Minimum time to book flight to US

[cbvortex]

Howdy folks,

A quick one for the brains trust.

What is the minimum time required to safely book an international flight to the USA ?

Iv been presented with an opportunity to ride along with a sports team for a short period of time.

I have my passport and b1/b2 visa with ample time left on both.

I remember reading something along time ago ( cant recall source ) that stated there was a minimum time required for the US to do their security checks etc?!
And persons with flights booked inside of that time frame would likely encounter problems when arriving.

Im looking to try and get there by the weekend to maximize my opportunity.

Will be flying Sydney to LAX or DFW and transferring from there.

All help greatly appreciated.

CB.

 

[Himeno]

There are 3 main things that are needed for the US.

Valid travel docs (Passport + visa or ESTA)
Secure Flight data
APIS data

APIS data can be added at any time prior to flight departure, though some airlines try to demand it before ticket issue.
Secure Flight data is asked for 72 hours before departure. Again, many airlines refuse to issue a ticket before they have the data. Though I haven't heard of anyone being denied getting a last minute (under 72 hours) ticket because the data was "late".

 

[cbvortex]

Appreciate the info Himeno.
Will give it a shot.

Thank you.

 

[RooFlyer]

Check in early, just in case.

 

[Ewing]

Secure Flight data is asked for 72 hours before departure. Again, many airlines refuse to issue a ticket before they have the data. Though I haven't heard of anyone being denied getting a last minute (under 72 hours) ticket because the data was "late".

The Secure Flight Passenger Data check does occur at T-72 hours for all passengers currently booked onto a flight. The system will also check any passengers booked onto a flight during that window "on the fly" (if you'll pardon the pun :mrgreen.

 

[cbvortex]

Haha nice one

I received confirmation of booking at approx 7pm AEST tonight for my flight on Thursday at 1230 - QF7

Fingers crossed all good.

Will check in early.

Thanks for your time everybody

 

[RooFlyer]

Could you report back how you go checking in with a B1/B2 visa ... rather than an ESTA? ie how the check-in agent reacts/processes the visa. I can't imagine its that unusual, but having just acquired a B1/B2 and not having an ESTA for the first time in years, I'm wondering how it will play out at check-in.

 

[leadman]

i had problems with ESTA on Sunday at LAX. First time, then sent to the long line. Also got hit with the SSSS from HND to LAX, but don't expect they are related.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Could you report back how you go checking in with a B1/B2 visa ... rather than an ESTA? ie how the check-in agent reacts/processes the visa. I can't imagine its that unusual, but having just acquired a B1/B2 and not having an ESTA for the first time in years, I'm wondering how it will play out at check-in.

The checkin agent will need to enter the B1/B2 visa in the system as a secondary document as there will be a pop-up saying no ESTA on file so the only way they can proceed and get the boarding pass for the flight is to enter an alternate document that will allow entry to the USA.