother.

02/18/2011 - Engagement party with relatives - propose in Visayan.

02/24/2011 - K-1 packet sent.

09/18/2011 - POE, Viva Las Vegas, Baby !!!!! Home to Phoenix.

12/10/2011 - Official Wedding

07/05/2012 - Princess Rose born.

07/07/2012 - AP/EAD received.

07/17/2012 - AOS passed. (Birthday for Mama Rayos)

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
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HopeandSun-> try St. Raphael Travel or Reliable Travel and Tours. They both offer less than $800 one-way first time immigrants rate. But they require visa/passport/CFO before they can issue a ticket. And the seats run out fast. :)

http://www.reliablet...h/airfare1.html

www.santraphael.com

Edited by lovelyjoy

TIMELINE:

Feb 01, 2011 - Sent I-129F to Texas Lockbox

Feb 07, 2011 - I-129F Received

Feb 19, 2011 - NOA1 (Mail)

May 13, 2011 - NOA2 (e-mail notice)

May 17, 2011 - NOA 2 (Mail)

May 28, 2011 - Got case number after 2 weeks of waiting

May 30-31, 2011 - 2-day Medical at SLMEC (without the NVC letter, just the MCN)

July 01, 2011 - Interview (APPROVED despite delayed documents!)

July 14, 2011 - Picked up visa from 2Go Main

July 15, 2011 - Bought one-way ticket for first time immigrant (rate)

July 18, 2011 - CFO at SMEF-COW

July 31, 2011 - Flight to the US! (Finally!)

My blogsite: www.neighborlj.blogspot.com

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Thanks guys for all the tips! I will look into those travel agencies. I still don't have my passport, and waiting to have it before I get my CFO as well. Planning to leave on July 20th. Hopefully, I will still get seats. :)

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

lovelyjoy: Do you know anyone that as personally booked through those 2 travel agencies? I'm cautious about unbelievably low rates, could be a scam. :unsure:

K-1 Timeline

2-01-2011 > Mailed 129F

02-09-2011 > NOA1 email & SMS notification

02-12-2011 > NOA1 hardcopy received via mail (official date on NOA1 is 02-07-11)

05-17-2011 > NOA2 email & SMS notification (approved in 99 days from NOA1 date)

06-06-2011 > Got MNL case number

06-08-2011 > Paid Visa fee @ BPI bank (scheduled interview appointment online the same day)

06-13 & 14-2011 > 2-day medical exam

07-08-2011 > Received Letter of Eligibility

08-02-2011 > USEM Interview (rescheduled from July 18) - APPROVED!

08-11-2011 > Visa issued (accdg. to USEM email inquiry; 9 days from interview date)

08-15-2011 > 2go site showed Visa is already in transit

08-16-2011 > Visa received! (10 working days from interview date)

08-22-2011 > CFO Seminar

09-02-2011 > POE: SFO

AOS Timeline

10-13-2011 > Obtained marriage license

11-17-2011 > WEDDING

11-18-2011 > Sent AOS packet (with AOS & EAD)

12-01-2011 > Received hard copy NOA 1 for AOS & EAD

12-10-2011 > Received biometrics letter for 12-29

12-29-2011 > Biometrics taken

01-09-2012 > Letter for Request for Initial Interview received scheduled on Feb. 8

01-20-2012 > EAD status - Document/Card production

01-26-2012 > Accdg. to USCIS site: "We mailed you a notice that we have approved this I765 APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION."

01-28-2012 > EAD card arrives

02-08-2012 > AOS interview - APPROVED!

02-11-2012 > Welcome Notice received

02-13-2012 > Card production ordered

02-14-2012 > Green card mailed

02-18-2012 > Green card arrives

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
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Cheaponair and ontravel have it for $689 but with a HUGE drawback. You need to stop in Japan. So far, we are planning: Manila->dubai->new york!

3.gif

"The perfection/respect/credibility of a man decreases by the number of marriages he has had and by the number of kids he has outside his current marriage. ", Quote by Bite YourDust
  • Met on yahoo chat through a friend.
  • April 2010 - Decided to meet in person
  • 06.01.2010 - She flew from Dubai to Philippines for vacationing
  • 06.21.2010 - We met in Philippines
  • 06.24.2010 - Engaged
  • 06.28.2010 - Came back to USA
  • 07.05.2010 - She flew back to Dubai (work)
  • 08.02.2010 - Mailed I129F to VSC
  • 08.03.2010 - Delivered to VSC. Signed by D RENAUD.
  • 08.09.2010 - Check cashed
  • 08.14.2010 - NOA1 (Dated 08/06/2010)!!!!!!!!
  • 08.19.2010 - Touched!
  • 08.27.2010 - Received snail mail that typographical error was fixed.
  • 10.03.2010 - Touched!
  • 11.21.2010 - Visited her for a week in Dubai!
  • 02.14.2011 - NOA2 Approved on St. Valentine day!!!!!!!
  • 02.17.2011 - Packet left from NVC to ABU DHABI (Dubai)
  • 02.19.2011 - NOA2 hard copy received
  • 02.22.2011 - Packet reached ABU DHABI's consulate
  • 03.02.2011 - packet 3 & 4 received by email
  • 03.02.2011 - Confirmation of Interview on 04.14.2011 -
  • 03.07.2011 - Fiancee passed medical exam.
  • 04.14.2011 - K1-Visa Approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 04.21.2011 - Picked up Visa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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lovelyjoy: Do you know anyone that as personally booked through those 2 travel agencies? I'm cautious about unbelievably low rates, could be a scam. :unsure:

You can call Mangotours they gave me a price in September for 750 direct from Manila to L.A.

