What do you tell U.S. immigration when you do a mileage run?
Nov 2, 2014, 12:56 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Before I had GE, i said mileage run and got sent for secondary with a full bag dump.
Nov 2, 2014, 1:28 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Wesseling, NRW, Germany
Programs: UA *S , MR LT Titanium, HH Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,940
In such cases (I do this once or twice a year) I always reply "I am collecting frequent flyer mileage to pad my status-miles", and apart from the above instance (when I was actually staying three nights t add some shopping) I newer received any problem - maybe a question of the "was the ticket that cheap" variety, but nothing more. Even in cases when I was coming to the US twice within 24 hour as my turn point was outside the US...
Greetings - Dirk
Nov 2, 2014, 6:54 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 3
Be upfront and honest.ive been questioned before going to canada (not for mileage runs though, that's just assinine if you have other options) and after a fee questions and uncomfortable requests from them (i.e., them asking u to unlock your phone so they could browse your emails and calls), they eventually let u cross. Definitely get that nexus though! $50 for 5 years
Nov 2, 2014, 7:01 pm
#19
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Be upfront and honest.ive been questioned before going to canada (not for mileage runs though, that's just assinine if you have other options) and after a fee questions and uncomfortable requests from them (i.e., them asking u to unlock your phone so they could browse your emails and calls), they eventually let u cross. Definitely get that nexus though! $50 for 5 years
Oh, and welcome to FT.
Nov 2, 2014, 8:56 pm
#20
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: DEN or KOA
Programs: UA PLAT. DL PLAT, AOPA, MUG CLUB AT ROCK BOTTOM
Posts: 832
Came back through IAD after a 2 hour turn in FCO. First off plane, no baggage. Walked up and surprised him. "what no baggage" "nope" "you on a MR?" "yep" " have a good day" No need to explain MR, he knew. 
Nov 3, 2014, 5:07 am
#21
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 49
I guess the answer might differ if you were a U.S. citizen or not and it seems this thread started with the premise that one were not one (a U.S. Citizen can't get banned for 5 years from the U.S., e.g, etc.).
I usually joke around when they ask me if I have anything to declare and say yes, "I need a shower. Where's the Admirals club". They usually laugh and say welcome home.
All the answers you are required to provide are on the form you already handed them.
There's lots of ways to not answer additional questions without lying.
Of course my New York accent can be heard a mile away so I'm pretty sure there is never any doubt of my citizenship status.
If I were not a U.S. citizen I don't think I would joke around tho - OR EVER LIE
Short answer: U.S. citizens who have produced proof of citizenship and a written customs declaration are not obligated to answer questions.
I usually joke around when they ask me if I have anything to declare and say yes, "I need a shower. Where's the Admirals club". They usually laugh and say welcome home.
All the answers you are required to provide are on the form you already handed them.
There's lots of ways to not answer additional questions without lying.
Of course my New York accent can be heard a mile away so I'm pretty sure there is never any doubt of my citizenship status.
If I were not a U.S. citizen I don't think I would joke around tho - OR EVER LIE
Short answer: U.S. citizens who have produced proof of citizenship and a written customs declaration are not obligated to answer questions.
Last edited by MileMan123; Nov 3, 2014 at 5:58 am
Feb 28, 2019, 9:21 am
#23
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Mar 1, 2019, 12:47 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,333
If you are not doing anything illegal, the best option is to tell the truth. A small lie can get twisted into a large and obvious lie after a few follow-up questions. Explaining that you found a really cheap flight and only need a few more miles to get VIP treatment& free upgrades is pretty viable and easily understood by almost anyone. I would avoid getting overly technical or laying on too much jargon and provide a very simplistic explanation.
Mar 2, 2019, 3:04 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 126
Mar 2, 2019, 6:16 am
#27
Join Date: May 2016
Location: searching FT for a J deal
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Unobtainium, Delta Diamond
Posts: 268
Mar 2, 2019, 6:21 am
#28
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It is almost a universal truth of dealing with government agents, whether at the border or elsewhere, that lying is at best pointless and at worst, very damaging. This could not be more true than when the truthful answer is perfectly legal and unlikely to cause issues.
The mileage run is a perfect example. I am not aware of any country which prohibits or frowns on the practice and thus, I cannot imagine why anyone, when asked, would not give a truthful answer.
The mileage run is a perfect example. I am not aware of any country which prohibits or frowns on the practice and thus, I cannot imagine why anyone, when asked, would not give a truthful answer.
Mar 2, 2019, 12:34 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 126
What I normally do is input all my data in the app and have it open as I walk into the arrivals area, I then select either MP or GE depending on which has the shorter line. Normally MP wins out unless, for example at JFK, there're a bunch of airline employees or dips in the MP line. I think it's JFK where the line is shared with those folks, sometimes I get confused :>
One word of caution, if you submit using MP you'll then be locked out of using GE so no going back once you commit to MP.
Mar 2, 2019, 12:36 pm
#30
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 126
It is almost a universal truth of dealing with government agents, whether at the border or elsewhere, that lying is at best pointless and at worst, very damaging. This could not be more true than when the truthful answer is perfectly legal and unlikely to cause issues.
The mileage run is a perfect example. I am not aware of any country which prohibits or frowns on the practice and thus, I cannot imagine why anyone, when asked, would not give a truthful answer.
The mileage run is a perfect example. I am not aware of any country which prohibits or frowns on the practice and thus, I cannot imagine why anyone, when asked, would not give a truthful answer.