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

[Phil & Han 28]

Hi all,

 

On in the face of it there is an obvious answer to the question. No.

 

However, it looks as though the airline won't take me without having an ESTA. 

 

Does anyone know whether having an ESTA on my passport may effect the I94 I need for the AOS?

 

THANKS ALL

[Naes 12,205]

12 minutes ago, Phil & Han said:

Hi all,

 

On in the face of it there is an obvious answer to the question. No.

 

However, it looks as though the airline won't take me without having an ESTA. 

 

Does anyone know whether having an ESTA on my passport may effect the I94 I need for the AOS?

 

THANKS ALL

You have a visa. That will pretty much replace any ESTA...

 

which stupid airline is this by the way? (So I won’t use it..)

 

just explain them what a k1 and a visa is. 

Edited April 19, 2018 by Naes

[Dashinka 24,598]

Agreed, the K1 visa will trump the ESTA or B1 upon your next entry.

[Phil & Han 28]

Glad there are people on here with common sense. I just called the airline and apparently their check-in system runs off the ESTA network so they may not let me fly without a valid ESTA despite an actual visa - I'll need to sort it out at the desk on the day.

 

I mean I get it 99% of people will travel with an ESTA but they need to have contingency for the students, fiances, immigrants, etc etc

[Naes 12,205]

1 minute ago, Phil & Han said:

Glad there are people on here with common sense. I just called the airline and apparently their check-in system runs off the ESTA network so they may not let me fly without a valid ESTA despite an actual visa - I'll need to sort it out at the desk on the day.

 

I mean I get it 99% of people will travel with an ESTA but they need to have contingency for the students, fiances, immigrants, etc etc

No I’m serious which ridiculous airline is this?

 

Cause that is not possible. There are people from other countries without ESTA riding that plane with a visa. So I’m sure it is just a stupid person who doesn’t know what a visa number is....

[Phil & Han 28]

Thomas Cook Airlines - they were cheap only reason I'm going with them!!

 

Yeah I'm getting mixed messages from them, I just tried their online chat and got the answer I’d expect 

[Going through 5,671]

5 minutes ago, Phil & Han said:

Thomas Cook Airlines - they were cheap only reason I'm going with them!!

 

Yeah I'm getting mixed messages from them, I just tried their online chat and got the answer I’d expect 

From what's posted above---it's not that they are refusing to fly you, just that you can't use their online check-in system.  Just check-in at the desk when you arrive at the airport.

Edited April 19, 2018 by Going through

[Phil & Han 28]

Yeah then I get this sort of answer in Twitter...

 

I'm fairly comfortable that as you said the Esta is only required for online check in and that I'll have no problems checking in at the desk.

 

Thanks guys 

[JFH 12,190]

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. 

[Phil & Han 28]

1 minute ago, 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. 

You're awesome, thanks

[javadown2 308]

4 hours ago, Phil & Han said:

Glad there are people on here with common sense. I just called the airline and apparently their check-in system runs off the ESTA network so they may not let me fly without a valid ESTA despite an actual visa - I'll need to sort it out at the desk on the day.

 

I mean I get it 99% of people will travel with an ESTA but they need to have contingency for the students, fiances, immigrants, etc etc

No, they are wrong....it sounds like an automated system which will be bypassed once you are physically there to show them your new k-1 visa in your passport. (which last poster already stated with previous experience!). Good luck on your K-1 journey!

Edited April 19, 2018 by javadown2

[Sunnyland 639]

9 hours ago, Naes said:

You have a visa. That will pretty much replace any ESTA...

 

which stupid airline is this by the way? (So I won’t use it..)

 

just explain them what a k1 and a visa is. 

 

My thought exactly! I won't use the OP's airline. Thanks God when I traveled on my K1, American Airlines staff knew what a k1 means. And even if just one lady at check-in was not sure about it, she did make sure to contact her supervisor.

Edited April 19, 2018 by Sunnyland

[Unidentified 2,930]

Use a regular airline instead of a charter

[Phil & Han 28]

9 minutes ago, Unidentified said:

Use a regular airline instead of a charter

Appreciate your valuable input

[IndiaAnnie 163]

Another member just hit same snag with Etihad out of India and after escalating to mention (we me calling airline on the other line to escalate) they comfirmed that only CBP clearance was required and were able to issue manual tickets at counter. You DO NOT need ESTA in addition to K1 visa packet and should reply to this airline telling then that they are incorrect and request senior mgmt callback.