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Where to? $600 dollars seems to good to be true. The lowest prices that I've seen are around $850 to various locations on the east coast and some folks here even doubted that I'd found those.

The Airlines websites tend to offer the best fares. You'll also find lower fares if you have flexible travel dates and don't have to leave on a particular day.

I tend to fly Continental myself because I live on Guam. Check out Philippines Airlines and Delta also. BTW, Guam is a great place for someone from Phils. to do their POE. A large number of the immigration/customs folks are of Filipino descent.

George

I agree with this post. We flew Continental, so we went through Manila, Guam, and Hawaii to get back to the U.S. Her POE was Guam, and the officer was young and very friendly. Our flight was early in the morning, too, so she got out pretty fast. There were only 2 or 3 other K1 visa holders there, and I think she was only in his office for about 5 minutes. I imagine it would be worse going through a big city like L.A. Of course, it's going to cost you more than $1,000 to fly Continental, but we couldn't find anything cheaper, even through the discount places like Orbitz and Priceline. We booked 5 months in advance, and it was about $1400 per person. Next time, I think I'll fly Philippine Airlines since I don't have to worry about meeeting with an immigration officer and since they have a direct flight from LA to Manila, and they have more leg room than Continental. But, I would choose to go through Guam for a first-time entry into the U.S. because of the POE.

11-30-08 Met on christianpenpals.com
05-27-10 Met for 1st time in person in Philippines
06-02-10 Proposed...She said "yes"!!!
K1:
07-12-10 NOA1 sent

07-17-10 NOA1 received
01-04-11 NOA2 - Finally!!!
01-07-11 NVC received
01-10-11 NVC sent to consulate/embassy (Manila)
01-10-11 NOA2 hardcopy (mail)
01-12-11 Embassy received
01-31-11 Medical Day 1
02-01-11 Medical Day 2: Passed!!!
02-04-11 Interview: Approved! (Thank you, Lord!)
02-10-11 2GO received visa from embassy
02-14-11 Visa in hand (picked up at 2GO branch)
02-17-11 CFO sticker for passport
03-10-11 Arrived in U.S. with my fiancee
05-14-11 Wedding

AOS:
06-13-11 Filed I-485
06-21-11 NOA 1 (Mobile/Email)
07-07-11 Transfer date (California Service Center)
07-22-11 Biometrics
08-12-11 Approved!
08-18-11 Approval and green card received in mail


Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

7teeners -> I saw someone post here about St. Raphael (more like a review) and Reliable was referred to me by a friend. Let me look for the link about St. Raphael. :)

TIMELINE:

Feb 01, 2011 - Sent I-129F to Texas Lockbox

Feb 07, 2011 - I-129F Received

Feb 19, 2011 - NOA1 (Mail)

May 13, 2011 - NOA2 (e-mail notice)

May 17, 2011 - NOA 2 (Mail)

May 28, 2011 - Got case number after 2 weeks of waiting

May 30-31, 2011 - 2-day Medical at SLMEC (without the NVC letter, just the MCN)

July 01, 2011 - Interview (APPROVED despite delayed documents!)

July 14, 2011 - Picked up visa from 2Go Main

July 15, 2011 - Bought one-way ticket for first time immigrant (rate)

July 18, 2011 - CFO at SMEF-COW

July 31, 2011 - Flight to the US! (Finally!)

My blogsite: www.neighborlj.blogspot.com

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

lovelyjoy: Do you know anyone that as personally booked through those 2 travel agencies? I'm cautious about unbelievably low rates, could be a scam. :unsure:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/294404-booking-ticket/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/252287-mnl-to-lax-one-way-ticket-for-my-parents/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/149013-first-time-immigrant-discount/page__st__15

Just scroll down para makita mo yung VJ member na nagrecommend or nag-review ng St. Raphael and Reliable. :)

TIMELINE:

Feb 01, 2011 - Sent I-129F to Texas Lockbox

Feb 07, 2011 - I-129F Received

Feb 19, 2011 - NOA1 (Mail)

May 13, 2011 - NOA2 (e-mail notice)

May 17, 2011 - NOA 2 (Mail)

May 28, 2011 - Got case number after 2 weeks of waiting

May 30-31, 2011 - 2-day Medical at SLMEC (without the NVC letter, just the MCN)

July 01, 2011 - Interview (APPROVED despite delayed documents!)

July 14, 2011 - Picked up visa from 2Go Main

July 15, 2011 - Bought one-way ticket for first time immigrant (rate)

July 18, 2011 - CFO at SMEF-COW

July 31, 2011 - Flight to the US! (Finally!)

My blogsite: www.neighborlj.blogspot.com

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