will "mileage runs" pose a problem during interview? 8 US-Europe trips within 3 weeks

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2scoops

New Member
not sure if there are any FlyerTalk forum members here with the same question... was going to ask at FlyerTalke,but
I figured this forum is more likely to get answers. :)

In a 3-week period in 2002, I made 8 trips from the US to Europe. I had to make this "mileage run" in order to maintain
my elite status with that airline. The trips all originated in JFK, BOS, or ATL. The EU cities are CDG, FRA, ZRH, LHR, and
TXL. Totla mileage earned during the 8 trips in 3 weeks just under 79000 mileis. Except for one trip, I made same day
turn-around immediate after arriving in the EU cities(most layovers were less than 4 hours), hopping on the very next
flight back to the US. (each and every trip was clearly listed on a seperate sheet on the N-400 that I submitted)

On two return trips, I received "extra" questioning by the US immigration officer, one even lasted 30 minutes
(but I don't blame them because it did look kind of crazy) :)

My question is, will I have any problems during my N-400 interview? I do have all the original tickets/documents/
airline mileage statements, as well as all entry/exit stamps in my passport.

Thanks in advance for any info! :)
 
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I had 6-7 trip in 2-3 month. IO was suprised to see so many trips. It was not a at all a issue.

79000 mileage run? wow!!
 
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Wow, that sure looks an expensive way to maintain your frequent flyer status! Shouldn't cause a problem with USCIS, although it may provoke an interesting discussion with the IO.
 
This level of travel in itself is not an issue. However, if there is more than meets the eye, since it sounds like you were trying to preserve a '$2000' elite status benefit by spending '$5000' and a lot of wasted time traveling, one thing could lead to the other and your conversation with the IO could head in any direction. Of course it's entirely possible that the IO won't even bother asking you anything about this travel. (Note: The above dollar values are just random numbers that I threw in; I hope people get what I was trying to convey.)
 
Huracan said:
I only have a question, is the individual behind 2scoops and TwoScoops the same person?
Click to expand...

Yes. I was TwoScoops, but I couldn't remember why my password was & no longer had access to the email I used back then... so I registered as 2scooops. :) 2 scoops, because I only eat Raisin Bran for breakfast for at least the last 10+ years. (as in Kellogg Raisin Bran's commercials: "Two scoops of raisins in Kellogg's Raisin Bran") :)
 
That's funny :)

I know it has happened before to other people, who forget their passwords. I wonder if there is an easy way to ask the forum manager to reset the password.

I was pretty sure you were the same person, not only for the striking similarity of the nickname, but also for the same type of "devilishly" innocent question for which there is no easy answer ;) Did you really take all those trips just to preserve some elite status or you just wanted our brains to work on this little problem for which the most reasonable answer is that it all depends on the IO, but that it would be hard or impossible to get a denial because of this?
 
Huracan said:
the most reasonable answer is that it all depends on the IO, but that it would be hard or impossible to get a denial because of this?
Click to expand...

I'm guess the bottom line is that as long as I have all the right documents and explain the reason logically, it shouldn't make any difference, no? :)
 
2scoops said:
I'm guess the bottom line is that as long as I have all the right documents and explain the reason logically, it shouldn't make any difference, no? :)
Click to expand...
I think that's a good way to look at it. Just tell the truth, and you should be fine. If the trips were business related (although it sounds like they were not), a note from your employer would be a good idea. They are more interested in physical presence / continous residence issues, but they also want to make sure you are not making your living smuggling or being involved in some other illegal activity.
 
Yes, I don't think it's going to make a difference. I am pretty sure the interview will be alright and you'll be able to convince the IO of the logic behind the trips. I am sure doing so many trips to Europe in such a short period of time has to be very exhausting.

However, for the interview, you got me thinking about the point of what looks suspicious or not, and reminded me of this great dialog from the movie Lolita (at least the Stanley Kubrick one, I haven't seen the other):

Hello.

You're addressing me!

I thought perhaps there was someone with you.

No, I'm not really with someone. I'm with you.

I didn't mean that as an insult.

What I meant was that I'm with the State Police here, and...

...when I'm with them, I'm with someone, but right now I'm on my own.

I mean, I'm not with a lot of people, just you.

I wouldn't like to disturb you. I'll leave you alone if you prefer it.

You don't really have to go at all. I like it. I don't know what it is.

I get the impression that you want to leave but you don't like to...

...because you think I think it looks suspicious, me being a policeman and all.

You don't have to think that because I haven't got a suspicious mind at all.

A lot of people think I'm suspicious, especially when I stand on street corners.

One of our boys picked me up once.

He thought that I was too suspicious standing on the street corner.

Tell me, I couldn't help noticing when you checked in tonight...

It's part of my job, I notice human individuals...

...and I noticed your face.

I said to myself when I saw you...

...there's a guy with the most normal-looking face I ever saw in my life.

That's very nice of you.

Not a bit. It's great to see a normal face, 'cause I'm a normal guy.

Be great for two normal guys...

...to get together and talk about world events, in a normal way.

There's nothing I would like better than that, but I don't have much time.
 
I'm sure we're all also VEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRY curious about your motivation to spend THAT MUCH to maintain your elite status. Or, maybe I'm just daft...
 
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