Into the USA… and Dealing with a Credit Card Fraud Call
New Airplanes, Old Friends
Because dealing with a possible credit card fraud breach is the last thing anyone needs to deal with whilst waiting to enter another country. Especially the USA.
In this Trip Report:
- Well, this year has been a pile of toilet so far
- Take the National Express, when your life is a mess, it will make you smile
- Heathrow Terminal 3 Lounges, featuring The Cathay Pacific and American Airlines Business Class Lounges
- AA087 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare – Main Cabin Extra
- Into the USA… and dealing with a Credit Card Fraud Call
- HOTEL: Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont
- Airplane Art Extra from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- HOTEL Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Airplane Art Extra from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Playing with the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Camera around Chicago
- Back to O’Hare Terminal 3
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- BA296 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow, World Traveller Plus
- Buses and Buses
- The way old friends do
Upon getting off the aircraft, I followed the signs to US Immigration, whilst my ear was glued to the phone as I was on hold with my bank. I finally managed to get through to a bank agent at the stairway just before the stairs that lead down to the immigration hall.
That wasn’t so bad, as the position was about as good as I could be.
At that point, I parked up, as the US Immigration never likes people on active phone calls whilst queuing to enter the country. I could not predict how long this would take, and I wouldn’t be happy if I had to hang up if I was about to see an agent to ring a third time.
There are only so many times I can call the bank without wanting to do evil things to myself.
Waiting to go down.
It took long enough to clear the security questions, go through the transactions (with my attempted phone purchase and earbud purchases throwing the flags that there was possible fraud). With the agent checking other transactions, they agreed that the fraud detection picked up was a false alarm.
Phew.
With the agent happy with the answers given, they reactivated my card, assuring me that I should be good to go in the USA once I made a transaction. I’d find out soon enough when I went to the hotel to check in.
But first, I needed to get into the USA. I made my way down to the growing immigration queue. Part of the reason I get off the plane in the first trance of people is to avoid the immigration queue, especially with Chicago immigration taking from 30 minutes to 1 and a half hours.
Down we go.
Better to be in a long queue than be shouted at and pulled aside for being on the phone. The queue moved along at a welcome pace, and eventually, a new lane opened up. I was able to go into it.
I was asked the usual questions about my visit to the USA. The agent stamped both the blue form and my passport (something that hasn’t been done for recent visits to the USA). Thankfully, the agent didn’t want to access my devices or technology – they were happy to wave me through,
With that, I wandered over to the luggage belt, where the bags from the flight had long since been delivered, with both of my bags enjoying doing laps around the belt.
A rare sight in the USA. Free trolleys
On the plus side, I didn’t have to wait too long as they were enjoying laps around the belt.
Looping around
With everything pulled together and popped onto a trolley, I headed towards US Customs, where my blue form was taken from me, and I was allowed into the USA and Chicago.
Whilst it took me 50 minutes to make it through immigration, I put a lot of that on waiting in queues – something I would have avoided if I hadn’t called the bank to get the card unfrozen.
Into the land of the free.
With all that done, I made a few calls to people to let them know I was on the other side, because in this time of all times, communication is important.
And a little Pokémon Go, too. Some of us still play it to keep us very sane.
Checking the clock, it was nearing 1 pm. It was time to chance my arm at getting an early check-in at the Holiday Inn.
For those looking to take a ride share at O’Hare, it’s been a few years, but the basic answer is no – you have to head to Terminal 2 to pick up a ride share. If you’re travelling light, this isn’t a problem. However, with trolleys not allowed on the transit system and having to carry a bunch of stuff… sometimes you have to take a licensed taxi or wait for the shuttle bus… if you know how it works.
With the amount of trash I tote on these trips, this is not an option to hike over to Terminal 2.
I headed outside and to the growing taxi queue.
The taxi queue. What does the sign say?
Oh.
This, of course, means dealing with a Chicago Taxi Driver. Who was most annoyed that I wanted a local trip in the local area, when they wanted a long trip into the City of Chicago.
They spent most of it moaning about the short ride and trying to sting me $30 for the trip, where I reminded him of his driver number, the magic 311 number and the normal cost of the trip.
Especially when they expected a large tip. I said they would get what they deserved at payment.
They didn’t like that. I suspect the driver was expecting someone who wouldn’t fight them. Instead… they got me.
I don’t have a problem paying for a taxi, but it has to be at the set rates – and those who just drive off with the meter off and are annoyed, I’m sorry. Drivers have the right to reject a ride, and I’ve got no problem with that, but check before you pick up a passenger, please…
With my wallet slightly emptier (and getting the price down a lot from that $30 price) and me swearing off using a licensed Chicago Taxi driver for another six months, I had made it to my first destination of the night – the Holiday Inn Rosemont.
Next:
The Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites, Rosemont.
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