In a recent incident that has sparked widespread discussion on social media, a popular influencer duo faced a significant travel setback when they missed their flight to Puerto Rico. The couple sought guidance from ChatGPT regarding travel requirements, particularly concerning visa regulations for European citizens. While the AI provided accurate information about the necessity of a visa for short stays, it failed to mention a crucial requirement: an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA). This oversight ultimately led to their denial of boarding, igniting a debate on the reliability of AI for important travel advisories.
Recently, Spanish influencers Mery Caldass and Alejandro Cid faced an unfortunate situation that caught the attention of social media. While preparing to travel to Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert, they sought assistance from ChatGPT regarding visa requirements as European citizens. Although AI confirmed that a visa was unnecessary for a short stay, it neglected to highlight the crucial requirement of obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the United States. As a result, the couple was denied boarding, leading to a viral moment of despair on TikTok.
The Role of AI in Travel Formalities
The incident with Mery and Alejandro underscores the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in addressing travel inquiries. ChatGPT, a prominent AI tool, proved to be a double-edged sword. While it provided partially correct information regarding the absence of a visa requirement, it failed to clarify that an ESTA was mandatory for entry into Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States. This can serve as a cautionary tale for travelers who depend solely on AI for critical travel formalities.
Understanding ESTA and Visa Requirements
For Spanish nationals and other citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, a visa may not be required for travel to the United States for up to 90 days. However, this travel arrangement still necessitates the completion of the ESTA application process. Mery and Alejandro’s experience highlights a common misconception among travelers—that the absence of a visa implies that no additional documentation is needed.
The Importance of Verifying Information
The fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying travel information with reliable sources. As travel regulations often change, it is essential for individuals planning a trip to consult official resources—such as government websites or specialized visa assistance agencies—before departing.
The Social Media Reaction
Mery and Alejandro’s TikTok video, where they expressed their disappointment and confusion over the situation, quickly resonated with viewers online. The video received a flurry of comments; some criticized the couple’s reliance on AI, while others pointed out the need for thorough research in administrative processes. Numerous internet users emphasized that simply checking the official website of American authorities could have prevented the issue entirely.
Best Practices When Using AI for Travel Queries
When utilizing tools like ChatGPT to address travel questions, it’s vital to approach the interaction with specificity. Each request can yield different responses, so clarifying the question can lead to better guidance. Travelers should not hesitate to follow up by asking additional questions, ensuring they cover all aspects of travel documentation required for their journey.
As Mery and Alejandro demonstrated, even a well-informed duo can experience travel mishaps if they place excessive trust in generative AI tools. Whether it involves navigating e-visas, traditional visas, or travel authorizations like ESTA, thorough verification remains a crucial step to ensure a smooth travel experience. Further insights on similar travel mishaps can be found through stories like the one involving an Australian traveler who encountered challenges due to AI-related issues; you can read more about it here.
- Incident: Influencer duo attempts to travel to Puerto Rico for a Bad Bunny concert.
- AI Assistance: Consults ChatGPT regarding visa requirements as European citizens.
- Miscommunication: ChatGPT confirms no visa is necessary for short stays.
- Missing Information: Omission of required ESTA for entry into the USA.
- Outcome: Denied boarding at the airport due to lack of ESTA.
- Public Reaction: Viral TikTok video sharing their disappointment and situation.
- Key Lesson: Importance of verifying travel information with official sources.
- Administrative Caution: Always double-check entry requirements before travel.
The influencer duo, Mery Caldass and Alejandro Cid, recently faced a significant travel setback when they were denied boarding for their flight to Puerto Rico to attend a Bad Bunny concert. Relying on ChatGPT for information on travel requirements, they were mistakenly informed that a visa was unnecessary as European citizens. However, the crucial detail of needing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the United States, which includes Puerto Rico, was omitted. Their emotional reaction was shared in a viral TikTok video, highlighting the importance of double-checking travel formalities with official sources, even when using artificial intelligence.

Hello! I’m Elisa, a 45-year-old travel companion with a passion for exploring new places and cultures. With years of travel experience under my belt, I thrive on creating memorable journeys for my clients. Let’s embark on an adventure together!