Originally Posted by
jms_uk
But why do I have to have access to my checked luggage on an INTL-INTL connection?
Last time I went to Canada LHR-BOS-YYZ, I had to enter US, clear customs and recheck my bag before departing for Toronto.
When I travel BHX-FRA-BEG, I don't [have to] see a German immigration, customs or my checked luggage in Frankfurt.
The US and Canada has you clear customs (therefore have access to your luggage) and immigration in your landing airport. European countries don't combine the two, so you can clear immigration in landing airport but customs in the second. My trip to EDI was like that - cleared immigration in LHR but customs in EDI. Although "clearing" is an overstatement. They had a segregated baggage claim and a phone to call someone if you were over your limit. No other separation or security at all that was visible.