ESTA to become mandatory

US Customs and Border Protection has advised all airlines that from January 20, 2010 it will be mandatory for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Program to receive approval to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme.  

British Airways strongly advises all customers travelling to or transferring through the US from this date to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of their journey.
Silla Maizey, director of customer service, said:  “It only takes 15 minutes to complete an ESTA and the vast majority of applicants will receive approval for travel within minutes, although it can take up to 72 hours.  Under the new regulations, we will not be able to accept US-bound customers for their flight if they have not received ESTA approval or if they do not hold a valid visa or Green Card.  Most of our customers are already familiar with ESTA as it has been in place for more than a year, although not fully implemented.”

Source: Transportweekly