Durhhh ... all they needed to do was issue the BP for DME-IAD in BOS or IAD as I have urged all folks here to ensure they have secured and in their hand BEFORE they step onto the UA 767 in IAD, and there is then no issue whatever in DME if you have no checked bags.

Clearly you do not need to "check-in" at DME if you already have your BP ex USA for DME-IAD.

Of course it would help having print outs .. they ARE the rules that UNITED and the RUSSIANS use - I've posted them here many times, and suggested EVERYONE doing same day turn prints out both the English AND the Russian versions and take them along. Common sense.

It is the same reason 100s of FT'ers have the United RULES for RCC admittance printed out, and carried with them - we know more about the actual rules, than most gate Matrons, who delight in inventing their own personal versions.

Actually, I was kind of hoping I'd have an issue getting boarded ex the USA.

I had planned to politely say "thank you - what a shame - Oh Well - can you please note your decision in the comments field of my PNR please" if that occurred, and walk away with a wide smile when it was done.

THEN I'd later write a note to the 1K line, insisting they credit the miles, and the double EQM, and the 100% bonus, and the 3000 Russia bonus, just as if I'd taken the flight.

Their agent would be WRONG to have refused boarding, and WHQ would see that, but rather than argue at the podium, (and get nowhere) I'd have been delighted to have an unexpected day of sightseeing in IAD.

i.e. as they do all day long for involuntary re-routes on non UA metal. You get all miles and bonuses as IF you took those flights. If UA cancels a direct flight to Paris or AMS and puts you on Air France or AA or BA etc via a ticket endorsement, you get ALL the UA miles as if you flew it, AND all the miles from the other carrier too, if you are savvy enough to claim them.

UA would under these circumstances BOS-DME certainly add all the miles etc with no issue if asked the right way.

I'd not have pushed for a refund. All it means was 24 hours less of sitting in planes in coach. UA may also OFFER one, or a voucher for the pro-rata, but I for one would not push my luck.

Anyway why you did not simply fly the BOS-IAD section of your ticket, and talk to the fluent RUSSIAN UA speaking/reading agent on the DME gate there - paid to be there for exactly this kind of issue, sure beats me.

I can imagine at Fargo ND, or St George UT etc, the agents are not up to speed on the Russia flight and Visa details, but the agents at IAD podium are as they check these flights in each day. @:-)

There is in fact a DOUBLE CHECK of your Visa at BP reader as well as at podium, so these girls know EXACTLY what the rules are.

I took DAYS researching this, even posting on Russian Travel boards and it was near impossible to get straight answers, so the only way to be sure was to do it first hand and report back.

The thing to print out AGAIN for same day turn around Flyer Talkers is this -

===========

OK .. AFAIK here are the OFFICIAL rules!

Hope this assists others in future as these appear quite clear.

http://www.delta.com/planning_reserv...t_information/

This service is what all the airlines - including United - use FROM the USA to determine if you will be admitted or not to Russia with no Visa, and likewise your return to USA.

The system is called TIMATIC and the major airlines all access this exact data I am advised.


=================


/ 29MAR09 / 1906 UTC

National Australia (AU) (Same wording below applies to USA citizens)

Transit Russian Federation (RU)/Destination U.S.A. (US)

ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW


Russian Federation (RU)


TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Those continuing their journey
within 24 hours without leaving the airside (international)
transit area:

- if continuing by a domestic flight (also including Belarus)
or if the airport of arrival is different from the airport
of departure within the same Russian city (e.g. arriving at
Sheremetyevo-2 and departing from Sheremetyevo-1 airport in
Moscow) then a transit visa is required, as one is entering
territory of the Russian Federation.

Additional Information:

- Passengers are required to hold return/onward tickets and

documents required for the next destination.

- Valid visas in expired passports or other expired travel
documents are not accepted.

Warning:

- Non-compliance with entry or transit regulations may result
in fines for carrier For details, click here

FOR U.S.A. (US)

Passport required.
- Nationals of Australia may enter with passports valid for
period of intended stay.

Passport Exemptions:

- Holders of a valid on arrival Form I-512 ( Authorization for

Parole of an Alien into the United States").
- Holders of a Temporary or Emergency passports.

Visa required, except for Those entitled to travel under the

U.S. Visa Waiver Permanent Program (V.W.P.P.), travelling on
holiday, business or for transit purposes only, and stay does
not exceed 90 days (see V.W.P.P conditions below):

====================

38. Транзитная виза выдается иностранному гражданину в целях транзитного проезда через территорию Российской Федерации либо в целях эвакуации иностранного гражданина, прибывшего в Российскую Федерацию в порядке, не требующем получения визы (пассажирам круизных судов, гражданам стран, с которыми Российская Федерация имеет соглашения о безвизовом въезде, и пассажирам, совершающим безвизовый транзит до 24 часов). Транзитная виза выдается на срок до 10 дней.

http://www.center-migracia.ru/law/resolution_335.htm


не требующем получения визы (пассажирам круизных судов, гражданам стран, с которыми Российская Федерация имеет соглашения о безвизовом въезде, и пассажирам, совершающим безвизовый транзит до 24 часов = no visa needed for ....., passengers, who make the visa-free transit up to 24 hours)
About 24-hours visa-free transit:

в случае следования иностранца транзитом через территорию России на самолете международной авиалинии с пересадкой в аэропорту на ее территории (п. 2 ст. 31 Закона о въезде и выезде). В таком случае виза не потребуется, только если иностранный пассажир в соответствии с расписанием полетов покинет российский аэропорт в течение 24 часов с момента прибытия. При этом он вправе находиться только на территории аэропорта (в пунктах пересадки аэропорта, где обеспечивается режим, исключающий свободный выход транзитных пассажиров за его пределы). Вместо визы у иностранца должны быть надлежащим образом оформленные документы на право въезда в государство назначения, а также авиабилет с подтвержденной датой вылета из российского аэропорта, в котором осуществляется пересадка в течение 24 часов с момента прибытия в него;

http://osppruch.futown.ru/1-7.html

Works for passenger who is in compliance with the following facts:

- Connection flight - Passenger should leave transit zone in 24 hours

- Passenger should have the correct paperwork for the inbound flight and ticket