Well, I suppose this is a good thread to tell of my experience yesterday & today. I'll put some background in so some of what happened is in context.

I started my first ever RTW in First yesterday. I live in SFO but bought the tix ex-Canada due to price. Had a oneway to YVR. I was to fly on AC last night but figured it was cancelled so I got a coach ticket on UA (First was sold out.)

I drove to SFO and parked in the Int'l term--that's what they had recommended. It was calm. Walked to domestic. The regular UA check-in line was very long. I went to the *Gold line but they moved me to *Silver--it was faster. Took about 15 in to reach the counter. Normal procedure, normal security questions.

Although only the central security checkpoint into the UA gate area was open, there was NO line. I went through. They handchecked one of my 2 carry-on very superficially. Looked at my laptop--no power on required. Wiped the outside and checked the pad in the machine. All seemed only slightly stricter. The terminal was calm as was the new RCC.

At the gate there was a slight delay since the plane came in late. Flight was at least half empty. All seemed normal.

THEN I got into Canada. No lines at the YVR immigration point. (Last time I waited 45 minutes in line). I've got a US passport. I was asked where I was born. "Germany" caused him to ask if I also had a German passport. I said yes since I had it with me. He wanted to know what I did. "Physisican". Why are you coming to Canada? I told him about the RTW and the cheaper price. All ok, routine I thought and understandable questions. Being German I always hate borders and now always dress up in suit and tie.

I had no checked luggage so went right to the exit to give my paperwork to the officers. They asked me to go another way to customs. I thught that's noe routine perhaps.

Well, there was no one there. None of the lines were open. I waited about 5 minutes until a woman called me over. Then the interrogation started and she went through everything.

I loved planning this trip. Made all of my hotel reservations online, had tons of paper with confirmations, cancellations, etc. Had made alternate reservations just in case due to the situation. She kept staring at the sheets, then asked questions about them.

At first, I didn't mind, then it became ridiculous. Why single me out? After all I'm an American. I'm a physician. I felt attacked. It is MY country that was attacked, not Canada. I was coming OFF an airplane.
Then I had to go to the immigration office. There was almost no one there. The gentleman there however was very nice, hardly asked anything except "oh, you've been to Calgary?" when he saw prior stamps in my passport.

That was it.

The terminal looked like mayhem. The line to security for the intl/non-us flights stretched way back.

This morning I checked into my SQ flight. I had made alternate reservations (YVR-SIN) and they just took my YVR-LAX-NRT-SIN (3) flight coupons. I was told no batteries were allowed. So I checked one of my carry-ons which had the clothes.

At security there was NO line. They handchecked all bags rather thoroughly. Had to power the laptop on. Not particularly friendly personnel. No passport check.

That's it. So here's 1.) some factual info for those interested and 2.) my personal reaction to Canada customs. I'm sure the second may cause some debate. I welcome this. Surely some will think I should be glad they take things seriously. It is also of interest how lax it was at SFO and how YVR was much stricter.

Thanks for listening!

Nobbi