I am curious how many of you have been "searched" by customs. I did a mini-mileage run this weekend (it was cheaper than flying direct) JFK-LHR-LAX-PHX-LGA. I did JFK-LHR Sat night and connected to the LAX flight 1st thing Sunday morning. Cleared UK Immigration and Customs with no problem (under 5 minutes including walking time).

I get to LAX -- totally different. We waited 15 minutes in a totally uncoordinated area (Delta in Terminal 5 is used by AA for its International Arrivals). I clear immigration (30 seconds) and head to customs. Asked the normal questions -- Where coming from? (LHR) How long you there? (3 hrs) Personal or Business? (Personal) What do you do for a living? (Real exciting -- tax acountant here).

Next thing I know -- please step over here for further review. The customs guy could ont believe I saved $700 by flying though London and did it for the miles. He searched my bags (some clean clothes and some dirty ones). 10 minutes later I am on my way but missed an earlier connection by 5 minutes.

I actually felt uncomfortable coming back into my own country. LHR -- noone stopped me or asked any questions -- any time I have been through LHR. And now I have a "record" with Customs since he entered something into the computer.

Now, the other interesting note was they also seached a flight attendant from our flight.

Strange if you ask me.

--Jim