US immigration and one way tickets

I'm flying to SFO later this month. I was wondering if anyone has any experience regarding immigration when travelling to the US on a one way ticket.

A few years ago, on my second visit to SFO, I was taken to a holding room and questioned in detail about my intentions in the US despite having a return ticket. This is my first time travelling on a one-way ticket to the US so I'm a bit apprehensive. So if anyone has any experiences I'd appreciate your comments.

I entered the USA on Saturday at MCO and was only asked about the reason for my visit [holiday] and length of my stay [10 days]. Come to think of it, I cannot remember ever being asked to show a return ticket / e-ticket when entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program.

Of course, if you do get selected for secondary screening at immigration, then you will need to prove that you intend to leave the USA within 90 days. And the best way to do this is always going to be to show a return flight ticket [even if it can be cancelled / refunded with ease].

James

Virgin will not check you in with a one way ticket unless you have a resident visa for the US.

Originally posted by manymiles
Virgin will not check you in with a one way ticket unless you have a resident visa for the US.

Or you can show onward transportation from the US (i.e. another plane ticket).

The most important thing you have to do is show that you intend to leave, and the way to do that is to have a return ticket to your country of residence, or an onward ticket to another country you are eligible to enter.

Mike

My flights to and from the US are paid one way tickets with different carriers, including Virgin. What I'm more worried about, having submitted the API, is being flagged on arrival. Not that I have anything to hide, you see.

Just watch out for the dreaded SSSS on your boarding pass in the US. I got this on my one way ticket. Wasn't too bad being subjected to secondary screening, however I was hung over and not at my best, which didn't help. [:$]

Originally posted by Strawberry Muppet
My flights to and from the US are paid one way tickets with different carriers, including Virgin. What I'm more worried about, having submitted the API, is being flagged on arrival. Not that I have anything to hide, you see.

While I hate the concept of a "paperless e-ticket" which requires you to carry around a piece of dead tree (that you often could have knocked up yourself), this is one occasion where I recommend you ensure that you carry printed copies of all your e-ticket reciepts/confirmations relating to the trip with you throughout.

Obviously, knowledge is power, so let us know how you go on, so that others have the benefit of your experience in the future.

Cheers,
Mike

Obviously, knowledge is power, so let us know how you go on, so that others have the benefit of your experience in the future.

OK, will do. Thanks for all the comments.

VS19 landed on time yesterday and the queue for immigration was about 10 mins. I got through in less than 2 mins, only a few brief questions. The only time I was asked for my return flight details was before check-in by the security personnel at LHR.

[Nottingham Nick]

Thanks for the update, Strawb - glad it all went well.

Nick