A crying influencer, a missed flight, and a travel lesson for all of us
What was supposed to be a dream vacation to Puerto Rico quickly turned into a tear-filled disaster—and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
Spanish influencer Mery Caldass, who has nearly 100,000 followers, recently went viral after posting a video of herself sobbing at the airport. The reason? She had missed her flight—because she relied on ChatGPT for travel advice.
Spoiler: it didn’t end well.
When AI Gets It (Just Slightly) Wrong
Before heading to Puerto Rico, Caldass asked ChatGPT whether she needed a visa. The AI confidently replied, “No.” Technically, it was right—Spanish citizens don’t need a visa to visit U.S. territories for short stays.
But here’s the catch: they do need something else called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)—a crucial detail the chatbot failed to mention. Without it, she was denied boarding at the airport.
Cue the meltdown. And the TikTok. And the global attention.
Viral Tears and Online Backlash
The video shows Mery crying as her partner Alejandro tries to comfort her. Reactions on social media were swift and divided.
Some commenters mocked her for blindly trusting AI. Others were more sympathetic, pointing out that ChatGPT’s answer wasn’t exactly wrong—it just wasn’t complete. Caldass even joked that maybe the chatbot was taking “revenge” because she had previously insulted it.
Though the mishap was emotionally draining, the couple eventually made it to Puerto Rico and enjoyed their trip—just a little later than planned (and with a few million extra views on their videos).
Bigger Picture: The Limits of AI Travel Planning
This incident isn’t just about one missed flight. It reflects a growing issue: AI can be incredibly useful, but it’s not always reliable for high-stakes decisions like immigration, health, or finance.
ChatGPT and similar tools are trained on vast amounts of data, but they can:
- Omit key legal or procedural information
- Give outdated advice
- Misinterpret context or jurisdiction
- Sound overly confident—even when wrong
In this case, a single missing acronym—ESTA—was the difference between paradise and panic.
Lessons Learned: How to Use AI Safely When Planning Travel
Let’s not throw the AI out with the beach towel. ChatGPT can still be a great tool for:
- Discovering off-the-beaten-path locations
- Planning flexible itineraries
- Learning cultural tips or basic translations
- Getting ideas for what to pack or eat
But when it comes to border rules, visa requirements, and legal documents, always double-check:
- Official government websites (like the U.S. Department of State or local embassies)
- Airline travel notices
- Travel forums with up-to-date, real-world experience
AI should be your co-pilot—not your captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ESTA, and why is it needed for Puerto Rico?
ESTA is an online travel authorization required for citizens of Visa Waiver countries (like Spain) to enter the U.S. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the same entry rules apply.
2. Was ChatGPT wrong?
Not exactly. It correctly stated that no visa was needed—but failed to mention the separate ESTA requirement, which is still mandatory for travel.
3. Should I use ChatGPT for travel planning?
Yes—but with caution. Use it for general guidance, inspiration, or planning logistics—but never rely on it for legal, medical, or immigration-related decisions without verifying through official sources.
4. Can I sue if AI gives me bad advice?
No. AI tools like ChatGPT clearly warn users that they don’t offer official or legally binding information. The responsibility ultimately lies with the user.
5. Did the influencer ever reach Puerto Rico?
Yes! After rebooking and securing the correct documents, Mery and her partner made it to Puerto Rico—just in time to catch a Bad Bunny concert.
Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Cry—But Always Double-Check
Mery Caldass’s airport breakdown was painful to watch, but incredibly relatable. In a world racing toward AI dependence, her story is a viral reminder: technology should enhance our journeys, not sabotage them.
So next time you’re planning a vacation, go ahead—ask ChatGPT for tips on where to eat, what to pack, or how to say “hello” in Portuguese. But when it comes to documents, visas, or boarding passes?
Trust a human.
Sources The Times of India
