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Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 - Travel (311) - Nairaland

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Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Babatwi: 7:59am On Aug 26, 2017
Kamymich:
Hello everyone!please o! A friend has an outstanding bill at the hosp she gave birth,she paid 3426$ instead of 3600 since last year,she intends paying up but the prob is ,if she will be allowed to at d POE,she said the hospital sent an email that the 75%discount as been reverted that she must pay up the 21k! she still have a valid visa dat expires in October and want to do a short trip of 2wks! Will she be let in? She also has d option of going to cancun in mexico den cross d boarder to the us and goto the hospital and see how to sort it out! She asked smone to pay when she left and the person didnt pay! God bless us all

I will advice your friend to call the hospital and negotiate with them and pay up her balance before attempting a US trip. Going the Cancun route for me is a bit risky o. She just might be lucky to get into the US if she tries a busy & lenient poe,but again she just might have been flagged
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by inizo: 8:51am On Aug 26, 2017
veegurl:

U contact the hospital via their website. Or better still google the hospital n get their number. Tht was how i did mine. Because if you should post it here, it would b deleted

I have google I have called I was transferred to Shelly couldn't hear a thing she said that's why am asking please email my quote nikkysyl@hotmail.com
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by laurelly(f): 9:42am On Aug 26, 2017
hello house.
im travelling in early sept and plan on using hnwmc. Can anyone help me with affordable accomodation?
Thanks and God bless.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by shollyee: 9:44am On Aug 26, 2017
Hello

Please did you eventually get the accommodation? I also need an accommodation in LA this September.
Can I possibly take over the space since you are moving out in September.

Kindly let me have details of cost and location.

Thanks
Joyeka:
goodevening...i am intererested...wht is the price per month....thank you



ote author=TripleKMama post=56582268]Asking for a friend grin
Pls any LA mom traveling 2nd week of July to return 2nd week of Sept & willing to share accommodation or stay as neighbors? My friend needs companion to run tinz with undecided
Using St F Hosp; Dr M.
Tankios!
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Chirolechick: 12:06pm On Aug 26, 2017
I sent you an email


inizo:


I have google I have called I was transferred to Shelly couldn't hear a thing she said that's why am asking please email my quote nikkysyl@hotmail.com
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by ozycy: 12:10pm On Aug 26, 2017
just2testify:
Please i need accommodation in Houston any help,i intend to travel september...please any info would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS AND GOD BLESS

Use the search button to check concierge services that has been used by mamas here

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by amanda0: 3:34pm On Aug 26, 2017
Hello ladies,
Please I need help for California birth as I don't want Houston this time.
I know of St Francis and Dr M and parkiew community hospital.
@ miarose pls can I get the name of the doctor and Ped doctor you used pls. I would appreciate his contact if you can pls.
@ Bioseye pls info on St Francis Dr and accommodation.
Pls any other person with info on these hospital assist pls.

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Lawyer123: 4:02pm On Aug 26, 2017
Quick rundown of my 2nd Missonary journey to Houston in August 2017.

Got into Houston at 3.45pm from Dubai at 34 weeks plus with Emirates.Showed them my fit to fly which is valid for 10 days from date written.(Flight was very great for the Dubai-Houston leg but the Lagos-Dubai leg was extremely horrible)

Went straight to join a queue and i noticed the CPB was sending everyone off to Secondary inspection.Although I was already extremely prepared for the possiblity of a secondary inspection because i just had my first baby in US last year,I was not exactly looking forward to it either.

Ten seconds later a uniformed personnel asked me to leave the queue and join a shorter one in front.It was an older white male and he was not smiling.When it was my turn he beckoned to me.

