Entering the USA on a K1. Do I still need an ESTA?

[DktrFaustus 38]

Ha. I just booked my trans-Atlantic flight through Thomas Cook last night. Comforting to read this!

 

To the OP, if you're still around and reading the forum: how did this go? Any hassle etc?

 

Edit: Realised I missed a post in this thread about the online check in system. I prefer to use the desk anyway. Still, interested to know how you, or any others reading this, got on.

Edited November 8, 2018 by DktrFaustus

[DktrFaustus 38]

On 4/19/2018 at 11:56 AM, JFH said:

Oh dear.... 18 years of working for an airline here. The automated check-in procedure (online or self-service machines) won't work for you. You will have to desk check-in. The thing is, TCX is a "holiday" airline, not a scheduled carrier. As such, the majority of their passengers are tourists going for their 2 weeks of Disney, Walmart and Jack in the Box. They hardly ever handle immigrants, USCs or GC holders. That doesn't mean they don't know what to do. 

 

I can assure you that an ESTA is not required and you don't even qualify for the VWP. The VWP requires a return ticket within 90 days and no immigration intent. You cannot satisfy either of those conditions. Don't worry, the people on the phone lines are not the ones who check people in all day, every day. When you get to the airport, the person at the desk will know what to do. All of us who came here on immigrant visas and K-1 visas from the U.K. travelled just fine with no ESTA. 

 

Thanks for this post and the benefit of your experience, JFH.

[Phil & Han 28]

7 hours ago, DktrFaustus said:

Ha. I just booked my trans-Atlantic flight through Thomas Cook last night. Comforting to read this!

 

To the OP, if you're still around and reading the forum: how did this go? Any hassle etc?

 

Edit: Realised I missed a post in this thread about the online check in system. I prefer to use the desk anyway. Still, interested to know how you, or any others reading this, got on.

Still around.

 

ignore the total air heads if you call Thomas Cook and have a query regarding this issue. The only person you need to worry about is the person that asks you a series of questions about your intentions in the USA at the baggage drop off line.

 

When I said to the man I had a one way ticket and wasn’t coming back to the UK his face frowned a little, but as soon as I said I had a visa and was getting married we had a few minutes of small talk, he shook my hand and wished me good luck.

 

i was very unimpressed with Thomas Cook online “help” but the check in staff were great. You’ll have no issues.

[DktrFaustus 38]

3 hours ago, Phil & Han said:

Still around.

 

ignore the total air heads if you call Thomas Cook and have a query regarding this issue. The only person you need to worry about is the person that asks you a series of questions about your intentions in the USA at the baggage drop off line.

 

When I said to the man I had a one way ticket and wasn’t coming back to the UK his face frowned a little, but as soon as I said I had a visa and was getting married we had a few minutes of small talk, he shook my hand and wished me good luck.

 

i was very unimpressed with Thomas Cook online “help” but the check in staff were great. You’ll have no issues.

 

Hey, thanks for getting back to me. That is good to hear. I won't bother with any online chat/help facility based on what you've told me, plus other extremely helpful advice in this thread. I have no doubt I'll be fine. My K-1 is all here with me and everything is above board.

[W.Rominger 54]

On 11/9/2018 at 2:14 AM, Phil & Han said:

Still around.

 

ignore the total air heads if you call Thomas Cook and have a query regarding this issue. The only person you need to worry about is the person that asks you a series of questions about your intentions in the USA at the baggage drop off line.

 

When I said to the man I had a one way ticket and wasn’t coming back to the UK his face frowned a little, but as soon as I said I had a visa and was getting married we had a few minutes of small talk, he shook my hand and wished me good luck.

 

i was very unimpressed with Thomas Cook online “help” but the check in staff were great. You’ll have no issues.

This is my question too. one way ticket with no ESTA. sound like i better be at airport early so i have time to answer all questions ground staff have for my entry to US...

 

[Ontarkie 14,378]

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