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Valid ESTA for US, but not allowed to check-in Online
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up vote
10
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I have an ESTA for the US, valid until Mar 20, 2020. I have confirmed the ESTA is still valid on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. However, the airline I have a flight booked with will not allow me to check in online due to not having a valid ESTA/VISA/etc.
Does this mean I'm not going to be allowed on the flight or is it simply a problem with the online check-in? And if I'm allowed on the flight, should I expect issues on arrival in the US?
international-travel esta check-in
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
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William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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show 2 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
I have an ESTA for the US, valid until Mar 20, 2020. I have confirmed the ESTA is still valid on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. However, the airline I have a flight booked with will not allow me to check in online due to not having a valid ESTA/VISA/etc.
Does this mean I'm not going to be allowed on the flight or is it simply a problem with the online check-in? And if I'm allowed on the flight, should I expect issues on arrival in the US?
international-travel esta check-in
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
2
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
2
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
I have an ESTA for the US, valid until Mar 20, 2020. I have confirmed the ESTA is still valid on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. However, the airline I have a flight booked with will not allow me to check in online due to not having a valid ESTA/VISA/etc.
Does this mean I'm not going to be allowed on the flight or is it simply a problem with the online check-in? And if I'm allowed on the flight, should I expect issues on arrival in the US?
international-travel esta check-in
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have an ESTA for the US, valid until Mar 20, 2020. I have confirmed the ESTA is still valid on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. However, the airline I have a flight booked with will not allow me to check in online due to not having a valid ESTA/VISA/etc.
Does this mean I'm not going to be allowed on the flight or is it simply a problem with the online check-in? And if I'm allowed on the flight, should I expect issues on arrival in the US?
international-travel esta check-in
international-travel esta check-in
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
edited 7 mins ago
Hanky Panky
21.4k460107
21.4k460107
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
asked 17 hours ago
William Mariager
1516
1516
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
William Mariager is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
2
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
2
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
3
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
2
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
2
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago
3
3
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
2
2
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
2
2
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
11
down vote
I couldn't check in online a couple weeks ago because I was selected for extra screening (Secondary Security Screening Selection ). I think that's what's probably also happening to you. You can simply check in at the airport.
From what I can tell, a few people on each flight to the US are selected this way. I asked the gate agent and the selection is supposedly random, which might not be completely true from what I read online e.g. your name matches with someone on a no-fly list, you have a one-way ticket or similar things can supposedly trigger it. The screening itself is actually pretty benign. They swiped my carry on and shoes for explosives. It was probably about 3 mins overall. (I flew out of FRA).
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
I had the same problem last year. When we got to the check in desk they first assumed we didn't have our ESTA. After we convinced them our ESTA was in order we spent over 30 minutes waiting while the attendant made calls. In the end everything worked out but I would recommend reserving a bit more to check in.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's totally, 100%, normal that airline web systems say "You cannot check in online".
Quite simply, you just check in "at the desk" at the airport, like in the old days.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
It literally means:
the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK.
That's all it means, nothing else.
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Online check-in systems often simply don't work as well as they are supposed to. I fly very often from Europe to the US, and my success rate on checking-in online is maybe about 60 %. It highly depends on what airline you are flying as well. I even called an airline at some point, and they confirmed that I cannot check-in online, but couldn't tell me why. It is not necessarily related to a second screening, though there is a non-vanishing probability that you cannot check-in because the system volunteered you to be screened.
Usually, once you are at the airport, all these problems go away. It's still a nuisance for you, since you have to go to the airport earlier if you cannot check-in online. And nowadays there are only very few check-in desks open, since everybody can check-in online... well, in principle at least.
I once even made it to the US border without a valid ESTA. They allowed me to apply for an ESTA while at immigration. I do not suggest to try this, though!