Me:Good afternoon
CPB: Hello,passport please.
Me: (Hands over to him)
CPB: How long are you gonna be here for?
Me: About 2 months.
CPB : (looks up) Why that long?
Me: I am here to spend my maternity leave and have my baby as well.
CPB:How much do you have with you?
ME:10,000 dollars cash
CPB: (types on his system) I noticed you had a baby last year?
ME: Yeah.
CPB: How much did you spend last year for the birth?
ME: About 6,000 dollars.
CPB:Where is your husband?Is he coming?
Me:Yes,he should be here in about 3 weeks.
CPB:Okay,what did you have the first time?
Me:A boy.
CPB:Alright. (Takes my biometrics and stamps me in for 6 months) Good luck with the baby!

And we were done.Whew!
I was shocked i wasn't asked for my zero balance or sent to Secondary inspection for further grilling, especially since i was having two kids on literally one visa. I thanked God Almighty and assumed that my zero balances must have been sent by my hospital to the Embassy or something.

I was sent down to Agric cos i had declared i had food on the landing card,they siezed my gala and indomie and explained that it was because they contained beef and chicken respectively. I was advised to bring in onion flavored ones next time. My Ukwa(the real reason i declared food) was not seized or even opened.Smh!

One man at the customs was looking at my tummy and started asking me questions,but my POE experience had me confident so i answered him conversationally. He asked if i had other kids that were American and when i said yes,he asked if i brought my zero balance letters. I told him yep,and he went ahead to advise that i should always carry them,including for this baby. He also wanted to know what my husband and I did.
I told him and started asking them if they were prepared for the incoming hurricane.

In the course of checking my bags,they saw the money i had and although they did not count it,they asked if this was the money i had said i was coming in with.They also informed me that i can always carry in more than 10k with me if i want but i would just have to declare it.(I was looking at them like 'It is as if these people don't know what exchange rate is doing to us in Naija')

When we were done,they helped me close my bags and sent me off on my way.

Currently now resting in H-Town and following up on Hurricane Harvey. I wish all Houston mums a safe stay,and payerful for beautiful birth stories.
Amen.

14 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by ozycy: 6:04pm On Aug 26, 2017
Lawyer123:
Quick rundown of my 2nd Missonary journey to Houston in August 2017.

Got into Houston at 3.45pm from Dubai at 34 weeks plus with Emirates.Showed them my fit to fly which is valid for 10 days from date written.(Flight was very great for the Dubai-Houston leg but the Lagos-Dubai leg was extremely horrible)

Went straight to join a queue and i noticed the CPB was sending everyone off to Secondary inspection.Although I was already extremely prepared for the possiblity of a secondary inspection because i just had my first baby in US last year,I was not exactly looking forward to it either.

Ten seconds later a uniformed personnel asked me to leave the queue and join a shorter one in front.It was an older white male and he was not smiling.When it was my turn he beckoned

Currently now resting in H-Town and following up on Hurricane Harvey. I wish all Houston mums a safe stay,and payerful for beautiful birth stories.
Amen.

welcome to Houston

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by MamaOO: 7:15pm On Aug 26, 2017
Kamymich:
Hello everyone!please o! A friend has an outstanding bill at the hosp she gave birth,she paid 3426$ instead of 3600 since last year,she intends paying up but the prob is ,if she will be allowed to at d POE,she said the hospital sent an email that the 75%discount as been reverted that she must pay up the 21k! she still have a valid visa dat expires in October and want to do a short trip of 2wks! Will she be let in? She also has d option of going to cancun in mexico den cross d boarder to the us and goto the hospital and see how to sort it out! She asked smone to pay when she left and the person didnt pay! God bless us all
The Cancun route is probably gonna cause her headache later on. I might not be sure, but I figure a visa officer during renewal might be curious about why she went from Nigeria, to Mexico and then the US. Plus, with the current tensions between America and Mexico, crossing between both countries is very very hard and highly scrutinized! She should probably call the hospital and try to negotiate over the phone or fly direct into the US and hope for the best.

2 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Senatornuella: 7:16pm On Aug 26, 2017
[quote author=Supernaturalone post=59827532]Please can you share the cost estimate you received for Houston Methodist? I have contacted Dr F too and may likely use him.


Doctor VD 2640, CS 2960, Hospital VD 5000, CS 7000, epidural 2000, pediatrician 300.

