Do I need to apply if I’m only transiting the United States en route to another country?

Citizens or nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit through the United States. If the traveler plans only to transit through the United States en route to another country, he or she should select “Yes” to the question “Is your trip to the United States transiting to another country?” when completing the ESTA travel authorization application.