Last Monday, I came back home on AC875 from a weekend in Munich.
We arrived on schedule, and ours was one of the first international flights arriving at YUL at that hour (11:45). The customs were just opening, and
almost all booths were staffed.

I recall reading an G&M article earlier this spring about saving money at Customs & Immigration Canada that could cause delays during the peak summer travel season.

I never bring in what is not allowed nor exceed the stated allowance. However, over the last month or so, I am always questioned more than before and even a 1l bottle of whiskey gets scrutinized as it it was something else. Almost always, I am then sent for a secondary inspection where they enjoy going through all my clothing, books and other items of personal nature, asking where I got this and that. I must be a really interesting person. How do you explain otherwise. e.g., a comment of the customs officer about the "high quality" of the towel in my luggage.

Since the EU "unification" and removal of borders within one can almost walk in Europe no questions asked. I really detest being controlled and scrutinized upon return to my country as if I was a suspect or what. They never ask about the passport credentials, and are mostly interested only in liquor and tobacco. I understand that it would be an issue, had I brought in a cargo full of that stuff- but 1 or 2 bottles???

Crossing the border to the US is not as painless as it used to be but I have always carried a passport and that does not bother me as much. They rarely ask about what I carry in. It is more about immigration than customs.

Are we "behind the times", checking a bottle here or a carton of cigarettes there and losing the big picture in the process?