Originally Posted by
elusive1
LessO2 - Remember, the issue is not anything except if the local staff of the airline went out of their way to make sure a passenger was harrassed at USA immigration.
Update.......
I called the airline, spoke to the executive office. My PNR did indeed contain the entire story, including that I called them lazy. The CS supervisor basically said, yes immigration has access to all the PNR's, but if the local airline staff had their buddies at local immigration send a note ahead they would have no way to check as the local office would never admit it anyway. They took the complaint, and told me not to expect a response.
I suspect it is simply the post 9/11 version of sending the passengers bags via Bulgaria.
Sounds like the notes in your PNR were likely reviewed by CBP, which is why you received the questioning you did.
When they made the notation in the PNR, it was likely put in there to let other CO employees know what had happened. May have also been done to cover their behinds from you following up with a complaint to CO.
It may not have been done with the the specific intent to cause problems at EWR with the CBP, but given CBP has access to the full PNR I'm willing to bet that is likely what caused the questions you received.
With international flights, especially ones to the US, there is always a check-in cutoff time. The cutoff time exists for security reasons and to close the flight in order to send Advance Passenger Information to the DHS. From what I understand, the passenger information is sent to the DHS before the flight departs. On the security side, they need to make sure all checked luggage is processed and delivered to the aircraft for loading -- and to allow you enough time to clear security and board. Passenger bags are matched to passengers on-board. If a passenger checks luggage and does not board the flight, the luggage has to be pulled. This is why international flights board earlier than US domestic flights.
I once missed the check-in cutoff time myself on an international flight out of London, UK, and ended up being re-booked on a flight the next day. I had no checked luggage and was certain I could rush & make the flight, but check-in was closed - no ifs, ands or buts.
I'm going to presume you were frustrated when you made the 'lazy' comment. I know you're not looking for others to critique you on etiquette, but it probably upset the employees. It's usually best to bite your tongue in such situations ... I've been in situations where I've really wanted to say something out of frustration if nothing else; I've had a few such comments slip out of my mouth, but I've learned bite thy tongue and if you do have a valid complaint, make it later to the carrier's customer service department.
Last, when you were re-booked the new ticket may have been considered a 'last minute purchase' when the advance passenger info was sent ahead and may have been a factor in CBP taking a closer look at the PNR.
Also: Was the original ticket a last minute purchase as well? Just a thought, but I think everything that happened goes back to the PNR notes -- whether intended to cause you problems or not.