Out of status for 4 years, recently got 10-yr gc. Wants to travel for 6 months.

[M&JB 80]

Hello. So I recently got my 10-yr gc last February after being out of status for 4 years (K1 visa). We (my US citizens husband and two kids) plan to travel to the Philippines this August for at least 6 months. My questions are:

 

1. Since I have been out of status for a long time, will I have a problem coming back in the US with my 10-yr gc?

 

2. I have been really looking into whether they will need onward tickets to show to the immigration since they are US citizens. I am aware that they will be qualified under Balikbayan privilege as long as they are to travel with me. I recently saw a post online about this and want to see what other people here will say. We do not want to buy return tickets, unless we absolutely need to, because we want to have an open schedule. According to this link

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/travel-req #11. 

 

11. Who are exempt from the return ticket requirement?        

1.  Philippine passport holders;
2. Former Filipinos and their dependents (immediate family members); 

 

I know that since I am still a Filipino citizen, I do not need an onward ticket. But I am a little confused on #2, Former Filipinos and their dependents - Do the dependents mean that my family are not required for onward tickets as well? They are my dependents but I am not a former filipino because I am still a Filipino. Do you guys get what I mean?

 

3. Has anybody here traveled with little kids? Mine are 4 & 3, and I’m wondering if anybody have used the CARES harness and what are your experience with it. 

 

4. Since my kids are 4 & 3, I will pay for their own tickets which can be pricey. Does anybody know if I can get a discount somewhere? I have read online that airlines will even give them free seats if the flight is rare that very minimum people are traveling on that certain flight. I mean I can pay for their seats of course, but discounts are always better. Any advise?

 

5. Any advice on how to keep the kiddos entertained? Yes, iPads and apps. But anything else? 

 

6. Also, to those who have traveled with little kids, is it better if we (husband with one kid, and me with the other kid) get separate seats? My kids get uncontrollable sometimes when they are together. Will the middle aisle work - one kid, me, husband, other kid - so basically they are only separated by two seats but we are all still together. Or is it better to get really separate seats, like far from each other?

 

I would really appreciate any thoughts and opinions. I have asked the #2 before, but I recently found the link I provided above and I am wondering if anyone else can tell me something about it. Thank you!! 🙂

 

[Just Paul 4,595]

12 hours ago, M&JB said:

1. Since I have been out of status for a long time, will I have a problem coming back in the US with my 10-yr gc?

No because you are in status now.

 

12 hours ago, M&JB said:

onward tickets

As a spouse of a Filipina I have had issues on PAL and Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong on a one way basis.   Not an issue with the PI Government but an issue checking in.   My fix was to get an award ticket back and then cancelling it.  Never had an issue with Cebu Pacific and never tried Air Asia from Hong Kong.

 

12 hours ago, M&JB said:

5. Any advice on how to keep the kiddos entertained? Yes, iPads and apps. But anything else? 

I'm a business travel I see lots of  IPADS and snacks and a favorite blanket, etc!  I have a brother in law who is a doctor and he knocks his kids out with cough syrup.

 

12 hours ago, M&JB said:

6. Also, to those who have traveled with little kids

With my ex wife we used to split them up.  Depending on the cabin a window and the adjacent seats.   Either back to back or a few rows apart.  

[M&JB 80]

22 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

No because you are in status now.

 

As a spouse of a Filipina I have had issues on PAL and Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong on a one way basis.   Not an issue with the PI Government but an issue checking in.   My fix was to get an award ticket back and then cancelling it.  Never had an issue with Cebu Pacific and never tried Air Asia from Hong Kong.

 

I'm a business travel I see lots of  IPADS and snacks and a favorite blanket, etc!  I have a brother in law who is a doctor and he knocks his kids out with cough syrup.

 

With my ex wife we used to split them up.  Depending on the cabin a window and the adjacent seats.   Either back to back or a few rows apart.  

2. When you do get this ticket and cancel it later, do you get the full amount? Have you heard of flyonward.com? Is this a scam?

 

6. Did it work for you and your ex with the kids separated?

 

Thanks!

[Just Paul 4,595]

2 hours ago, M&JB said:

2. When you do get this ticket and cancel it later, do you get the full amount? Have you heard of flyonward.com? Is this a scam?

 

6. Did it work for you and your ex with the kids separated?

2.  I just booked it with airline miles I had via American Airlines (onto Cathay)and cancelled it when I got to Cebu.  No cancellation fee.   The push back will be from the Airline you are flying into PI.  If you do PAL from LAX I wasn't asked.  More of an Issue in Hong Kong.  I know people that have used flyonward.com and it seems legit.

 

6. worked well with a two little kids.   We had 2*4*2 seats in economy.  Some carriers now have 3*4*3 seats so you might want to look around.   The row of 4 can work well especially if is a bulkhead because you can move around to seperate them.