Problems with Travelbag, Please help

[mariasalcher88]

Hi there,

My boyfriend got me a trip to New York for christmas leaving on January 12th. He was told at the travel agency that we could both apply for a visa through the visa waiver program online (ESTA). However at this point he was not told that if a passport has ever been reported as lost,found again and reactivated, it would not be eligible for this. As this applies to myself, I had to apply for a visa through the american embassy but because we are leaving next wednesday there won't be enough time for them to issue the visa. I am now wondering where I stand with this as Travelbag want to charge us £200 to push the flights back by two weeks. Can I say that due to the lack of information about the rules regarding ESTA I think they should cover those costs?
Where do I stand with this?

Help please!!!!!!

[milly143]

I doubt it, one company can't be held responsible for another companies T&C's. Worth a try though.

[redcrx]

if you need to apply for a visa via the embassy you may find it will take longer than 2 weeks

and i also fail to see why Travelbag are in any way responsible for you not getting your ESTA

[mariasalcher88]

I was told by the american embassy that it will take will take 7 working days for them to send back the paperwork including my passport. That was after my interview yesterday.
I feel that Travelbag should know about the T&C's of ESTA visas as they were the ones suggesting it and they reassured my boyfriend that there wouldn't be any complications with this process.

[milly143]

But how are they supposed to know that you have had previous problems with your passport. You can not expect them to tell you about every clause Esta have. That's for you to look at before you go through the process.

[mariasalcher88]

yes this is a fair point. i guess i just assumed that they would know about this. i will give it a try and see what happens. worst thing is they say 'no'!
thanks for your answers!

[redcrx]

ESTA also doesnt apply to anyone with a criminal record for crimes of moral Turpitude, would you have expected them to go into all of that too?
They gave advice on what Visa or waiver would be required, you cant really ask for more than that.
As you say, it wont hurt to try but dont be disappointed when they refuse

[mariasalcher88]

fair play!

[redcrx]

anyway, i hope that whatever happens you have a great time, wish my fella would surprise me with a trip to NY :)

[Ellipsis]

Are you saying that you have tried to apply for a visa through

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

and have been rejected?

If so, have you tried asking the US Embassy if things could be sped up if you turned up in person to get the visa?