Transiting the USA

Chomeur

I presume I do need to get a negative covid test each way if I take a flight transiting the USA? I was thinking of going to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico but most flights are via the States so that's too much hassle and risk of my holiday being ruined if I test positive. I suppose I can get a direct flight to Mexico instead, but they are quite a lot more expensive.

Caz3121

you will follow the rules to enter the USA (transit is not the same as you may see in Europe)
this will mean you will need ESTA, tests etc and sufficient time between flights to go through immigration, collect baggage, clear customs and drop bag off.

Chomeur

Thanks, that's what I suspected. There should be an option in flight search engines "Avoid any contact with the United States".

Chomeur

Ah, you can do this - https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/124786/searching-flights-how-to-exclude-certain-layover-countries

emmajones1976

Looking at the destinations served by Cabo San Lucas on Wiki you may have to change twice anyway, unless thats out of date. Looks to be an absolutely tiny airport.

Chomeur

emmajones1976 said:

Looking at the destinations served by Cabo San Lucas on Wiki you may have to change twice anyway, unless thats out of date. Looks to be an absolutely tiny airport.

There were direct flights with Tui or someone, but they seem to have stopped. I think you could avoid the States, but, as you say, you'd have to change twice still, once in Europe, once in Mexico City probably. 

ginger_chocolate

Chomeur said:

I presume I do need to get a negative covid test each way if I take a flight transiting the USA? I was thinking of going to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico but most flights are via the States so that's too much hassle and risk of my holiday being ruined if I test positive. I suppose I can get a direct flight to Mexico instead, but they are quite a lot more expensive.

Yep - you'll have to check whatever rules are in place for the US before you travel in both directions - negative tests, ESTAs etc. got to go through this myself in six months time, and hoping they'll at least feel able to loosen up some Covid requirements by then. 
It's a complete pain in the behind, but rules is rules.

Sandtree

If you get off the plane then the US requires you to go through immigration and hence Covid rules etc apply... its a general pain even before Covid if you hold a passport from a country not covered by ESTA as you then have to get a transit visa.

Cabo is much more popular with the yanks than brits hence most flights will be via the USA. I'd have thought you can get a 1 stop connection going via MEX but it may need to be a split ticket.. MEX to SJD is £84 return and a 2hr flight.