ESTA Warning (please read if travelling soon)

[IBEX23]

So I just checked in at LGW for twilight check in and I was denied check in as the system states I have no ESTA.

This led to a tense 20-30 minutes of getting a duty manager then reports of several other passages having the same issue. Eventually Homeland security was called who advised that there have been a number of passengers affected by a system update but they would be able to give clearance over the phone in my case (and presumably others who are in the same boat).

All sorted but honestly I was having kittens at the desk. I recall the thread where they told them to reapply and then they had no ESTA at all.

Please if travelling soon get the airport with plenty of time and check in. I had done online check in too which according to airline staff should have been impossible with their systems showing no ESTA.

Now... a big sigh and a rosè!

[Minnie18]

That made me stressed just reading it never mind beeing there.

Must have been a big relief to get it all sorted. Hope you have a fab holiday and enjoy your wine.

[Mymemories]

OMG we go in 21 days I hope their update bug is all sorted before then

[IBEX23]

Originally Posted by Minnie18

That made me stressed just reading it never mind beeing there.

Must have been a big relief to get it all sorted. Hope you have a fab holiday and enjoy your wine.

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Oh honestly. The airline staff were so reassuring but I was panicking so much.. waiting for the duty manager to speak to homeland security was horrendous.

I was just stood there saying to myself ‘remember the dibber who was told to reapply and then ended up with no ESTA at all, then had to pay hundreds of pounds to fly the next day..it’s going to be me that at this rate!’

And all the time the manager is waiting for the US to confirm if they can allow me to travel.

Never happened to me before, I think my heart won’t slow down for some time!

[Gryff]

I know folksay no need to print off your esta but having seen folk at Edinburgh not being allowed to board as the system was down only folks with printed copies got on I always do

[Minnie18]

Originally Posted by Gryff

I know folksay no need to print off your esta but having seen folk at Edinburgh not being allowed to board as the system was down only folks with printed copies got on I always do

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I do this same print a copy off and keep it with our passports etc.

[Minnie18]

Originally Posted by scouse_minx

Oh honestly. The airline staff were so reassuring but I was panicking so much.. waiting for the duty manager to speak to homeland security was horrendous.

I was just stood there saying to myself ‘remember the dibber who was told to reapply and then ended up with no ESTA at all, then had to pay hundreds of pounds to fly the next day..it’s going to be me that at this rate!’

And all the time the manager is waiting for the US to confirm if they can allow me to travel.

Never happened to me before, I think my heart won’t slow down for some time!

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Sounds like a nightmare, maybe you should have two glasses of wine.

Hope your flight is relaxing.

[IBEX23]

Originally Posted by Gryff

I know folksay no need to print off your esta but having seen folk at Edinburgh not being allowed to board as the system was down only folks with printed copies got on I always do

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I had a copy. Both printed and digital - they wouldn’t accept it without speaking to homeland security.

[Gryff]

Must have been even more stressful then a nightmare
Glad you got it sorted

[IBEX23]

Originally Posted by Gryff

Must have been even more stressful then a nightmare
Glad you got it sorted

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Oh for sure especially as I knew I had done everything correctly. Apparently a system update has corrupted some applications but they are aware of those effected and can give authorisation which allows airline staff to override the system.

However, it begs the question if they know who is affected why not alert them or resolve it? The duty manager stated she was advised the update was yesterday so perhaps they are assuming they will have it resolved before those effected fly.. although this wasn’t the case for me.