Just had a panic thoght - do I need valid passports when I book flights to the US?

[AllBuggiedOut]

Thinking about booking flights to Miami for the summer. Neither me nor 2 of my DSs have valid passports (the other 3 adults and child travelling do). Will they ask for passport numbers when I book? TIA!

i think they do...?

AFAIK you don't have to enter the passport numbers when booking, but you do need to enter them a set time before you fly (usually at least a week beforehand but this may differ between airlines)

Not sure if things have changed with the recent security alerts though - who are you booking with? It should tell you on their website.

Ta - Not sure who we'll book with yet as haven't finalised plans, but was hoping to do so in next few days then book, then panicked that I might have to wait weeks while we get passports...

you have to register online before you go but still have to fill in those crappy forms as well..

Better check.

I've just booked flights to San Fran, no passport number needed.

If you are getting new passports they will probably be the ones with the chip in (I think they're called electronic readable passports or something) - if you have these, you won't need a visa, you only need one with the old style passports.

Tickets must be booked in the name found on the passport.

HTH

Thanks, am encouraged by your responses! And will get a shift on organising passports...

You can book.

You will need to fill in the ESTA form online before you go and for that you will need passport details but you only need to do that at least 72 hours before you fly. Prob best to do as soon as you get the passports though.

You do then still need to fill in all the forms on the plane.

The three of you will each need a valid passport. In financial terms anyway this is going to cost a fair bit. If you need to renew the childrens' passports each renewal costs £49.00. It costs even more to renew an adult's passport.

You will need to complete the API (Advance Passenger Information) for the airline before travelling (this asks for a passport number) but you will not need to do this at the time of booking.

As you are travelling to the USA an ESTA (electronic authorisation) will have to be completed online for all passengers travelling in your party. There are many dodgy ESTA websites that charge (ESTA is free), will put up details of the proper and fully legitimate one separately.

You will also need to complete the green colour visa waiver forms (one for each of you plus one white customs form per family) on the plane. These will be given to you at check in.

esta.cbp.dhs.gov

This is the official US govt website for the ESTA. Other websites are out there and they will rip you off, do not use anything other than the one shown above.

FLOOPY.... you still need to do an ESTA and green visa waiver form even if you have the new style passport

They will also fingerprint you