ESTA & OLCI

I just wondered if anyone knows if Virgins OLCI vets you for a authorised ESTA? or if its only checked at bagdrop or airport checkin.

I've done ours ok (I hope) but still feel a little paranoid that we could end up searching for a cyber cafe on the day

MartG.

Erm, have you completed your ESTA?

Actually, you should go to your booking online and complete the API (advance passenger information) as requested by VS and the US authorities. It now has a drop down in which you select your visa status and one of those is 'Valid ESTA holder'. I don't know if they check, but if you state you are, and you're not, you'll be in a wrangle.

Yes, I've completed both (the ESTA a while ago - hence the question- should I check them?).


Just wondered if the OLCI actually picks up whether you have one or not, or just relies on what you entered in the APIS.

MartG.

[mitchja]

Yes I think it does check as it I believe it works the same way as for an ETA and checking in for SYD flights.

VS definitely will not let you check-in (online or at the airport) for SYD flights until they have automatically checked your have approval to travel.

Thanks James.

MartG.

Yes, I've completed both (the ESTA a while ago - hence the question- should I check them?).

MartG.

You can check it to see when it expires as well as to update it with your flight and 1st nights accomodation details. Its not essential to enter these but it is helpful.

Just go on the ESTA website and use the 'update' option.

You can check it to see when it expires as well as to update it with your flight and 1st nights accomodation details. Its not essential to enter these but it is helpful.

Just go on the ESTA website and use the 'update' option.

Thanks- just tried the 'update' and everyones still showing as authorised.

MartG.

Actually, you should go to your booking online and complete the API (advance passenger information) as requested by VS and the US authorities.

Gak, I wish airlines would stop asking passengers to fill in API details. At online check-in stage, fair enough. But more and more and asking passengers to do it perse, it's a waste of your time sat there typing everything out when at a check-in desk all that is needed (most of the time!) is a simple quick swipe of a passport. It makes the process no quicker in my mind, well, not with me on check-in anyway 8D

OLCI definitely does check. I had an ESTA registered to an old passport. Got new passport and forgot to get a new ESTA. Next time OLCI would not let me in. Only realised the problem at the airport and luckily was able to get new ESTA at T3, 3 hours before take off and have it accepted.