Just making sure Dr. Funsho is good and doesnt cause wahala for someone at point of entry.

When will you be in Houston

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by alfej: 8:29pm On Aug 26, 2017
Hello everyone, my name is Femi, I'm new on this platform tho been following threads since donkey years. Lolz.... Please,I'll like NLanders to help me out .... I have a valid b1/b2 visa till 2019 and I'll like to have my baby in USA but my wife's passport is a virgin passport.. Please how possible is it to convince the VO that her reasons for travelling are genuine and do we apply as per she's gonna give birth or how should we go about it as she's in her second trimester now... Please it urgent as I intend to start the process ASAP.

I forgot to mention that I have a very good job, been to USA , Dubai and Turkey and that my wife for now has no job.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by just2testify: 8:33pm On Aug 26, 2017
ozycy:

Use the search button to check concierge services that has been used by mamas here

thanks
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by mizGene(f): 9:57pm On Aug 26, 2017
Dear all, pls one quick question..

A friend has a US visa in her old passport with her maiden name and wants to travel now but just realised that her new passport bears her married name, will this cause any issues at poe or at the airport?

Also if she has to renew, can she do Dropbox? (Previous visa was tourism, if she applies again it will be medical) since both are in the same category...
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Answers needed asap pls.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Supernaturalone: 10:19pm On Aug 26, 2017
Thanks. November.



[quote author=Senatornuella post=59852340][/quote]
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by ozycy: 10:38pm On Aug 26, 2017
alfej:
Hello everyone, my name is Femi, I'm new on this platform tho been following threads since donkey years. Lolz.... Please,I'll like NLanders to help me out .... I have a valid b1/b2 visa till 2019 and I'll like to have my baby in USA but my wife's passport is a virgin passport.. Please how possible is it to convince the VO that her reasons for travelling are genuine and do we apply as per she's gonna give birth or how should we go about it as she's in her second trimester now... Please it urgent as I intend to start the process ASAP.

I forgot to mention that I have a very good job, been to USA , Dubai and Turkey and that my wife for now has no job.

As always, apply for child birth, nothing wrong with that.

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by ozycy: 10:48pm On Aug 26, 2017
mizGene:
Dear all, pls one quick question..

A friend has a US visa in her old passport with her maiden name and wants to travel now but just realised that her new passport bears her married name, will this cause any issues at poe or at the airport?

Also if she has to renew, can she do Dropbox? (Previous visa was tourism, if she applies again it will be medical) since both are in the same category...
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Answers needed asap pls.

Her maiden name in her passport won't be an issue atall but she has to travel with her marriage certificate incase.

Then Dropbox allow you to only apply for same category of previous visa. If there is a change in the category of visa, you don't qualify for Dropbox. I hope am correct wink

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by michnib: 12:03am On Aug 27, 2017
Hi Nairalanders,

Just to share a bit of my madam's experience at POE and delivery.

This was our second missionary journey. I must say that this forum has been very insightful.

We applied and got our visa as normal under the appropriate category. Bought her ticket and that of our daughter, though she felt the date I fixed her flight for was too early (I set her departure for 32nd week). On getting to Dallas CBP Officer tried to deny her access but he failed (all her documentations were intact, zero balance, accommodation receipts, doctor's communication, cash, accommodation booking, my letter of consent, copy of my Id card and employment stuffs, e.t.c). Finally he stamped her in for 6months smiley .

On getting to the extended accommodation after week 1, wifey wasn't comfy with the room because there was no sufficient space for my Daughter to play, so the search for a bigger accommodation service. She found one a 2 bedroom apartment (though not through airbnb) via asking around. She went to inspect it and took pictures for me to approve though it was twice our accommodation budget I agreed and She moved in. Did all her registrations at the hospital and also continued her search for birthing center (she started this before going) because she wanted water birth. She got one, registered and paid, then went for series of tests (some paid some were included in the bill). She was advised to get "Salus-Haus Floradix Iron ..." and eat lots of veg, reduce fruit intake. She followed all advises.

Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.

.

Mother and baby are doing fine, went back home in less than 6 hours wink .

Thanks.

25 Likes

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by AYABAG: 12:17am On Aug 27, 2017
michnib:
Hi Nairalanders,
waooo congrtulations
Just to share a bit of my madam's experience at POE and delivery.

This was our second missionary journey. I must say that this forum has been very insightful.

We applied and got our visa as normal under the appropriate category. Bought her ticket and that of our daughter, though she felt the date I fixed her flight for was too early (I set her departure for 32nd week). On getting to Dallas CBP Officer tried to deny her access but he failed (all her documentations were intact, zero balance, accommodation receipts, doctor's communication, cash, accommodation booking, my letter of consent, copy of my Id card and employment stuffs, e.t.c). Finally he stamped her in for 6months smiley .

On getting to the extended accommodation after week 1, wifey wasn't comfy with the room because there was no sufficient space for my Daughter to play, so the search for a bigger accommodation service. She found one a 2 bedroom apartment (though not through airbnb) via asking around. She went to inspect it and took pictures for me to approve though it was twice our accommodation budget I agreed and She moved in. Did all her registrations at the hospital and also continued her search for birthing center (she started this before going) because she wanted water birth. She got one, registered and paid, then went for series of tests (some paid some were included in the bill). She was advised to get "Salus-Haus Floradix Iron ..." and eat lots of veg, reduce fruit intake. She followed all advises.

Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.



Mother and baby are doing fine, went back home in less than 6 hours wink .

Thanks.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by abdulmaj: 1:13am On Aug 27, 2017
Congrats
michnib:
Hi Nairalanders,

Just to share a bit of my madam's experience at POE and delivery.

This was our second missionary journey. I must say that this forum has been very insightful.

We applied and got our visa as normal under the appropriate category. Bought her ticket and that of our daughter, though she felt the date I fixed her flight for was too early (I set her departure for 32nd week). On getting to Dallas CBP Officer tried to deny her access but he failed (all her documentations were intact, zero balance, accommodation receipts, doctor's communication, cash, accommodation booking, my letter of consent, copy of my Id card and employment stuffs, e.t.c). Finally he stamped her in for 6months smiley .

On getting to the extended accommodation after week 1, wifey wasn't comfy with the room because there was no sufficient space for my Daughter to play, so the search for a bigger accommodation service. She found one a 2 bedroom apartment (though not through airbnb) via asking around. She went to inspect it and took pictures for me to approve though it was twice our accommodation budget I agreed and She moved in. Did all her registrations at the hospital and also continued her search for birthing center (she started this before going) because she wanted water birth. She got one, registered and paid, then went for series of tests (some paid some were included in the bill). She was advised to get "Salus-Haus Floradix Iron ..." and eat lots of veg, reduce fruit intake. She followed all advises.

Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.

.

Mother and baby are doing fine, went back home in less than 6 hours wink .

Thanks.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by alfej: 5:27am On Aug 27, 2017
ozycy:

As always, apply for child birth, nothing wrong with that.
won't they think she has no ties to her homeland since she's not working yet?
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by customised87: 6:21am On Aug 27, 2017
mizGene:
Dear all, pls one quick question..

A friend has a US visa in her old passport with her maiden name and wants to travel now but just realised that her new passport bears her married name, will this cause any issues at poe or at the airport?

Also if she has to renew, can she do Dropbox? (Previous visa was tourism, if she applies again it will be medical) since both are in the same category...
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Answers needed asap pls.


Read back some few pages,somebody shared a firsthand experience as regards this issue. I think she said you will need to call the embassy to update you Info with them before travelling.

Tourism and medical are in the same category B1/B2 so she qualifies for Dropbox asking as she has used the visa to travel before.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by mizGene(f): 6:54am On Aug 27, 2017
ozycy:

Her maiden name in her passport won't be an issue atall but she has to travel with her marriage certificate incase.

