Originally Posted by
moondog
Based on accounts in the TWOV thread, for layovers greater than 8 hours, most of the immigration people will have mercy on you, and let you out, but this is a YMMV situation. My advice is to book (but, not pay for) a hotel, print out the confirmation, and show it to them. Obviously, if CA books it, your odds are better. I couldn't fathom spending 12 hours in the terminal.
Not sure I understand this...
Why wouldn't I be allowed out of the airport?
No need for a visa for under a few days, right?
This is sounding worse and worse and super-confusing.