So confused...

[PurpleSky 19]

FH's interview is tomorrow in Dakar. We've begun to look at flights to get him here. I wanted to spend a little extra and have him fly nonstop from DKR to JFK on South African Airlines (which is the cheapest nonstop we've been able to find). His elder brother (the one married to my cousin) said he will pay for the ticket to get him here and because he's paying for the ticket of course he wants to go with what's cheapest. The least expensive flight we've found is a connecting flight Dakar-Morocco-JFK on Royal Air Maroc. It's actually $400 cheaper than the nonstop so both my FH and FBIL/CIL say this is the route they want to go. I feel like they are only looking at the price and not the full picture.

My worries:

*FH doesn't have a full education, which presents some challenges with reading comprehension although he speaks perfect English.

*I've read quite a few reviews for RAM which weren't good at all in terms of lost baggage, the airline not communicating with the passengers, late flights, missed flights, hours/days delayed departures, etc.

*I'm not positive that he would be ok should one of the above problems present itself and even with finding his way to the correct departure gate since the arriving gate to Morocco is in a different terminal.

*I don't really have the extra money to put with what my FBIL/CIL would pay, but I will find it somehow to ensure that FH is fairly safe.

My biggest feeling on this is he (FH) has had to endure a lot already with this process and his travels haven't been easy (from Gambia to Dakar to Nigeria. Once in Nigeria from Lagos to Benin City, back to Lagos. Then from Lagos to Dakar to Gambia back to Dakar where he is now for his interview) and it's all occurred within a span of 2 months. I wanted him to be able to get on the plane and relax and not have to worry about anything until he actually arrives at JFK. Both FH and FBIL/CIL say that he is a man and I'm babying him to which I say, it's not my intent. I just want him to be safe and have less travel stress.

My aunt and my mother feel the same way as I do. They want him (FH) to take the nonstop flight even though I will have to basically "rob peter to pay paul" to have that accomplished.

I would really like to know what you all think about this. Thanks in advance

[Zee Bee 61]

My first instinct says that if his brother is going to pay for the ticket then he chooses the airlines.

I understand all your fears about him traveling and everything and wanting to make it easier for him is good, but I really don't see anything changing unless you decide to buy him a ticket. I wouldn't worry about him missing a flight or anything like that. I'm sure the airport personnel can help him out and if he can speak English I'm sure that if anything does happen he can find someone to help him out.

[reeses16 8]

Yes, you're babying him...but I'm sure it comes from a place of love. You said FB is comfortable taking the less direct flight, so let him. Even if he reading comprehension is 100% I'm sure he can read flight numbers and gates. And there are always helpful people/staff at the airport that can assist him.

If you have to "rob peter to pay paul" for the $400 to get the itinerary you want, I recommend not doing it. You've got to come up with money for AOS, they only way your FH can legally work (and earn money!). I would save the money for any unexpected or underestimated expenses.

[rafetnatorop 0]

I would also go with the cheaper flight. I understand the wish to make things go more smoothly, but I agree with what reeses said about saving the money for unforeseen expenses. From my experience in Dakar when I missed a flight, even if you don't speak/read fluently, there is always someone who speaks your language and can help you. Esp with West Africans, you can't help making friends as you travel. I had a whole crew of Senegalese ladies helping me out on that trip.

Good luck!

[PurpleSky 19]

Thank you all for your slaps to reality. I will take off the training wheels.

[patient2010 93]

Yes take off the training wheels......lol he will be fine! Oh and good luck on your interview today!