Passport issues - USA

[Simsy85]

So heading over to NYC for a wedding late next month, flying via Korea on Asiana. Earlier this year when SWMBO and I flew into LAX, she had some passport issues. They started by saying that she didn't have a valid ESTA (which she did) and that she wouldn't be granted entry (which she was). They then took her into another section of LAX and wouldn't let me come in. 45 minutes later she was released and told it was a glitch with the passports and that there was a run of a few hundred Australian passports produced in a set time that needed to be checked. When she went into the room there were 12 other Australian's all waiting. Same scenario.

For her troubles, they gave her a TSA green tick for the rest of the trip (about another 5 or 6 internal flights). Fast forward and this time we are flying into JFK direct from ICN.

I posted about this earlier this year, wondering what do you think the chances are it will still be in issue and do we have an avenue to address this with DFAT?

Thoughts? Advice?

 

[slinky123]

Was her passport issued in January this year?
There were a bunch that were problematic. My daughters applied for ESTA, both passports issued in January 2017, one was approved the other denied for no reason. The one denied, we took her passport into the passport office to be checked and they said all was well. We are still waiting for her USA VISA and its now 10 months later.
My advice would be to go into the passport office, let them know what happened in LAX and get them to check your passport.

 

[Cynicor]

I thought I was reading a post from early this year or last year, it's almost word for word. Is this a repost? Otherwise there is a thread on this that states 100% a similar experience. Deja Vu.

 

[Cynicor]

Ah, I've reread and see. You posted the original.
I think once you get in ok the passport works. I've been into the USA 3 times this year and my first time seemed to have some error. Same with my partner on her passports, but the subsequent entries were fine.

 

[leadman]

I had to get a new passport as i fill the old one up. Had to downsize to the thinner one (another post is running on this), but started to reapply for my visas. Wonderful news to wake up too that i have been denied an ESTA visa for the new one. Now the fun begins! I can see no logical reason why as i visited there five times last year the last in November, and i have a Board Meeting next week, so flights are booked. The web form was truthful and basic, so i started the long haul of calling, talking, emailing etc, etc. I was told I had to have a new one for the new passport and could not use the old one.

Long story, but i have started the calls and now waiting for midnight to call the US to find out why it has been denied and what i can do. Thought i would tart filling out the visa form, just in case, and best they can book me in is 23rd Jan! I have a very strong feeling i will not be flying out Sunday.