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Original poster

I’ve left it too late, haven’t I?

26 replies

whatatanker · 22/02/2023 16:21

Flying to the US tomorrow. Completed ESTA at 3pm today. I’m screwed, aren’t I?

It says ‘application pending’ and I’ve just checked it.

Yes, I know. I should have done this a week ago. I last flew to the states when you just filled it in on the plane. Gah, I feel so stupid.

I might go to the airport anyway, in case it comes through in time. Anyone any positive/ negative stories?

OP posts:
BreviloquentBastard · 22/02/2023 16:24

I had it approved an hour before boarding once. Go to the airport anyway, you might get it through on time. They usually say at least 72 hours before, so you're not that far out.

Poppins2016 · 22/02/2023 16:25

It can take up to 72 hours, so you have a chance!

ShooshWhoosh · 22/02/2023 16:26

Normally takes 12 hrs for the ESTA to come back (on average unless there is a reason why they should question your intentions of entering the US) . Yup you left it late but it may come back pretty quickly… keep your fingers crossed

SummaLuvin · 22/02/2023 16:31

I did one last year and I got an email to confirm it had been submitted at 09:23, and one to confirm a status change (I believe this was the approval) at 12:30 the same day. So don't be defeated yet.

Original poster
whatatanker · 22/02/2023 16:32

Flight is at 12 tomorrow. I did it at 3 today, so that’s what 20 hours away?

I hate myself!!!!

Holy shite. I’ve got insurance but I’m pretty sure it won’t cover me being ludicrously stupid.

OP posts:
Original poster
whatatanker · 22/02/2023 16:33

SummaLuvin · 22/02/2023 16:31

I did one last year and I got an email to confirm it had been submitted at 09:23, and one to confirm a status change (I believe this was the approval) at 12:30 the same day. So don't be defeated yet.

Thank you this gives me some hope.

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 22/02/2023 16:38

Ours last year were approved within hours. Good luck

Caterina99 · 22/02/2023 16:39

DH did his at the airport once. That was a few years ago though

AreBearsCatholic · 22/02/2023 16:41

I did it in the queue for check in once as I completely forgot. It was fine.

Chemenger · 22/02/2023 16:42

Caterina99 · 22/02/2023 16:39

DH did his at the airport once. That was a few years ago though

My DH has done this as well.

santastolemycat · 22/02/2023 16:43

I don’t think they check it till you actually land so you’ve got more time than you think. I’m sure ours came back later the same day last time.

quietnightmare · 22/02/2023 16:44

Hopefully it will be done

Ilikewinter · 22/02/2023 16:45

Last time I renewed it came through in a few hours ..... keeping 🤞 crossed for you

TeeBee · 22/02/2023 16:48

I've been applying for ESTA waivers for years...they have always been approved either same day or following day. I think you'll be okay. As others have said, they don't check it until you're the other end anyway.

absolutelyincandescentwithrage · 22/02/2023 16:52

I think you'll be ok. My husband forgot to do his and did it the morning of travel, it took about two hours to come through.

inventinglouise · 22/02/2023 16:53

Another one that did it at the airport, fingers crossed OP

inventinglouise · 22/02/2023 16:54

But some carriers do check it here - BA for example won't let you board without it

Original poster
whatatanker · 22/02/2023 17:15

It’s just come through! So relieved!

I didn’t realise that some airlines check once you’ve landed, though. That gives more time!

OP posts:
inventinglouise · 22/02/2023 17:18

whatatanker · 22/02/2023 17:15

It’s just come through! So relieved!

I didn’t realise that some airlines check once you’ve landed, though. That gives more time!

Yay!

santastolemycat · 22/02/2023 19:47

Phew!! Enjoy your trip!

CeeceeBloomingdale · 22/02/2023 19:51

inventinglouise · 22/02/2023 16:54

But some carriers do check it here - BA for example won't let you board without it

This, as far as I know all airlines check pre boarding. If you are refused entry to US the airline is fined and has to repatriate you so they don't let you travel without one.

Almost all come back within 24 hours so fingers crossed OP.

ItsCalledAConversation · 22/02/2023 19:53

Glad you got it OP. They say it takes longer now post-covid, it used to only take a few hours.

PizzaPastaWine · 22/02/2023 20:52

I did this last year OP. The few hours wait were horrific.

Glad you got sorted. Enjoy your holiday!

berksandbeyond · 22/02/2023 20:55

So glad it came through!

surprised at people saying it doesn’t get checked til you land.. if you land in the US without one your airline will be fined heavily so I would have thought they’d all check!

Chemenger · 23/02/2023 12:45

Airlines do check before you board. I had a US visa for a few years, which meant the "no ESTA" flag appeared at check-in which always gave them a moment of alarm.

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