Texas - DFW airport immigration was horrible last night (2 July 2010)

Coming back from the UK (AA51) with two tired and ratty kids we were met with the longest immigration lines I have ever seen at DFW. The USC line was all the way back into one of the corridors that leads to the immigration hall. Much to my amazement the visitor lanes were almost empty, but of course USC's were not allowed to switch over as is sometimes done in other airports (such as ORD). Customs were just as bad. All told from out the plane door it took over 2 hours to get through the ordeal.

What is really maddening is that less than 30% of the immigration officer booths were staffed and there were only 4 customs guys on duty and one of them was doubling up on the special/crew lane.

I broke one of my cardinal rules and paid the price - don't ever travel on a holiday weekend. Of course our luggage didn't make it, but since we were coming home that was OK, just annoying as there was a 1/2 hour wait at AUS to get a missing baggage receipt, by which time the next plane from DFW arrived, complete with our bags! Just to finish off the day I got back to the car in the pouring rain to discover the battery on the car had died. Got it jumped and was finally on the way home.... Just wanted to vent!

- Tim

Yes - I never travel over a holiday unless absolutely necessary...especially out of DFW or ORD...bad weather is always right around the corner.

I do find it annoying when the visitor's passport control lanes are less busy but they don't let US citizens returning home use those lanes.

Sorry to hear about your arrival experience, but my question is, how does it involve AA? Sounds like it was CBP issues that caused your delays upon arrival.

Perhaps it would be better to move this thread since it doesn't deal directly with AA.


To the OP: if you and your family become GlobalEntry (http://www.globalentry.gov) members, you won't have this problem again.

if you and your family become GlobalEntry (http://www.globalentry.gov) members, you won't have this problem again.

Isn't there an age restriction of 14 on Global Entry?

Sorry to hear about your arrival experience, but my question is, how does it involve AA? Sounds like it was CBP issues that caused your delays upon arrival.

Good point. Really seems like a more generalized rant with nothing AA-specific about it.

Cheers.

Yes, minimum age is 14 for GE.

It is the best program. Have used it 4x this year at DFW and ORD. Never had to wait for a kiosk.

bTo the OP: if you and your family become GlobalEntry (http://www.globalentry.gov) members, you won't have this problem again.

Isn't there an age restriction of 14 on Global Entry?[/QUOTE]

Coming back from the UK (AA51) with two tired and ratty kids...




Sounds like could be talking about age 14+ teenagers to me!

:D

This thread will be moved to a more appropriate Forum for further discussion, as it is more airport-appropriate than pertinent to a particular airline (even if AA is dominant at DFW).