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
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pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think I ever have been able to check-in online when going to USA. To be able to check-in I needed to provide an address for where I was staying the first night, I think that is a US requirement before check-in, and the online check-in didn't have support for that. The check-in automates at the airport have support for adding address, and the check-in at the counter have support for that to.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
New contributor
rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
11
down vote
I couldn't check in online a couple weeks ago because I was selected for extra screening (Secondary Security Screening Selection ). I think that's what's probably also happening to you. You can simply check in at the airport.
From what I can tell, a few people on each flight to the US are selected this way. I asked the gate agent and the selection is supposedly random, which might not be completely true from what I read online e.g. your name matches with someone on a no-fly list, you have a one-way ticket or similar things can supposedly trigger it. The screening itself is actually pretty benign. They swiped my carry on and shoes for explosives. It was probably about 3 mins overall. (I flew out of FRA).
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
I couldn't check in online a couple weeks ago because I was selected for extra screening (Secondary Security Screening Selection ). I think that's what's probably also happening to you. You can simply check in at the airport.
From what I can tell, a few people on each flight to the US are selected this way. I asked the gate agent and the selection is supposedly random, which might not be completely true from what I read online e.g. your name matches with someone on a no-fly list, you have a one-way ticket or similar things can supposedly trigger it. The screening itself is actually pretty benign. They swiped my carry on and shoes for explosives. It was probably about 3 mins overall. (I flew out of FRA).
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
up vote
11
down vote
I couldn't check in online a couple weeks ago because I was selected for extra screening (Secondary Security Screening Selection ). I think that's what's probably also happening to you. You can simply check in at the airport.
From what I can tell, a few people on each flight to the US are selected this way. I asked the gate agent and the selection is supposedly random, which might not be completely true from what I read online e.g. your name matches with someone on a no-fly list, you have a one-way ticket or similar things can supposedly trigger it. The screening itself is actually pretty benign. They swiped my carry on and shoes for explosives. It was probably about 3 mins overall. (I flew out of FRA).
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
I couldn't check in online a couple weeks ago because I was selected for extra screening (Secondary Security Screening Selection ). I think that's what's probably also happening to you. You can simply check in at the airport.
From what I can tell, a few people on each flight to the US are selected this way. I asked the gate agent and the selection is supposedly random, which might not be completely true from what I read online e.g. your name matches with someone on a no-fly list, you have a one-way ticket or similar things can supposedly trigger it. The screening itself is actually pretty benign. They swiped my carry on and shoes for explosives. It was probably about 3 mins overall. (I flew out of FRA).
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
edited 15 hours ago
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
answered 15 hours ago
Lucas
42828
42828
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
add a comment |Â
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
SSSS is normally a fairly painless process, but it is wise to budget a little extra time for it just in case your local security people decide to be unreasonable that day. OTOH, for an international flight, you should already be budgeting a lot of time anyway.
– Kevin
2 hours ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
@lucas ... I'm curious actually on the airline web site, did it literally say "You have been selected for extra screening?" Or did it just say "You can't checkin online" .. ? thanks!
– Fattie
53 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
I had the same problem last year. When we got to the check in desk they first assumed we didn't have our ESTA. After we convinced them our ESTA was in order we spent over 30 minutes waiting while the attendant made calls. In the end everything worked out but I would recommend reserving a bit more to check in.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
I had the same problem last year. When we got to the check in desk they first assumed we didn't have our ESTA. After we convinced them our ESTA was in order we spent over 30 minutes waiting while the attendant made calls. In the end everything worked out but I would recommend reserving a bit more to check in.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
I had the same problem last year. When we got to the check in desk they first assumed we didn't have our ESTA. After we convinced them our ESTA was in order we spent over 30 minutes waiting while the attendant made calls. In the end everything worked out but I would recommend reserving a bit more to check in.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I had the same problem last year. When we got to the check in desk they first assumed we didn't have our ESTA. After we convinced them our ESTA was in order we spent over 30 minutes waiting while the attendant made calls. In the end everything worked out but I would recommend reserving a bit more to check in.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
answered 15 hours ago
martijnve
1811
1811
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
martijnve is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
Hi martijnve - welcome new user. When you had this problem: regarding the online system. Did the online system, on the airline web site literally say "YOUR ESTA IS INVALID". Or did it say "online check in not available for you, check in at the airport". Thanks for letting us know!
