Flying through America

[Jab316]

Hi everyone,

I have heard that security is tight in the States and they don't allow people from non-approved countries to fly through; is there any truth to that?

I'm in the process of booking a flight for my wife who was recently issued a Canadian visa in her Iranian passport.
If I book her on a flight that makes a stop in the states, is she going to be able to catch her connecting flight without any issues or is she required to have an American passport / visa?

Should I avoid booking flights that go through the States or is it okay as long as she is switching flights?

Thanks!

 

[truesmile]

Avoid it, she will require some sort of document to allow her transit through the US. They do not even allow Cuban cigars to transit through in your luggage, fine is $1000 per cigar. Just to add some perspective to it.

 

[SeulDansMonBocal]

No you cannot. She will require a visa even if she doesn't get out of the plane.

 

[sashali78]

Hi everyone,

I have heard that security is tight in the States and they don't allow people from non-approved countries to fly through; is there any truth to that?

I'm in the process of booking a flight for my wife who was recently issued a Canadian visa in her Iranian passport.
If I book her on a flight that makes a stop in the states, is she going to be able to catch her connecting flight without any issues or is she required to have an American passport / visa?

Should I avoid booking flights that go through the States or is it okay as long as she is switching flights?

Thanks!

You may NOT board a flight to USA (even if that's just a connecting flight) without holding a valid US visa. She will be refused at the check-in counter.

 

[Maddants]

Hi everyone,

I have heard that security is tight in the States and they don't allow people from non-approved countries to fly through; is there any truth to that?

I'm in the process of booking a flight for my wife who was recently issued a Canadian visa in her Iranian passport.
If I book her on a flight that makes a stop in the states, is she going to be able to catch her connecting flight without any issues or is she required to have an American passport / visa?

Should I avoid booking flights that go through the States or is it okay as long as she is switching flights?

Thanks!

If you book a flight for your wife to pass through the united states she will have to apply for a transit visa which will just allow her to pass through the states. so if I was you I would try and get another flight that doesn't have anything to do with stopping u.s.

 

[Jab316]

Thanks for the clarification everyone!

Is US the only one or are there other countries I should be cautious about?

 

[MilesAway]

It varies by country. Some Schengen countries require a visa for airside transit as well, though others may waive that if the person has a valid visa for certain countries.