holiday in the USA questions

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

just found this

http://www.expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.d...&acop=2&rdct=1

No fees for cancellations before pickup Los Angeles, CA, United States (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) - Las Vegas, NV, United States (LAS-McCarran Intl.) All cars have: automatic transmission, air conditioning, and unlimited mileage. Tue 4-Sep-2012 to Wed 3-Oct-2012 Hertz Show car descriptions Show car image, make/model, and capacity for each car. Standard Convertible shown Collect 200 points Details Economy Car £542.83 Select Compact Car £556.51 Select Midsize Car £586.16 Select Full Size Car £654.59 Select Luxury Car £764.06 Select Standard SUV £780.03 Select Mini People Carrier £807.40 Select Midsize SUV £817.81 Select Standard Convertible £846.17 Select

[basa48]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

Hey hun,

What happens with an authorisation payment is, lets use $50 a night as an example, well..
if you stay 1 night, they will authorise say $90 for meals, phone calls etc, then as you check out they will calculate the amount you have actually used (say $55) and use the authorisation code they have already got, change the amount and charge your card that day, funds normally leave the account within 48hours.

With car rental its more or less the same, they check for no damage to the car etc, and charge you the day of return of the car, after inspecting it.

Used to be a hotel receptionist so I've done this a few times myself.

I think militant is worried that when you pick up a hire car they like to 'reserve' a deposit against your credit card (against any damage on the car). That 'reserve' on your card will be unusable until you return the car. Hotels don't charge a massive reserve amount, usually just the amount of room rate plus a bit.

That's the way I understand it and is why i suggest two credit / debit / cash cards, one for 'reserves' and another to actually pay. I took a pre paid card to actually pay for the hotels, car, meals etc (which I had to top up a couple of times on-line whilst away!!) and a credit card for deposits.

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

yes Basa you are totally correct.

When they authorise the card, they put that amount to one side and they don't release it till you have returned the vehicle.
normally when they have received car back, it takes about 48hours for the funds to be taken and the excess to be released.

[miliitant]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

thanks people, you have now answered my question

i will use my normal debit card and use a pre-payment credit card as well

i have a flight lined up, return to san francisco for £585

before i book it, i have just been doing the ESTA to travel to the usa, they want the flight details but what happens if i book the flight and for some unknown reason i get rejected on the ESTA. will i get a flight refund ???

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

That should be stated in the terms and conditions of the flight company, it might be worth a quick mail/phonecall to the company just to confirm.

Some companies will issue refunds for "personal reasons" but this is purely down to the airline .. sorry to be vauge here.

[basa48]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

thanks people, you have now answered my question

i will use my normal debit card and use a pre-payment credit card as well

i have a flight lined up, return to san francisco for £585

before i book it, i have just been doing the ESTA to travel to the usa, they want the flight details but what happens if i book the flight and for some unknown reason i get rejected on the ESTA. will i get a flight refund ???

Do your ESTAs first, they should confirm almost instantly (unless there is a problem!).

About LA to Vegas, I would drive this, it's about half a day and the scenery is great (through the Mojave Desert). Much cheaper than airfares!

[miliitant]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

i got halfway through the ESTA

then they wanted where i was staying, fair enough that but also the flight number (details)

catch 22

the airlines have stated non refundable
i cant get a ESTA without a flight number
if i pay for the flight and the yanks turn down the ESTA for what ever reason
i can kiss my flight payment goodbye

HELP

ANY SUGESTIONS

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

Lemme look a few things up and get back to you

P

[fluffystuff]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

Militant, you can still apply for ESTA whilst omitting flight number, likewise the accommodation details if you have yet to decide. HTH

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

Is it mandatory or necessary to update my ESTA with my travel/destination information if the information changes or if I use my ESTA for multiple trips?


It is not mandatory to change or update your travel dates, flight information or destination information on the ESTA application. The travel information is optional, and you can leave it blank. If you put in a date and time, and then your plans change, we ask you to correct the information, but you are not required to. Changing your travel plans will not affect your authorization to travel.

If you would like to update your contact or travel information, visit the ESTA webpage and click "Update or Check Status". You will need to have your application number in order to do this. If you have lost it, you may click "Retrieve Your Application Number". Once you retrieve your ESTA you will be able to update the following information:

• E-mail address
• Telephone number
• Carrier Information
• City where you are boarding
• Address while in the United States

You cannot use the update function to make a change on your passport or biometric information. Biometric information consists of your name, passport number, country of citizenship, and your date of birth.



https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...pUKnE0bA%3D%3D


Now, have a coffee and stop worrying love!!

And bring me back a Colin Edwards!!!

[miliitant]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

thanks people

ill do my ESTA now and i will update

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

bring me back a Colin Edwards... Or Gale Harold if you go to Hollywood!!

[miliitant]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

I realy do not know why i was in a panic

my ESTA went straight through with no problems

many, many thanks people

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

YAY!!
Look out America.. here they come!!

Have a fantastic time! Enjoy every second and take lots of photos!

[miliitant]

Re: holiday in the USA questions

when i have time i will post them on this thread

considering i only got my new passport tuesday, it must have been a great help in being accepted

well at least it proves i am not on interpols most wanted