How I Ended Up In A Mexican Prison

I came for a vacation and I ended up in a Mexican prison!

You’re in for a good laugh at my expense, and it’s ok! I’m laughing too.

Let me tell you about how I ended up in a Mexican prison this weekend.
Everything had fallen perfectly in place. All my beach outfits were packed and ready to snap for the gram, the boys were at home having fun with my parents, we woke up on time and settled in for our early flight. There seemed to be nothing Hubby and I hadn’t prepared for. All we had to do was get off the plane, go to our airport transfer and then enjoy a beautiful weekend in Cancun. Little did I know that my luck had run out and my laziness had finally caught up with me.

As we approached immigration with our papers and passports in hand, the immigration officer asked me to remove my passport from its sleeve. This was the first time I remember removing the sleeve after getting it during our honeymoon in Dubai in 2014. As soon as I handed it to her she pointed out the 2 holes at the bottom and asked why my passport was canceled.

What?!?

 All I know is that I had been using my Maiden name passport for all travel I’d done on Southwest Airlines for the past 4 years! I just went to Vegas with it last year!

Not one time in 4 years did anyone notice these damn holes that stood between me and a relaxing weekend!

So I get walked into the immigration office and I’m told there is no way I will be allowed into Cancun. I didn’t even make a fuss about it because I knew it was out of my hands at this point. They arranged our next flight back to San Antonio and hubby was directed to get our bags from baggage claim. He wasn’t even allowed back where I was being held.

 

So This Is A Mexican Prison?

I was still keeping a positive attitude as I sat on cushiony chairs in the office and lamented about missing my linesister’s wedding. Then another immigration officer came to escort me to another room. As we went down to what seemed like the basement of the airport, the officer led me into the most dank, stank and dreary cell with cement beds and raggedy looking blanket. She even said “Welcome” as she directed me into the cell. The shadiest comment I heard all day. I literally clutched my pearls as I realized there was a shower in there. This made me start to panic, how long was I gonna be in here?!?

Let me not forget to mention the guard they placed outside my door. Neither of us spoke the other’s language so you can picture I was in a desperate panic when trying to communicate that my new flight out was boarding and all she could do was shake her head.

I’ll tell you the several lessons I learned from this trip. (Can I even call this a trip? lol)

1. That cute little passport cover, throw that ish away!
Or atleast check your passport periodically. Any alterations to it render it invalid.

2. Stop being lazy and change your married name over on EVERYTHING

All of this because I hadn’t changed my Southwest Rapid Rewards account to my married name. All of my SouthWest flights have been booked under my maiden name so I’ve taken my maiden name passport on such trips and never had an issue until now. Hey, I’m a very loyal southwest flyer and those points were important!

Unfortunately, I dragged my feet for way too long and sending them a certified copy of my marriage certificate was the last thing on my mind.

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3. Everything happens for a reason

The Gag is, I have an updated passport. But they would have seized that one too for having multiple passports. Oh well.The trip was ruined but I believe we were just not meant to stay in Cancun this weekend. God has his own plan and I’m trusting in him. Hubby and I are enjoying time together on an impromptu staycation.

Friends, I don’t want any of this to happen to you! Don’t make my mistakes. Please check your passport status as SOON as you book that flight. Also, change your name on EVERYTHING when you get married. I know how long and tedious it is but if you agree to take his last name just get it all done. You’ll be happy you did.

Thank you to Southwest Airlines for your awesome customer service and recognizing that we shouldn’t have been allowed to board with that passport in the first place. Thanks for refunding us the flight cost. That’s why I stay so loyal. You da best!

What’s your craziest vacation story?

 

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Check out: Tips For Travel With A Toddler

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