Help please- Transit through US, expired US passport

[Lemonbus]

First time very stressed poster. Will try to keep it short. Feeling very stupid so please be kind!
After spending the day researching this online I think I know the answer to this but just wanted to check if anyone had experience of this.
Booked a once in a lifetime holiday to Central America flying via US. All British citizens. Only DD16 has dual citizenship UK/US (born in US). Has only ever had one US passport when she was born which expired years ago. We fly in a week. Have only just discovered she has to go through US immigration on a valid US passport. (Feeling v.stupid) Is that it? Anyone experienced this? Are ESTAs checked at departure airport? Have read that if you can get to US they will allow you through immigration with a severe talking to but feel that's a huge risk. Is our only option now to book new flights not going via US at all.
Apologies not as short as I wanted. Thanks for reading.

yes
US passport control is shit hot about picking up this kind of thing

missing info

when do you fly?

Have read that if you can get to US they will allow you through immigration with a severe talking to

pre 9/11, yes

We got caught out with this. Dh and dd are dual and dh's passport had expired. He tried to not mention it - and they picked up on it immediately (place of birth). He waited 2-3 hours to get the stern talking to - said by the rules should have just been sent back on the next plane but less off with caution. Dd was a baby the whole thing was very stressful and unpleasant and I was pretty cross with him. There is absolutely no way they will not pick up on this.

Is there no way you can get to London to get an emergency new passport?

Ex airline manager here-

Yes estas are checked at departure airport!

If it was for an emergency airline might contact homeland to get clearance to travel on expired passport but they’re not always the most helpful in these situations!!

Can you transit via somewhere else? Message me if you want as super good at finding ways round the world that aren’t always obvious!!

Thanks, yes that's what I thought. Guess just wanting to know there really is no other option before spending ££££ 😔

Thanks, that's really helpful and what I had read. Doesn't fall into emergency passport category which is fair enough!

how long ago was this?

Thanks for the info. Really helpful. We have an ESTA for her, don't really understand how that went through as we obviously filled it in honestly saying she was born in US. So if we have ESTA we should be able to board flight to US or will the airline pick up that she is US citizen and won't let us on flight from UK?

please don’t take this risk op

I know people who have done it and all got a stern warning but they weren't transiting so they were simply told after the lecture to have a good trip and get a new passport before another trip.

As she's 16 could she fly direct or via Spain (usually better priced) and meet you there? Unless you can get a new passport.

I did get one for my dd for same reason

You’ll probably be pulled up and asked why she’s not travelling on her US passport….. my airline and homeland agents at the gate checking green cards and visas etc but not sure if every airline has this!

But it’s very strange that they’ve given you an esta though…..I’d call the esta helpline it’ll cost a bomb as it’s an American number but they were super helpful when I royally messed up my Mums esta!

Thank you. Yes, that's the worry- on way out we have loads of time but return flight only three hours to make our connection so definitely no time for extra questioning.

Unfortunately no direct flights and DD not confident enough to fly long haul on her own. I think there is no other option but to buy new flights for two of us.

Who have you booked with?

They might be able to reroute you not via the states with a partner airline and you pay the fare difference! Ask before just buying new flights!!

All depends who you get on the phone but if you’d of rocked up at my checking desk and been polite I’d of always tried my best to help but like everything it depends who you it!!

Thank you for all your help, will definitely try this before rebooking. Flights are with United.

Sorry added post to this thread in error

Definitely give them a call I’d presume they have closer contacts with homeland being a US Carrier they might be able to contact them for you and ask about the esta issue as it’s definitely a curve ball!!

For us - this happened over 10 years ago.

@JollyHostess101 how long ago were you an airline manager?

passport security has been tightened

until last July when I went on Mat leave!!

op when are you flying?

and the advice you have here is from recent times?

Well yes after having worked at the airport for nearly 20 years I do know how these things work!

Nor sure why you’ve singled me out when I was just trying to help!

@JollyHostess101 Thanks, you have been really helpful. Seems like a very grey area DH has been on phone trying to sort for hours! United were really good and tried to help but transferring flights doesn't work out. Guy from airline seemed to think if we have ESTA should be ok anyway and have read threads from people who have travelled very recently saying the same. Have contacted ESTA/CBP and waiting for email. We will not make the same mistake again!!