I had a similar issue at AMS over a logoed ink pen that was given to me by the company I was visiting. It took 3 ICTS personnel and a CO representative almost 20 minutes to allow me on the flight - even after we took the pen apart to demonstrate that it really was a pen. I would have gladly given up the pen, but they said that would cause an even bigger security concern.

Classic - you're lucky you didn't end up in the pen. :D

How we ever made it through security in both ZRH and IAD with the umbrellas gifted by OS as part of our Flyer Talk Vienna-Waltz Do day at VIE (in company with the OP among other FTers) I'll never know. :D :D

Oh, and like iluv2fly, we recall being asked at least once for a view of our return tickets entering at LHR.

Nope. Only the US airlines have them, and presumably they pay for them.

To avoid, fly with a European airline.

Neil

Well, I've never done the so-called 'mandatory' walk.@:-)

Don't airlines recommend passengers to do just this? Best practice at home or abroad, anyway.Believe it or not, this can even happen to furriners entering the US. :eek: It has certainly happened to me, even with a visa.

My impression was that, if selected for secondary screening in the UK, the machine is mandatory. Is this information no longer in effect?

The requirement to supply printed proof of one's prior accommodations during the course of a trip in order to depart from a country (or more specifically to access the airline's check-in counter) requires either advance organization or the necessity to dig through one's luggage, as happened to the OP. What if one has stayed with friends or relatives? What if one has no receipt? Our last night in ZRH last week was in a hotel paid for by UA after a 24-hour mechanical delay and we had nothing in writing to confirm that stay. Would a more experienced traveler have demanded something in writing from the airline before leaving the adjacent airport via the same airline? IMHO such requirements make travel less and less pleasant while adding additional government prying into what's left of our private lives (for those of us who care about such things).

Finally, we ourselves have never been treated less than courteously by UK Immigration. By bringing up the U.S. you can at least persuasively argue that "at least we're not as bad as the Yanks," but is that cricket? :D :D

Your impression is correct, though whether selection qualifies as 'secondary' I'm not sure. As I mentioned before, I haven't been selected.Other posters and I were talking about (travel) ticket equivalents. I don't think that accommodation is the same issue.:D

I've only been treated courteously when entering the US. OK, except for that time in Idaho when the official couldn't understand how a visa-carrying Brit and his wife could be entering the US driving a US-registered car. He was courteous, but kept us parked for half an hour. And that time in the tunnel between Windsor ON and Detroit MI when I was assumed to have a criminal record because I was travelling on a visa. (And in the other direction, the Canadian official asked 'You all Brits? Your cricket team sucks.' That was some time ago, of course, and I mention it only for the cricket connection. ;))

I got 'into trouble' with hired 'security' folks in Madrid when answering that I hadn't had control of my luggage at all times since it was packed.

They thought I was trying to be funny. I just answered truthfully as I had checked my baggage with Iberia in BCN and hadn't seen it since.

Ah... Sorry, I probably missed that but was hearkening back to the OP's experience, i.e. This explanation did not seem to satisfy the officer who demanded I produce proof of my hotel stays in BUD. His supervisor came over and agreed. I have never been asked to produce proof of prior hotel stays before.

As to the good ole U.S.A...

When re-entering at IAD just a few days ago, the curt young inspector abruptly asked us "Relationship?", apparently his way of saying "hello" as Mrs. Fredd and I arrived at his little booth, touching our passports gingerly with his gloved hands as if searching for the microbes.

Various replies came to mind - intimate, ongoing, tumultuous, but I finally blurted out "married." I then added, "41 years, but who's counting?", one of my standard attempts at repartee.

He replied rather snarkily "Apparently you are."

I then riposted, "how clever of you to pick that up. Don't let on to her though."

At that point Mrs. Fredd cut me off with the glance I know so well and took over, enabling us to leave with his semi-cheerful "Welcome home" directed at our backs and without being referred to secondary.

Mrs. Fredd told me that I'd dared to sound obviously irritated. Like other minor authority figures (I'm a retired high school principal), I don't suffer bureaucratic power-trippers gladly. :D

I had a similar experience a few years ago when I'd borrowed a suitcase.