Then Dropbox allow you to only apply for same category of previous visa. If there is a change in the category of visa, you don't qualify for Dropbox. I hope am correct wink


Thanks a lot.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Babatwi: 7:08am On Aug 27, 2017
alfej:
won't they think she has no ties to her homeland since she's not working yet?

Ties to homeland could be a lot of other things apart from job,eg husband,children,investments etc
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Babatwi: 7:35am On Aug 27, 2017
michnib:
Hi Nairalanders,

Just to share a bit of my madam's experience at POE and delivery.

This was our second missionary journey. I must say that this forum has been very insightful.

We applied and got our visa as normal under the appropriate category. Bought her ticket and that of our daughter, though she felt the date I fixed her flight for was too early (I set her departure for 32nd week). On getting to Dallas CBP Officer tried to deny her access but he failed (all her documentations were intact, zero balance, accommodation receipts, doctor's communication, cash, accommodation booking, my letter of consent, copy of my Id card and employment stuffs, e.t.c). Finally he stamped her in for 6months smiley .

On getting to the extended accommodation after week 1, wifey wasn't comfy with the room because there was no sufficient space for my Daughter to play, so the search for a bigger accommodation service. She found one a 2 bedroom apartment (though not through airbnb) via asking around. She went to inspect it and took pictures for me to approve though it was twice our accommodation budget I agreed and She moved in. Did all her registrations at the hospital and also continued her search for birthing center (she started this before going) because she wanted water birth. She got one, registered and paid, then went for series of tests (some paid some were included in the bill). She was advised to get "Salus-Haus Floradix Iron ..." and eat lots of veg, reduce fruit intake. She followed all advises.

Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.
Mother and baby are doing fine, went back home in less than 6 hours wink .
Thanks.

This your testimony sweet my belle,no be small. Does that mean no need to pay delivery fees again,since she had the baby at home now,Abi?
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by sw: 7:48am On Aug 27, 2017
michnib:
Hi Nairalanders,

Just to share a bit of my madam's experience at POE and delivery.

This was our second missionary journey. I must say that this forum has been very insightful.

We applied and got our visa as normal under the appropriate category. Bought her ticket and that of our daughter, though she felt the date I fixed her flight for was too early (I set her departure for 32nd week). On getting to Dallas CBP Officer tried to deny her access but he failed (all her documentations were intact, zero balance, accommodation receipts, doctor's communication, cash, accommodation booking, my letter of consent, copy of my Id card and employment stuffs, e.t.c). Finally he stamped her in for 6months smiley .

On getting to the extended accommodation after week 1, wifey wasn't comfy with the room because there was no sufficient space for my Daughter to play, so the search for a bigger accommodation service. She found one a 2 bedroom apartment (though not through airbnb) via asking around. She went to inspect it and took pictures for me to approve though it was twice our accommodation budget I agreed and She moved in. Did all her registrations at the hospital and also continued her search for birthing center (she started this before going) because she wanted water birth. She got one, registered and paid, then went for series of tests (some paid some were included in the bill). She was advised to get "Salus-Haus Floradix Iron ..." and eat lots of veg, reduce fruit intake. She followed all advises.

Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.

.

Mother and baby are doing fine, went back home in less than 6 hours wink .

Thanks.

Great I love this....... Indeed a miracle baby. will the birthing center and the Dr now refund the money initially paid?

1 Like

Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by njidekachi: 11:34am On Aug 27, 2017
To God be the Glory, i tap into that grace
michnib:
Hi Nairalanders,


Just after her 3rd visit to birthing center she went to Walmart to buy more veg for the week, on getting to the house she went into labor (38th week). Only my daughter, herself and Jesus Christ in the whole building. She picked up the phone to call new friends made via the church who can take her to the hospital (she said my daughter [1+] was just crying mummy mummy), in less than 3 minutes her water broke only to find out that new baby was already wanting to arrive, so she dragged herself to the bathroom and turned on the shower while she wait for help and uber(she had already called uber ride) but in less than 10 minutes she had delivered the baby with Dr Jesus (no tear). Shortly after the new friend came in and they simply went to the birthing center for checks and the normal things there.
Re: Give Birth In USA: Cost And Procedures Part 5 by Terese69: 12:41pm On Aug 27, 2017
Flew Qatar at 33weeks from Lagos to Dallas via Doha with my mum & 2 year old daughter for my second missionary journey.

