Flights from Kiev to the US

[Pavel-Olga 0]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide about how to fly my beloved to US after the visa is approved (positive thinking here!). She is a Ukrainian citizen and will need to get from Kiev to the Cincinnati. She can either connect through JFK (New York) or Paris. I'd rather send her to Paris, because I think Cincinnati is less busy as a POE than JFK. However, I am not sure if she can get or if she even needs a transit visa in Paris. Who can give me experiences either way?

Thanks, Ryan

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide about how to fly my beloved to US after the visa is approved (positive thinking here!). She is a Ukrainian citizen and will need to get from Kiev to the Cincinnati. She can either connect through JFK (New York) or Paris. I'd rather send her to Paris, because I think Cincinnati is less busy as a POE than JFK. However, I am not sure if she can get or if she even needs a transit visa in Paris. Who can give me experiences either way?

Thanks, Ryan

She should not need a transit visa in Paris. CDG airport has been undergoing major construction and it is possible on given days that the secure transit areas were closed and transit visas issued. The construction may be done or out of that phase by now, so if you prefer Paris, go for it. Be sure to allow enoughtime between flights. Also, just FYI, in 30 years of extensive traveling, I have lost my baggage exactly TWO times, bit were when my bags went through Paris and myself and the bags ended up in different places. In both cases I did get them back, but just sayin'.

JFK is not a terrible POE, just busy. Usually the cheapest flights are Kiev - JFK. Typically we buy tickets from JFK-Kiev or JFK-Moscow. We then work out a way to get to JFK separately, either fly or drive. You have the same option. It is almost always cheper for us to buy the JFK-Kiev tickets and then find a cheap domestic flight to JFK on our own. Someone lately ahs always been having a "$49 Sale"

[slim 1,525]

My wife flew from SVO to CVG via JFK. No problems. She said they even gave her directions - in Russian - at JFK.

Go with what's cheapest.

[Joe_&_Nadiya 1]

Also, just FYI, in 30 years of extensive traveling, I have lost my baggage exactly TWO times, bit were when my bags went through Paris and myself and the bags ended up in different places. In both cases I did get them back, but just sayin'.

Same here in terms of lost lugagge in Paris...I was in transit though and they still managed to lose it only to be found 2 days later..(I learned the hard way, but now I always bring an extra change of clothes in my carry on).

JFK...no hassle, no problems.

Edited November 22, 2009 by Joe & Nadya

[slim 1,525]

I learned the hard way, but now I always bring an extra change of clothes in my carry on)

I try to bring only a carry on now. Sometimes they kind of look at you funny when you have no bags to check, but oh well.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Whichever way you have her arrive, it is usually a good idea that you are in the POE airport, in case there are extensive delays. I would try to insure that her POE is as close to your home as possible. If she is flying out of Kyiv, you might consider a change in Amsterdam to give you more options of her POE. The flight to Amsterdam is short and usually the change to another flight uneventful.

Word of warning regarding departure from Borispol. They are not as strict about consumables there, as in other airports so if she plans to bring you any gifts like liquor or caviar, have her put them in her baggage. I lost six really nice cans of caviar because I forgot they were in my carry-on. My wife had packed our baggage with too much of her non-essentials. I guess caviar packed in liquid can be considered a possible incendiary device. Yeah, right!

[SMR 368]

Come to think of it, the only time I had trouble with baggage, I also changed planes in Paris. I think it's a pattern. I got it back, but it's still really annoying.

[payxibka 10,045]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide about how to fly my beloved to US after the visa is approved (positive thinking here!). She is a Ukrainian citizen and will need to get from Kiev to the Cincinnati. She can either connect through JFK (New York) or Paris. I'd rather send her to Paris, because I think Cincinnati is less busy as a POE than JFK. However, I am not sure if she can get or if she even needs a transit visa in Paris. Who can give me experiences either way?

Thanks, Ryan

From Delta's website"

National Ukraine (UA) /Transit France (FR)

Destination U.S.A. (US)

ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW

France (FR)

TWOV (Transit Without Visa):

Visa required, except for those continuing their journey to a third country by the same or a connecting aircraft, provided arriving and departing from/to non-Schengen countries, and not leaving the airport transit area.

Additional Information:

- All passengers must hold proof of repatriation, e.g. onward/return ticket and documents for return/onward journey, and sufficient funds for maintenance during their stay;

[Chi-town 1]

Delta through Paris seems to have a lot of bad luck with luggage. I've had luggage misrouted there, and several business associates had the same thing happen. One had her luggage lost on the way to Prague with a CDG layover, and then the same thing happened to her on the way back to the US. I try to avoid this place if possible.