Originally Posted by
fiddlesticks
From what I've gleaned from the thread on RGN visas elsewhere, although this is true, this is not reflected in whatever visa-checking system AA and others use, so they will demand a visa whether you need one or not. Assuming that's true, I was hoping they wouldnt ask at all.
Originally Posted by
Happy
Originally Posted by
mvoight
At check in, they will check the visa requirements for your ticketed destination.
A word of caution here. AA says it is your responsibility to know the requirements and have the proper documentation for entry to whatever country you plan to travel. HOWEVER, they do not require their own agents to know!
Almost got stuck in ORD before a PEK trip because the gate agent couldn't/wouldn't read past the section about requiring a visa (find a way to say no and stop). We had printouts from the Chinese Consulate explaining the ability to travel without a visa for up to 48 hours, but they wouldn't take that as proof. They even called the Czar of International Travel in Dallas, and he too was unaware of the proper rules. We stayed in their face until Dallas called back and said they would allow us to travel IF we agreed to pay any fines levied for illegal travel. Got to PEK and not even a raised eyebrow from anyone.
The lesson learned is to know your requirements and allow PLENTY of time to educate the GAs if needed. The problem with using sites like Timatic is they address ALL the rules for the country and not just those that apply to AA destinations. You would think AA could whittle things down to reduce GA confusion.