I would get the Visa just because its good for ten years and Brazil is an amazing place to explore. Again with 869 issue, it appears that he is turning around and coming back to the US in four hours and not really connecting per se. Again, I would fear an agent denying me boarding because I was not truly connecting but good luck to him/her. 869, you can at least past the time in the GRU AC, there are showers.

Thanks for the information, everyone. I will no longer be making this trip as I have been asked to substitute another destination by a caller from AA's headquarters. Very interesting series of phone calls from AA.

Houston Consolate chimes in on itinerary
 

Houston consulate confirmed today what the LA consulate told me last week. This "rather odd" connection between Dallas and Miami is okay and does NOT require a visa as long as I do not "leave the international area of the airport, meaning you won't go through immigration or customs" I should be able to make the flight.

Too bad someone at AA decided to make this decision on behalf of the Brazilian government.

Houston Consulate is right. Don´t know why AA would dispute this. The only thing AA needs to assure is that you have onwards valid ticketing from GRU. It would be interesting to get some more details on what "AA HQ" told you.

I would like to hear it too. While I am not taking up for AA, technically it sounds like the OP is not connecting but making a return trip. AA might fear that the OP ends up in the customs hall and then would a customs officer disagree to what the Houston Consulate said?

I do not know where you get your "connection" requirement from? As long as the passenger has legitimate proof of valid onward ticketing, there should not be any issue. Further, in GRU you really have to be unlucky to accidentally pass through immigration and then customs.

+1


There is not an issue of connection as far as brazil is concerned as long as you do not enter the country. The only problems happen if your planned connection disappears for some reason.

From what 869 had posted, he has a DFW/GRU/MIA trip planned. The question to me is this all one flight or is this two flights of DFW/GRU and then a return of GRU/MIA. If the latter, then no its not an onward flight. Its sound like 869 booked two one way flights but only he can tell us that for sure. Granted 869 would only be in Brazil for four hours but AA can't control what he would do during those four hours. Yes, from a common sense standpoint he would have no reason to leave the transit area, but again people do dumb things. I mean this in general not what I think 869 in particular would do.

And this is where IMO you go wrong in your analysis. GRU/MIA is an onward flight, no matter whether it is a "connection","return" or whatever.

But it sounds like GRU is 869's final destination. Again, albeit for just four hours. Last year when AA was having an outrageous JFK/GIG sale for $300 ai (sadly right before AA changed the policy on using SWUs on International Q fares) there were FTs that wanted to fly to GIG, hang around the airport for the six or seven hours and then fly back to JFK that night. When they inquired at AA whether they would need a Visa to travel they were told yes because GIG was their final destination.

I can see what you write, but I have difficulty understanding why GRU would be "final destination" when OP had onward ticket on first available flight and intention to use.....Seems as said before that AA is playing Brazilian immigration authority, which is not really their role....

I agree with you, particularly as the Consulate had already said not an issue as long as the flyer remains in the transit area. But AA is saying that if Brazil is your final destination, whether it be four hours, four days, or fourteen days, they want a Visa for travel.

I will post details soon
 

Please forgive me for the delay. I have concerns about how AA handled this and once these are addressed I will gladly share the whole story. Thanks

Hi,

I'm an Indian passport holder and following is my itinerary

14th Dec. DXB (Dubai) to 14th Dec GRU arriving at 19:30, Terminal 2, Emirates flight.
14th Dec. GRU, Terminal 1, TAM, departing at 21:30 to 14th Dec, ASU 22:30

These are my queries:

1. Will I require a transit visa. Searching the forums results in a NO
2. Will I require a transit visa if I depart on 15th Dec 06:45 AM instead of 14th Night? I guess the answer is yes.
3. Is there a way that my baggage can be transferred from Emirates->TAM. Emirates says that they have interline agreement with TAM, and they can tag my baggage. TAM says no, but sounded unsure on the phone.
4. If for some reason I miss my onward flight (TAM), even though I had a confirmed booking. What will happen?

While returning (i.e. going from ASU -> GRU -> DXB), my schedule is as follows...
Arriving at GRU, 17th June 14:00 hrs -> Departing via emirates 01:15 18th June. Does that count as overnight stay, or is transit without visa possible?

The Brazilian consulate in India says that no visa is required if I do not leave the transit area. (However, Its the baggage I'm concerned about, and the possibility of missing my onward flight, which leaves just 2 hrs after I arrive)

Thanks!
Anish

I agree with the Brazilian Consulate.
If you can check your luggage through, you will be fine. 1 hour should be enough.
There is a small (both property and room size) hotel (showers and massage) air side in the connector between the two terminals. That would be a good place to spend some time on the way back or you can buy a day pass to one of the lounges.