Travel to USA - what does a Brit need..?

GwylimT

ESTA/Visa
Insurance
Passport
$$

photome

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

ESTA takes a few minutes, costs $14 and is usually approved within 48 hours, often instantly. Answer the questions carefully. Yes, UK is on the list to use ESTA.

It's valid for two years from the date of issue. Screenshot the approval reference number.

If it's declined for any reason then you'll need to apply for a visa via the US embassy. Time and money!

or the expiry date of your passport whichever is soonest

Murphy_The_Cat

You also need a very realistic idea of what you want to do, where you want to do it and a proper timescale.
The country is huuuuuugggggeeeeeeee.

Alan_Cross

Can I please append another question without having to start a new thread?

As regards researching flights to the US, I see that some 'aggregator' sites like Skyscanner seem to be offering 'deals' at levels appreciably below what I get quoted when going to airlines' own websites.

Are these bona fide? Some of them seem to come with the names of strange airlines (e.g. 'Brussels Airlines') attached, even though the flights quoted are actually those of known carriers like American or United.

littlereddevil

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

You also need a very realistic idea of what you want to do, where you want to do it and a proper timescale.
The country is huuuuuugggggeeeeeeee.

They're visiting family in Chicago

Murphy_The_Cat

Whoops I missed that bit !

Depending on his age, he'll need picture ID for buying booze or tobacco.
He may be asked for ID for some credit card transactions as well (which can be a PITA)

shaun_from_Africa

Just one small point to add.
All of the references to needing an ESTA only apply if you have a UK passport and are a British Citizen. If your status is a British subject then it is a visa that is required.
I know it's probable that you are a British citizen but I thought it worth mentioning just in case.

stevenhp1987

Alan_Cross wrote: »

Can I please append another question without having to start a new thread?

As regards researching flights to the US, I see that some 'aggregator' sites like Skyscanner seem to be offering 'deals' at levels appreciably below what I get quoted when going to airlines' own websites.

Are these bona fide? Some of them seem to come with the names of strange airlines (e.g. 'Brussels Airlines') attached, even though the flights quoted are actually those of known carriers like American or United.

These are called code shares.

Some airlines sell tickets on other flights. One flight can have several different flight designations, one for each airline, but there is only one actual airline running the flight.

From your example, Brussels Airlines is part of Star Alliance, so will be code-sharing (selling tickets) on other Star Alliance flights (e.g. United, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa etc.).

I've found it's usually cheaper to buy the flight via a code-share (e.g. have a Delta ticket on a Virgin flight).

ps. I've found it's rarely cheaper to book direct ever. Always check with SkyScanner/Momondo for the flights you want first and book with the cheapest OTA (online travel agency).

bigadaj

stevenhp1987 wrote: »

These are called code shares.

Some airlines sell tickets on other flights. One flight can have several different flight designations, one for each airline, but there is only one actual airline running the flight.

From your example, Brussels Airlines is part of Star Alliance, so will be code-sharing (selling tickets) on other Star Alliance flights (e.g. United, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa etc.).

I've found it's usually cheaper to buy the flight via a code-share (e.g. have a Delta ticket on a Virgin flight).

ps. I've found it's rarely cheaper to book direct ever. Always check with SkyScanner/Momondo for the flights you want first and book with the cheapest OTA (online travel agency).

Now there's a recipe for disaster.

photome

stevenhp1987 wrote: »

These are called code shares.

Some airlines sell tickets on other flights. One flight can have several different flight designations, one for each airline, but there is only one actual airline running the flight.

From your example, Brussels Airlines is part of Star Alliance, so will be code-sharing (selling tickets) on other Star Alliance flights (e.g. United, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa etc.).

I've found it's usually cheaper to buy the flight via a code-share (e.g. have a Delta ticket on a Virgin flight).

ps. I've found it's rarely cheaper to book direct ever. Always check with SkyScanner/Momondo for the flights you want first and book with the cheapest OTA (online travel agency).

I think that is poor advice.

If flight times get changed/cancelled it is much easier to get reroutes etc when booking direct.

In my limited experience most time booking direct is on a par, cost wise with an OTA.

having said that I have just found a Virgin flight cheaper on netflights, than on Virgin website