My friend is traveling today to US from Shanghai. She has a valid visa which is good until July. Her passport is valid till June 30. So, both her passport and visa are valid.

When she checked in at the United counter, she was refused. The agent told her that the passport must be valid for six months before the date of her departure. I have checked the US State department. The six months passport requirement is for applying for the visa. I have not seen anything that said the passport must be valid for six months before he/she can depart for US. Has anyone been in the same situation? Is this required by the US government or only by United airline? Can anyone point me to it?

My friend will miss this flight and probably has to cancel the whole trip.