Re: Sunday I reentered America at LAX and US Immigration "entry stamped" my US Passport.

"Svenna" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Tue, 2 Dec 2003 23:19:24 -0800, "PTRAVEL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
>
> >How does recording my passport information ensure that I'll pay my bill?
> >Particularly, when (1) they have an imprint of my credit card, and (2)
I've
> >guaranteed the first night in advance on the same card.
>
> Because you foolishly concluded that the passport information is
> forwarded to the police/authorities, thereby assuming more trouble if
> not paying the bill?  ;-)
>
> Passports are internationally recognizable and one of few "common"
> personal identification documents. So, it verifies your identify for
> using a credit card with a certain name on it. If it makes you feel
> any better, try waving your local driver's license or library card to
> the bell boy or something.

Sorry, but that's wrong.  The hotels don't glance at the passport to make
sure it matches the name on the credit card, the way some merchants will
look at a drivers license.  They retain the passport and record the
information.  The passport is returned some time later, not while you wait.

Moreover, both my wife and my passport are collected, not just the one which
matches the charge card.

It makes absolutely no sense that the hotels collect these merely to confirm
identity against the charge card.

I'll be in Spain in a couple of weeks, and will make a point of asking why
our passports are collected.