Virgin flight and hotel in san francisco

unclebulgaria

Just thought I'd share my savings on a trip I've saved for 2 years for.
Managed to find the hotel and flight to San Francisco through Virgin but cost worried me so did some rooting around and came across Opodo. Same hotel and flight as the Virgin offer so called Virgin and asked them to price match which they did as everything was exactly the same. Price came down from £3500 to £2800 but direct from Virgin.

travellerboy

It must be a good holiday at that price, I assume you are away for 3 months ? Virgin are never good value for money, best of luck.

miduck

Can you break down what your costs were? That is a great deal of money for a one centre holiday!

unclebulgaria

nope its five days! lol
The flight was a blooming fortune! Chose economy originally there and back but remembered the nightmare I had coming back from New York, NEVER AGAIN! Now going Economy Plus.
I didn't post to say "look how cheap" its just a quick post to say try Opodo.
Thanks
Edit; flights out that way are expensive unless I chose economy, I upped it to Economy plus. This nearly doubled the flight prices but there is no way I'd fly economy again unless going to Europe. Virgin were the best price for flights of all the big names.
I know some might say its a lot for the time there but I've checked up with others who have been and I've done quite well.
That is two people by the way.

miduck

Do you mean Premium Economy, and is that for two of you? That would make the price seem more reasonable, although I still think it is an awful lot to pay for five days - did you not want to explore the rest of California, or Vegas?

unclebulgaria

yes I think its called Economy Plus with Virgin.
I did want to explore California and I'm going to make every minute count.
I couldn't believe the cost of the flights to be honest, with taxes it is expensive.
The worst bit is because its USA getting a Visa is going to be a long haul, I was arrested 4 years ago for a fight I got into with a burglar who forced his way into my home, I wasn't charged as it was self defence according to CPS but the fact I was arrested I have to apply for a visa, $160, make a trip to the US embassy and now apply for a ACPO certificate £45.

miduck

unclebulgaria wrote: »

yes I think its called Economy Plus with Virgin.
I did want to explore California and I'm going to make every minute count.
I couldn't believe the cost of the flights to be honest, with taxes it is expensive.
The worst bit is because its USA getting a Visa is going to be a long haul, I was arrested 4 years ago for a fight I got into with a burglar who forced his way into my home, I wasn't charged as it was self defence according to CPS but the fact I was arrested I have to apply for a visa, $160, make a trip to the US embassy and now apply for a ACPO certificate £45.

It's definitely Premium Economy!

You do not need a visa - you have not committed a crime of moral turpitude. Have you already started the process? If not, simply complete the ESTA as normal.

unclebulgaria

I have started it and I rang the embassy to check and they confirmed that my arrest counts, apparently if I didn't notify them and it came out when I landed (god knows how) I could be turned away and sent home.
I went through the ESTA web site wizard and it said same thing, not eligible for visa waiver. I have to wait for an interview now.
Apparently because the guy I fought with was hurt and made a complaint (by burglar I don't mean he was stealing, he forced his way into my property looking for trouble and got hurt) I was arrested because he claimed I used unneccassary force to remove him and I have a black belt in Judo and Ju-Jitsu which meant they had to arrest me. Long story. Anyway no charges but the arrest counts.

miduck

unclebulgaria wrote: »

I have started it and I rang the embassy to check and they confirmed that my arrest counts, apparently if I didn't notify them and it came out when I landed (god knows how) I could be turned away and sent home.
I went through the ESTA web site wizard and it said same thing, not eligible for visa waiver. I have to wait for an interview now.
Apparently because the guy I fought with was hurt and made a complaint (by burglar I don't mean he was stealing, he forced his way into my property looking for trouble and got hurt) I was arrested because he claimed I used unneccassary force to remove him and I have a black belt in Judo and Ju-Jitsu which meant they had to arrest me. Long story. Anyway no charges but the arrest counts.

They have no way of checking your records. I'm really sorry but you have been misadvised - the US embassy helpline will always tell you to apply, they have no authority to say otherwise. If you do a search on here you will find many posts on the subject.

unclebulgaria

miduck wrote: »

It's definitely Premium Economy!

You do not need a visa - you have not committed a crime of moral turpitude. Have you already started the process? If not, simply complete the ESTA as normal.

Just read up on what US law considers a crime not involving moral turpitude and you're right I didn't. Only problem is the Embassy web site states "a visa is required for anyone who has ever been arrested or convicted for any offense"

Looks like they may have found a way of making money out of daft beggars like me! lol

kleapatra

OP, my other half was arrested for exactly the same thing as you. Someone broke into his home and he ended up breaking several of the burglars bones in self defence . He was also arrested but then the CPS decided (sensibly I might add) to drop the case against him. We went to the US last year and just filled in the ESTA online, no problems whatsoeverever as he has technically never been charged with any crime. I suggest you have been wrongly informed!