USA flights bookings and ESTA query
Sep 10, 2021, 1:52 pm
#46
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, TK Elite, HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 7,691
Dearest CWS, thank you very very much for the reply! I understand that the vast majority of UK citizens travel on ESTA rather than visas, so my situation is very different, which is why I am happy I got a reply and that you have alleviated my fears. I was hoping that the process for visas was different from that for ESTA, and you confirmed that. Thank you!
Last edited by Andriyko; Sep 10, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Dec 27, 2022, 7:59 am
#47
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Austin, TX and Aspen, CO
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 225
UK Citizen on Virgin America Flight to Austin Tomorrow, ESTA?
So I booked a British Citizen friend of mine a last minute ticket to Austin leaving on the nonstop from Heathrow tomorrow.
He called me freaking out about the ESTA this morning because neither of us knew about it, and though he submitted it, he wasn't automatically granted an approval and now it says it could take 72 hours.
1. What are the odds he'll get his approval before tomorrow's 11am flight time? (about 18 hours from now)
2. If he doesn't get it before his flight, should he attempt to board anyway, and get it sorted at the airport (either Heathrow or Austin)?
Would hate to cancel or have to move his flight over this.
He called me freaking out about the ESTA this morning because neither of us knew about it, and though he submitted it, he wasn't automatically granted an approval and now it says it could take 72 hours.
1. What are the odds he'll get his approval before tomorrow's 11am flight time? (about 18 hours from now)
2. If he doesn't get it before his flight, should he attempt to board anyway, and get it sorted at the airport (either Heathrow or Austin)?
Would hate to cancel or have to move his flight over this.
Dec 27, 2022, 8:00 am
#48
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,997
1. it should come in a few hours, and before the flight tomorrow.
2. that won't work, he will not be allowed to board if he hasn't got an ESTA
edit: i assume your friend is fully jabbed and will have proof of that too?
2. that won't work, he will not be allowed to board if he hasn't got an ESTA
edit: i assume your friend is fully jabbed and will have proof of that too?
Dec 27, 2022, 8:04 am
#49
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Austin, TX and Aspen, CO
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 225
Yes! He has proof of vaccination and has submitted that. I'll have him check the ESTA status on the website periodically and will hope it comes through today indeed!