Easiest US entry route at the moment?

[bernardblack]

I am hoping to go to the US in a couple of months and have a handful of options with award space. Can anyone with recent experience give an opinion on the relative ease of CBP processing from these options? (Australian citizen, Australian passport, ESTA for ~2wk leisure stay)

SFO afternoon, nonstop from SYD
DFW lunchtime, nonstop from SYD
YVR Preclear evening, nonstop from SYD
DFW afternoon, from NAN
[below may open by the time]
LAX afternoon, nonstop from SYD/BNE
LAX morning, nonstop from MEL/SYD

I assume the NAN stop is the least ideal, but it's the best use of QF points at old rates unless I can get on QF/AA metal closer to the time. SYD-DFW nonstop is a day later than anything else, which I would less prefer.

 

[Montien]

YVR preclearance is objectively the easiest route. You clear US Customs in Vancouver before boarding your flight. You arrive in the US as a domestic passenger. No lines, no bags to re-check, and you can walk straight from the gate to the street or your next connection.

If there is an issue with your ESTA, it’s better to resolve it in Canada than after a 14-hour flight.

Regardless of which airport you choose (except YVR where you use the kiosks), download the MPC App. As an Australian on an ESTA who has visited the US at least once before, you can use the MPC lane at SFO, DFW, and LAX.

 

[RooFlyer]

Have a look here, but Montien above is correct

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - CBP Airport Wait Times (AWT)

CBP Airport Wait Times

awt.cbp.gov

 

[bernardblack]

My passport is new since my last US visit, and my ESTA would have expired in any event (3.5 years). Can I use MPC if I _ever_ entered the US before, or does it have to be on the same ESTA?

 

[Quickstatus]

Can I use MPC if I _ever_ entered the US before, or does it have to be on the same ESTA?

You can use the MPC so long as you previously entered the US with a previous ESTA.
The MPC does replace the ESTA so you will still need a valid ESTA.

The other "easiest" CBP for entry to the US is DUB for the same reasons as US preclearance at a Canadian Border.

 

[chitown_boy]

You can use the MPC so long as you previously entered the US with a previous ESTA.
The MPC does replace the ESTA so you will still need a valid ESTA.

The other "easiest" CBP for entry to the US is DUB for the same reasons as US preclearance at a Canadian Border.

Can confirm - DUB was also my easiest 'entry' and by far the nicest CBP agent I ever got was in DUB who held my up to give me NYC restaurant recommendations (I've also done CAN pre-clear and just about all the main USA CBP entries)

 

[Mattg]

Another vote for YVR, of the options given.