Q. Is this your suitcase Sir?
A. No
Q. (Asked with great excitement). Who does it belong to then?
A. The Detective Superintendent xxx who is the head of Special Branch for yyy police.
Q. Can you prove this sir.
A. Do you want me to call him?
Q. That will be fine Sir, on your way.

Do you travel on a US passport? If so, forgive my ignorance, but I wasn't aware that US nationals were interrogated when re-entering the US. I suppose it comes from the integration of Immigration and Customs.

At least, UK passport holders re-entering the UK just undergo a passport check and AFAIK, if there's nothing positive, on we go. (Using the IRIS alternative is normally quicker.) Not so long ago, the passport check was visual and quick. Now it's done online, takes longer and leads to lines ...

I hold a U.S. passport. Check around this forum for a plethora of examples of returning U.S. citizens subjected by ICE to what they believe are inappropriate questions. :td: Our own encounters have generally been fine with just the odd minor annoyance - or maybe my own over-reaction after 9-15 hours in the aluminum tube. ;) Mrs. Fredd and I are angered and embarrassed when we see both chaos and less than civil behavior shown to visitors to the U.S., although the situation has improved at IAD, which was formerly an Ellis-Island-like hellhole, as I once cheekily told an official.

As to the situation the OP found himself in, we can prepare ourselves to provide receipts for where we stayed, what we bought, what we ate, and which operas we attended, even though I don't believe I should have to do that to re-enter my own country. Where does it end? I'd certainly like to know in advance that this may be required so I'm not emptying a suitcase on the floor like the OP to look for receipts or other proof before I've even checked in.

I hope the OP writes UA CS to seek clarification as to whether this is SOP. If it's a requirement being laid on by the U.S., I suppose we should be prepared to provide this information when we re-enter the U.S., again as a practical matter, and also to lodge complaints about it, if we're so inclined.

Cheers,
Fredd

Fredd - I agree, "Where does it end?"

I would like to thank those who have commented in this thread. I have now decided that I should bring this situation to UA's attention. I have just sent an email to the 1K address, and will hopefully be able to share their response with members soon.

Yes, they do and one time I was questioned for so long in DTW I almost missed my connection. :rolleyes:

EDIT: whoops, didn't realize the thread had a second page

I did write to UA Customer Service and received the following reply:


"Thank you for contacting United Airlines Customer Relations Department. You describe the security measures in effect at London Heathrow during your travel on September 25, 2010. I am sorry that these measures upset you and created a negative impression. Let me explain that governments direct security policy. United Airlines must comply with any additional required screening measures for all passengers. The airport security staff must ask all passengers some questions. Answers to these questions may lead to more questions and may result in a thorough search of passengers and their accompanying baggage. I regret any problems caused you, but we ask for your understanding that this directive cannot be compromised.

United supports the security directives of our government agencies, but also wants you to have a pleasant, easy travel experience. Your comments are important to us. I will give a copy of your letter to our operational management in London and their security managers for their review with their representatives.

As a 1K member, you are one of our most valuable customers. We’re committed to meeting your expectations, and we’ll do our utmost to make your future contacts with United satisfactory in every respect.

Regards, ... "


Unfortunately I don't feel this reply addresses the concerns I raised (in my initial FT post and again in my email to UA), particularly who supervises and pays these check-in "security officers", and whether this is some type of new requirement. However I believe it is time now to move on.

I usual fly BA with my wife but this one time we decided to fly seperately and the dates she wanted to fly US->Germany, BA was pretty sold, so tickets were expensive. She found a flight on CO and on the return from HAM she got the 3rd degree for > 30 minutes before even allowed to approach the counter. It was pretty shameful from what she told me. And she is an US citizen.

In 15 years flying cross atlantic the only time I had anything more than 3-4 questions at US immigration (as German citizenship with green card) was when I actual forgot my green card at home coming back from Germany. My passport still had the temporary stamp in it from before the physical card arrived, but it had expired. So they sent me over to the special counter. Got told I gotta pay a $150 fine. Asked how I can pay for it, they said cash, check or credit card. Ok, pull out credit card, about to hand it over. Agent looks at me, says "wait", goes to talk with another agent for like 5 minutes. Comes back and says I can go .. I guess they couldn't figure out how to charge my card.

Always approaching the counter with a smile and hearty hello. Seems to work well