Originally Posted by
signmeup
Hey everyone. I heard yesterday from someone who said this happened to her that they were stopped at customs to have their bags inspected after returning from the USA to France, apparently because their bags were (significantly I guess) heavier.
Has anyone else heard of such a thing? Is this likely? I've traveled the same route several times and have never been stopped. I also have an American passport though and the customs officials at CDG barely open my passport to stamp it. I've also gone to the US with 1 light checked bag and come back with it filled to the limit. Nothing.
Any truth to this in your opinion?
I currently reside in France and travel frequently to/from the US, China, Korea and often on a RTW ticket (about 20 trips/year). I have been stopped only once on a flight from Shanghai with a larger suitcase (but under weight limits) that was only scanned and never opened.
I've walked *into* France with boxes that were clearly American wine and fish, and aside from laughter ("why would you bring swill into France?") I've never been stopped.
Therefore my personal experience is that size/weight really doesn't have anything to do with it; but your departure location may (ie China). Remember that France is *very* sensitive to counterfeit goods and if you're caught with even "fun" counterfeits (like the worlds cheapest "rolez" watch) they'll throw the book at you "French style".
