US visit, worst case scenario

I did the thing: I left my BRP card at home in my wallet when visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. So I got my friend who had my keys to post it to me. There was a delay with the delivery, so I had to chase it with the post office. Ultimately, they found the envelope it was sent in, and it was empty. We are meant to fly back home on December 3. I have a picture of my BRP card, and i have reported it lost. (Actually, my spouse did, when what I meant was to cancel my bank card! Arg!)

Everyone I have spoken to who has been through it says just to go on the flight, stick with my spouse, and admit at the border what happened, and they won't turn me away. When I contacted the Home Office, they told me under no circumstances would I be allowed in the country. I don't know who to believe, and I am afraid of being denied entry. My spouse also needs assistance to travel, and to live in the UK. They are disabled and rely on me to pay our expenses and take care of them. I don't really have an option to send them on ahead.

If anyone has been through this before, can you reassure me at all?

I haven't been through this, but I would also possibly contact your MP for assistance? Good luck!

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You'll be fine going through with the photo.  You'll be asked to sit to the side while they verify your details and told off.  Nothing worse than that.  They won't deny your entry.  Show them the picture of your BRP and they'll verify everything.

It's not technically the correct advise, as you *should* apply for single entry replacement visa before re-entering but they've never turned anyone away that we know of.  So long as the airline allows you to boar (which they may not do as you don't have a return flight to the USA), you will be fine.  Just a telling off.   

Just don't report it lost before you board the flight!!!

So long as the airline allows you to boar (which they may not do as you don't have a return flight to the USA), you will be fine.

Out of sheer curiosity, is the BRP linked to your passport when they check your passport for boarding? I've never had to show my BRP at the airport (only when going through immigration) so unsure at what point they would realise to not allow them on the flight.

Out of sheer curiosity, is the BRP linked to your passport when they check your passport for boarding? I've never had to show my BRP at the airport (only when going through immigration) so unsure at what point they would realise to not allow them on the flight.

Have you not?  I've ALWAYS had to show my BRP at check in - as they don't see a "return" on my ticket and want to see my visa.  I believe the airline takes the cost if you are refused at the border, so they try to eliminate the risk.

Have you not?  I've ALWAYS had to show my BRP at check in - as they don't see a "return" on my ticket and want to see my visa.  I believe the airline takes the cost if you are refused at the border, so they try to eliminate the risk.

No never. Sometimes I've tried to give it to them but they don't seem to want to look at it. Wondering if maybe it's because they can see it's my "return" flight or something? No idea why but that's really interesting and wondering if this is weird and I've just been "lucky"?

No never. Sometimes I've tried to give it to them but they don't seem to want to look at it. Wondering if maybe it's because they can see it's my "return" flight or something? No idea why but that's really interesting and wondering if this is weird and I've just been "lucky"?

Likely depends on airport.  For sure, I've been asked at both Atlanta and Tampa.

Have you not?  I've ALWAYS had to show my BRP at check in - as they don't see a "return" on my ticket and want to see my visa.  I believe the airline takes the cost if you are refused at the border, so they try to eliminate the risk.

I've never been asked for mine either. I leave from Raleigh Durham usually on Delta or United.

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I have only flown in/out of Boston Logan so definitely might just depend on the airport (as you said)

I am traveling from Portland to Amsterdam, then Amsterdam to Heathrow.

I am traveling from Portland to Amsterdam, then Amsterdam to Heathrow.

I always fly direct so no experience with connecting flights and they do or don’t check.  I’m sure you will be fine!

And as I sat that, Delta won't let me check in online because I don't have a return ticket. It says I have to talk to the agent and prove my right to enter the country.

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I had to check in with the ticket agent but she didn't ask for my BRP. Just my passport with no further questions.

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Interesting! I’ve never been asked for my BRP when checking in for any flight from the US to the UK, direct or with layovers. I always have round trip tickets that return to the UK (no proof of return to the US). I usually fly United and have flown from LAX, SFO, IAH, ORD, MCO, DEN, and some smaller airports. Maybe a few places or airlines take super extra precautions?