Traveling to India through the UK should be a simple process, especially for those who qualify for transit visa exemptions. However, for one Indian-American traveler, it turned into a distressing experience.
Recently, a traveler faced a frustrating experience with British Airways when denied boarding for a flight from Newark (EWR) to New Delhi via London. This happened despite the traveler holding an expired Green Card and an I-797 notice that extended its validity by 48 months. According to UK transit rules, this combination should permit transit without a visa, but the airline did not accept it.
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The airline staff reached out to UK authorities but insisted that the I-797 notice was not valid for transit. The traveler experienced rude treatment, was denied a refund, and received a ticket credit valid until September, which feels pointless if UK and British Airways policies do not recognize their documents.
This denial occurred at a crucial moment when the traveler urgently needed to get to India to support a critically ill mother after surgery. The emotional toll of being unable to visit during such a difficult time has been immense.
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Now, the traveler is looking for advice: Is an expired Green Card with an I-797 extension enough to transit through the UK? Has anyone faced similar issues with British Airways despite meeting the UK transit exemption rules? What documents are needed to re-enter the U.S. after traveling to India with this combination of paperwork?
A traveler’s plea for clarity and compassion shines a light on the complexities of transit rules and the emotional rules and the emotional toll of denied travel during family emergencies. This heartbreaking experience underscores the need for airlines and authorities to ensure clear communication and fair treatment.
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