"Havn't heard of a single crew member that has yet ever had to go to the embassy to obtain there own visa. Our crewing dept processes them in mass batches also!"
This was true until recently. My crewing department used to send batches of passports off to the embassy for us. However recently, our rosters have started to show LON-LON which means its off to the embassy for your visa renewal.
Its really sad how us crew are treated by SOME immigration officials. I too used to enjoy my Stateside trips, but too many times I've seen Immigration clear 600+ passengers through and still not cleared 11 crew members in that time. Were often the last to leave the immigration hall.
Now its banned to take a cig lighter into the States in any part of your luggage or person.... Thats it, I'll be looking forward to any trip that isn't USA bound... even POP..
