What Should I Expect at Heathrow Travelling to USA?

Hi all,

Travelling to USA in a few weeks. I'm wondering what to expect at the airport being British?

I'm expecting my ESTA to be cancelled pretty much the morning of the flight. As far as I'm aware this is not a big deal as it gets re-instated (somehow)? Will I get taken to the side for questioning? Do I need to get there SUPER early for all this? We will be taking our marriage certificate and our daughter's birth certificate as proof of direct relationship to US citizens.

Our flight is 10:40am and we are staying over the night before. I'd like to limit time in the airport to an absolute minimum because our daughter is 3 and kids that age love touching everything.

Side question: any advice on toddler masks?

our daughter is 3 ...

Already!?  How did that happen? 

Already!?  How did that happen? 

People told me time flies when you have children but not this fast!

Already!?  How did that happen? 

The days are long but the years are short!

Hi all,

Travelling to USA in a few weeks. I'm wondering what to expect at the airport being British?

I'm expecting my ESTA to be cancelled pretty much the morning of the flight. As far as I'm aware this is not a big deal as it gets re-instated (somehow)? Will I get taken to the side for questioning? Do I need to get there SUPER early for all this? We will be taking our marriage certificate and our daughter's birth certificate as proof of direct relationship to US citizens.

Our flight is 10:40am and we are staying over the night before. I'd like to limit time in the airport to an absolute minimum because our daughter is 3 and kids that age love touching everything.

Side question: any advice on toddler masks?

My 3 year old son wears a mask when we are out, so he’s used to it.  Do you do the same? 

Otherwise, I’m no help.  You couldn’t pay me to travel right now.   

Just remember your insurance won’t be valid unless it’s “necessary travel”. Meaning if you break your arm, it’s not covered....  wrap yourselves in cotton wool.

I would think twice before travelling to America without valid travel insurance.  One night in hospital could be a lifetime of debt. 

Don't worry, I have health insurance up to $2million each. We're covered there.

She doesn't wear a mask at the moment no. I'm struggling to know where to get them from. Any recommendations?

Don't worry, I have health insurance up to $2million each. We're covered there.

She doesn't wear a mask at the moment no. I'm struggling to know where to get them from. Any recommendations?

Double check your insurance will cover when the FOC has advised essential travel only.  I’ve heard of *many* Americans living in the UK finding out the hard way.

You can buy kids masks absolutely everywhere.  Grocery stores, Amazon, Primark, everywhere.

Keep in mind my view is skewed.  Less than 2 years ago we flew to the US and my 2 year old caught the flu from the flight (fever started 48 hours after the flight).  It developed into a super nasty case of pneumonia and we spent our two week holiday in the hospital.  We had a very scary 72 hours.  Nothing like being told your child is the sickest in the paediatric hospital for it to scar you for life!  So, I’m a HUGE advocate for the flu vaccine now.  My husband, myself, and our daughter has the vaccine and stayed healthy.  It was a known strain.  Had my son had a flu vaccine (he wasn’t eligible and impossible to have done at his age privately outside of London), we would have had an entirely different holiday.  Definitely care like no other in the USA.  But for the flight, we wouldn’t have needed it!  It sucks when you have to put your faith in the people around you being responsible!

There's nothing in the T&C's that I've seen. I also asked on live chat and she said it was fine and I would be covered. Any other ways of absolutely ensuring?

That's terrible! Thankfully that is now just a bad memory. Ironically, we got a letter recommending our daughter got a flu jab with covid happening. Admittedly, my wife & I laughed it off. After hearing your story however we'll need to reconsider.

Does your policy mention FCO or FCDO?

I’d email the company and request clarification that any and all claims related to a country NOT exempt from the FCDO will be covered.  Having it in writing will help but not guarantee if it’s in the fine print. Which it probably is.

My thread title now carries a lot of additional questions haha.

I believe they will be debating it on Wednesday to get specifics.

My understanding from various new sources and the Foreign Office is that from 5 November, there is no foreign (or other travel):

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed. This includes holidays abroad and in the UK. It also means you cannot stay in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes, but this means people cannot travel overseas or within the UK, unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54768693
From Thursday, holidays both inside England and abroad will be banned until 2 December

Travel appears to only be allowed for work or education. 

Yup, no holidays, full stop. Chances are your flight will be cancelled anyway.  Sorry, I know it sucks.

My understanding from various new sources and the Foreign Office is that from 5 November, there is no foreign (or other travel):

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed. This includes holidays abroad and in the UK. It also means you cannot stay in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes, but this means people cannot travel overseas or within the UK, unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54768693
From Thursday, holidays both inside England and abroad will be banned until 2 December

Travel appears to only be allowed for work or education.

About time honestly. It was the summer holidays without enforced quarantines and people being lax about gatherings that got us where we are now.

But it sucks. I just got my BRP after months, multiple family deaths (not super close to me) and it was a relief to know I could travel if I really needed to again. I hope this is managed by next summer!

Hi, I am a US citizen and have ILR in the UK where I live with my wife and children. I have booked a flight in a couple weeks to support my mum as my father recently passed away. I am flying from London to New York and have somewhere to isolate when I get to the USA. I just wanted to double check it is still ok to travel in these circumstances with the new restrictions?
Thanks