Avoiding travel through the United States

This article describes routes that avoid a transit of the United States. Due to the documentation requirements, processing times and cost, transit in the US can be onerous – and some people are denied transit and sent back instead, or even arrested or deported – it may be preferable to select itineraries that avoid the United States altogether.

However, finding these flights is not always easy; the United States is a hub for many airlines, and travel planning sites lack the ability to search only for flights that do not transit the US. One way to obtain information is finding out the number of the flight you consider using, then checking the airports and route of that flight using a flight tracking site like Flightradar24.

Alternative routes described in this article may require visas and procedures similar to the ones you would encounter when transiting the US. Always check the transit or entry conditions of all stops. You are responsible for checking and, if necessary, getting the visas, and are advised to do so well before your planned trip. Nearly all airlines will refuse to let you board their planes if you lack a required visa, and none of them will refund your fare since they consider it your mistake. Most will switch the booking to a later flight that you can take after getting a visa, but they may charge a fee for the change. Even if you have previously traveled without a required visa, this excuse will not keep you from being denied service unless your visas are in order.