– Fattie
57 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's totally, 100%, normal that airline web systems say "You cannot check in online".
Quite simply, you just check in "at the desk" at the airport, like in the old days.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
It literally means:
the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK.
That's all it means, nothing else.
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's totally, 100%, normal that airline web systems say "You cannot check in online".
Quite simply, you just check in "at the desk" at the airport, like in the old days.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
It literally means:
the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK.
That's all it means, nothing else.
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
It's totally, 100%, normal that airline web systems say "You cannot check in online".
Quite simply, you just check in "at the desk" at the airport, like in the old days.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
It literally means:
the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK.
That's all it means, nothing else.
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
It's totally, 100%, normal that airline web systems say "You cannot check in online".
Quite simply, you just check in "at the desk" at the airport, like in the old days.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
It literally means:
the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK.
That's all it means, nothing else.
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
answered 15 hours ago
Fattie
4,04411858
4,04411858
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
add a comment |Â
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
5
5
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
Which also means (just to point it out explicitly), to have a printout of the ESTA confirmation with you, when you check in at the airport.
– dunni
13 hours ago
2
2
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
It's not normal for a system to tell you that your valid ESTA is invalid, no. This post doesn't really answer the question, it just tries to assure the OP that this circumstance is commonplace but doesn't say why or provide any rationale or address some of the worries in the question (and, as other answerers have covered, there are indeed a few extra steps you ought to consider taking, for example leaving extra time).
– Lightness Races in Orbit
10 hours ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Light, I didn't read it like that. I believe (1) the airline system is (as usual) saying "you can't check in online and (2) the OP is assuming that the reason is the Esta is "invalid".
– Fattie
1 hour ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Your comment that the answer "doesn't explain" is confusing. (As it says) for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie for some flyers it's OK for the info to be entered computer-wise, but for some flyers "the check-in agents need to eyeball your documents before they can stamp you DOCS-OK". ie, Timatec insists on EYEBALL CHECK for some of us.
– Fattie
59 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
Not that it matters but the other 3 answers say exactly the same thing.
– Fattie
58 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Online check-in systems often simply don't work as well as they are supposed to. I fly very often from Europe to the US, and my success rate on checking-in online is maybe about 60 %. It highly depends on what airline you are flying as well. I even called an airline at some point, and they confirmed that I cannot check-in online, but couldn't tell me why. It is not necessarily related to a second screening, though there is a non-vanishing probability that you cannot check-in because the system volunteered you to be screened.
Usually, once you are at the airport, all these problems go away. It's still a nuisance for you, since you have to go to the airport earlier if you cannot check-in online. And nowadays there are only very few check-in desks open, since everybody can check-in online... well, in principle at least.
I once even made it to the US border without a valid ESTA. They allowed me to apply for an ESTA while at immigration. I do not suggest to try this, though!
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
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pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Online check-in systems often simply don't work as well as they are supposed to. I fly very often from Europe to the US, and my success rate on checking-in online is maybe about 60 %. It highly depends on what airline you are flying as well. I even called an airline at some point, and they confirmed that I cannot check-in online, but couldn't tell me why. It is not necessarily related to a second screening, though there is a non-vanishing probability that you cannot check-in because the system volunteered you to be screened.
Usually, once you are at the airport, all these problems go away. It's still a nuisance for you, since you have to go to the airport earlier if you cannot check-in online. And nowadays there are only very few check-in desks open, since everybody can check-in online... well, in principle at least.
I once even made it to the US border without a valid ESTA. They allowed me to apply for an ESTA while at immigration. I do not suggest to try this, though!
