Originally Posted by
LeoB
I frequently arrive at IAD late at night from El Salvador, and it's the only flight processing at the time. Everybody on the people mover to the terminal is on cell phones. In the immigation lines, there are usually just two inspectors working, one on the US side and one on the visa side. Most of the people spend the hour waiting in line to talk with friends waiting for them.
Leo
THIS is what I think is so ridiculous with IAD. Having traveled back and forth between Europe and the US 3-4 times every year for so long now, I dread flying into IAD - the longest I've ever stood in line there was - not kidding - 80 minutes! And at that time, the enforcement of no cellular usage was very strict, with two officers walking around shouting and threathening those who did not obey.
Fortunately, I had a very patient girlfriend (who I just met a few weeks earlier) waiting outside customs, but with no way for me to let her know about the delay, she surely must have thought I never boarded the plane
I did mention the exceptional long wait to the immigration officer, who instantly shook my hand (...) - apparently it had something to do with new management...
Anyway, I'd take DTW, EWR or even JFK any day to avoid IAD!