Submitted my MEDIF & fit to fly forms to the Qatar Airways Office 4 days prior to my travel date. I was asked to call back after 24hours for confirmation of approval. I called every day after that, even sent a follow up email but I never got any positive feedback so I proceeded to the airport on my travel date not knowing whether my fit to fly was approved or not.

Lagos Airport
Was asked for my travel approval. Told him I didn't get any, showed him copies of my MEDIF & fit to fly. He called a woman who confirmed I was approved after which he directed me to port health. Paid N1,500 for the fitness certificate. Made photocopies of it. Returned to check my bags in.

Just when I was about to board, I was called out because they had detected liquid in one of my bags. Turned out to be my palm oil even though it was frozen and in a cooler bag. The lady inspecting my bags threatened to seize it, tipped her N2,000 and she let me go.

Lagos to Doha
The flight was absolutely horrendous! Small & uncomfortable seats that didn't recline as well as they should, very limited leg room, horrible food, unpleasant & unhelpful air hostesses, limited entertainment options plus the screen won't go off even when not in use. It was an 11hour flight because we had to fly around the world to get to Doha due to their ongoing ban. By far my worst air travel experience ever!

Doha Airport
The airport staff at Doha were so nice and helpful. I got a ride from the aricraft to the immigration area and then to the airport family room (no hotel accommodation for me cos I bought promo tickets). Had a layover of about 8hrs 40mins. Thinking back it didn't seem that long. In the morning, the same guy came to wake me up and drove me to the gate for the Dallas flight. There was a ladies room to freshen up nearby. No issues boarding, no POE-like interrogation. Just asked to see my fit to fly & that was it.

Doha to Dallas
Much more comfortable seats with more recline & leg room so it was easier to relax & sleep. Warm and helpful air hostesses, same horrible food but the air hostess always checked back on me & gave me another option whenever I didn't like the food. The 15hours flew by fast.

Dallas Airport
Requested for a wheelchair so I skipped the immigration queue. Used the self help kiosk, declared my food. Was wheeled to the POE officer.
Officer: who is the US citizen (refering to my daughter's US passport)
Me: my daughter
Officer: where are you coming from?
Me: Nigeria
Officer: do you live there?
Me: yes I do
Officer: how long are you here for?
Me: 11 weeks
Officer: what brings you to Dallas?
Me: I'm here to have a little vacation with my family and to have my second baby
Officers: Do you have any family here in Dallas?
Me: No
Officer: Where will you be staying?
Me: In an apartment I rented on Airbnb
Officer: Will your husband be joining you?
Me: Yes. He will join us around when the baby is due
Officer: Do you have any appointment with a doctor?
Me: Yes. (Gave her my doctor's correspondence)
Officer: how much cash do you have with you?
Me: About $9,800
Officer: do you have any food items?
Me: yes I have some vegetables
Officer: welcome to Dallas. Enjoy your stay (Stamped us in for 6 months & directed us to agriculture)

Agriculture
Skipped the queue again thanks to the wheelchair.
Officer: where are you from?
Me: Nigeria
Officer: what food items do you have in your bags
Me: Vegetables
Officer: do you have egusi, ogbono, oha, moi moi, ofada rice?
Me: I have bitter leaves, egusi, ogbono, palm oil but no ofada rice, oha or moi moi
Officer: why not? (laughs)
Me: because we don't eat those where I'm from (I just had to say something)
Officer: Any meat or livestock items?
Me: No.
Officer: screens my bags, opens one to search, then my daughter starts running all over the place & I was trying to stop her so he closed the bag & let's me go.

C'est fini!

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