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
New contributor
pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Online check-in systems often simply don't work as well as they are supposed to. I fly very often from Europe to the US, and my success rate on checking-in online is maybe about 60 %. It highly depends on what airline you are flying as well. I even called an airline at some point, and they confirmed that I cannot check-in online, but couldn't tell me why. It is not necessarily related to a second screening, though there is a non-vanishing probability that you cannot check-in because the system volunteered you to be screened.
Usually, once you are at the airport, all these problems go away. It's still a nuisance for you, since you have to go to the airport earlier if you cannot check-in online. And nowadays there are only very few check-in desks open, since everybody can check-in online... well, in principle at least.
I once even made it to the US border without a valid ESTA. They allowed me to apply for an ESTA while at immigration. I do not suggest to try this, though!
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
New contributor
pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Online check-in systems often simply don't work as well as they are supposed to. I fly very often from Europe to the US, and my success rate on checking-in online is maybe about 60 %. It highly depends on what airline you are flying as well. I even called an airline at some point, and they confirmed that I cannot check-in online, but couldn't tell me why. It is not necessarily related to a second screening, though there is a non-vanishing probability that you cannot check-in because the system volunteered you to be screened.
Usually, once you are at the airport, all these problems go away. It's still a nuisance for you, since you have to go to the airport earlier if you cannot check-in online. And nowadays there are only very few check-in desks open, since everybody can check-in online... well, in principle at least.
I once even made it to the US border without a valid ESTA. They allowed me to apply for an ESTA while at immigration. I do not suggest to try this, though!
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
New contributor
pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
New contributor
pfnuesel is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
answered 1 hour ago
pfnuesel
1212
1212
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up vote
1
down vote
I don't think I ever have been able to check-in online when going to USA. To be able to check-in I needed to provide an address for where I was staying the first night, I think that is a US requirement before check-in, and the online check-in didn't have support for that. The check-in automates at the airport have support for adding address, and the check-in at the counter have support for that to.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
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up vote
1
down vote
I don't think I ever have been able to check-in online when going to USA. To be able to check-in I needed to provide an address for where I was staying the first night, I think that is a US requirement before check-in, and the online check-in didn't have support for that. The check-in automates at the airport have support for adding address, and the check-in at the counter have support for that to.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
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rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think I ever have been able to check-in online when going to USA. To be able to check-in I needed to provide an address for where I was staying the first night, I think that is a US requirement before check-in, and the online check-in didn't have support for that. The check-in automates at the airport have support for adding address, and the check-in at the counter have support for that to.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
New contributor
rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I don't think I ever have been able to check-in online when going to USA. To be able to check-in I needed to provide an address for where I was staying the first night, I think that is a US requirement before check-in, and the online check-in didn't have support for that. The check-in automates at the airport have support for adding address, and the check-in at the counter have support for that to.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
New contributor
rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
New contributor
rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
answered 1 hour ago
rypskar
1111
1111
New contributor
rypskar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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William Mariager is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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3
Don’t worry. It’s more of an airline system issue. If your ESTA is valid they will be able to verify it when you go for counter check in.
– Hanky Panky
17 hours ago
2
It could be a passport number mismatch. You may want to double-check that you've entered the passport number correctly both in ESTA and in the airline's system. @HankyPanky aside from a number mismatch or a communication error, I can't imagine what would allow the ground staff to match the ESTA when the online system could not. Do you have an idea about that?
– phoog
16 hours ago
@phoog, I've checked and verified that they indeed match. I've used the ESTA without issue in the past. I spoke to the travel agency and they said the same as Hanky Panky did. I'll await answers, but if none come, I'll add my own answer with how it went and any information the check-in counter might give.
– William Mariager
16 hours ago
It has, utterly nothing, to do with a "passport number mismatch". It's completely normal.
– Fattie
15 hours ago
2
Have you tried calling the airline and you know, asking them?
– DonQuiKong
10 hours ago