One more night

I miss my flight. I'm still trying to make something good out of this flight incident. I can't think of anything positive yet, maybe there's one. The next time someone tells a similar story, at least I can truly say, "I know exactly how you felt"

To answer your query, I shall explain in detail how it happen...

I started my day early at 0800hrs. I am having my breakfast in the kitchen of Samesun Backpackers Lodge at 0820hrs. By 0845hrs, I've left the hostel to make my way to the airport by public bus. So I reached the airport before 0930hrs, did some shopping before I proceed to check in my luggage.

In Vancouver International Airport, there is a different queue for US flight and international flight. So, you either check in either to an international departure hall or US departure hall. After getting my boarding pass, you'll have to go thru the US Custom. Once you get thru that, you have legally enter US.

Dissatisfied with my answer. I was refer to another department for further questioning.

Why couldn't I get thru? I don't know? But these are some of the factors I think attributes to my creditability (or the lack of it).
- unemployed
- ex-military personal
- Single man
- Traveling alone.
- Multiple entries into SEA countries
- Connection with flight school
- Being good looking (maybe)

So I showed them my Letter of Acceptance from my flight school. Then they took out everything from my bag. I think the officer almost fainted when he examine a black plastic bag containing my sock. Another officer power up my IBM, saw the file "Illegal Parking" and ask me what it was. And I have to explain... blah blah blah. what language I spoke blah blah blah....

I was given the green light to go at 1150hrs. That is exactly the time my flight bound for Portland. I missed my flight. I call Alaska Air (I purchase my tickets from NWA but they codeshare with Alaska Air.) and a officer came to assist me.

Here's the tricky part. I have clear the US borders and has legally enter US, though I am still in Vancouver land. Now, I have to re-enter Canada to get my tickets re-booked.

My next flight is tomorrow. I will arrived in Singapore on 07th Oct '07 0115hrs.

In conclusion, US is paranoid on visitors entering their country. Avoid transiting in US at all cost. Travelers transiting in US joins the same queue as travelers entering US. Meaning, you are subject to all the TRASH by US Customs.