IAH the Model for Port of entry
 

That everyone here would be interested to see this article toting IAH as the model for entry ports into the US. Of course it sounds like this designation is coming from the agencies that run the place.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...s/4689487.html

We diverted to IAH (going GDL-DFW) last week and had to clear customs in IAH and it really made me appreciate DFW customs. However, can someone explain why US Customs and Border Patrol have people who don't speak very good english? Are they even US citizens? It would be like me working in Iranian Customs checking passports.

IAH immigration control is fine - once you get there.

I despise the 1/2 mile minimum trek I have to make to get from my full 777 to the big hall... especially when I get behind a family walking 7 abreast, including lots of little kiddies with their carryons. IAH should install some type of conveyance to deal with this problem :td:

I guess they showed them the lounges at IAH or something... They didn't actually take them through customs and immigration control :rolleyes: :p

The wording is very deceiving. The plan is referred to as "model port of entry" and IAH is the first implementation.

I don't see it, dude. Every time I have used c&i at IAH, it has been a very smooth operation. Never have I ever had to wait longer than 20 minutes to clear the whole operation, and I have been there when a flight from LGW arrives, as well as the BA flight that they allow to use the E facilities. We're talking 2 777's, plus probably 4 73X's from Mexico and the Caribbean, and the new facility moves along very fast and efficient.

Much better than the old facilities in D, and much, much better than the ones at DFW, IMHO. You want bad...try EWR at 1600! ;)

I agree about the long walk. Since CO's 777 coming into E usually use gates like E4, E7, that's about 1/3 mile (I measured on Google Earth). They really need to put some people movers.

As for the immigration hall, I have not had any problem with lines at the new facility. The last couple of times there I see MANY workers there directing traffic. As you may know, there are two banks of desks, one facing D and one facing E. I've seen them directing people coming in from E to use the other banks if the lines start to get long.

In general, luggage tend to come out about the same time after I go through immigration.

The path is not a straight line, so it's even longer. It's a nice glass-enclosed tour of the airport.

Immigration/customs was quick, even though I got selected for xraying of baggage (I guess 1 guy with 3 checked bags does that), but why did 1 of 3 priority tagged bags come out close to last when the others came out near the beginning? Come on, CO.

They can declare IAH a "Model port of entry" and tout all sorts of other advantages of US airports. Until, however, our government treat our foreign visitors with more respect more of them will choose to stay home.

Huh? Who are these "foreign visitors" you speak of? You don't mean the dirty terrorists do you? Are you a terror-lover? It sure sounds like it.

Seriously though, not having clean airports for transiting customers is a real pain, both for us and the airlines. 5th and 6th freedom rights means nothing without the ability to transit the airport without having to clear immigrations. Of course, the US is so big, territory-wise, that it's probably only useful in a handful of airports, but still...

But still, can you imagine the powerhouse IAH/DFW/MIA/LAX would become for connecting South America traffic if the US allowed international transit?

It's a shame the rules are the way they are and there's such a disadvantage for international connections in America. But hey, at least we're safe shampoo! :mad: :td: :rolleyes:

There is a room in the immigration area of Terminal E marked 'Transit Lounge'...anybody know what it's for?

Where is it? I'll look for it next time I come in on an int'l flight.

At the last DO, JS mentioned that Terminal E is designed to accommodate sterile transit. So, maybe that's the facility? Anyhow I wouldn't hold my breath for that to ever come to effect.

There's one of those at EWR, as well. Just walked by it on the way to immigration on a recent return from Europe.

I was coming from Terminal D...it was on the right after you pass the first set of immigration desks. If you are coming from E you might not see it as I think it's past the desks CO uses.