Problems with US Immigration, Customs and Border Protection.
May 5, 2009, 5:21 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: DTW
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO
Posts: 1,719
I do a lot of TATL trips that are 2 or 3 days in length. Never had any problems with Immigration. As others have said before, be yourself and always answer their questions truthfully. The officers are just doing their job, and even though it is sometime hard if you are the subject of additional questioning, I personally don't mind a little extra hassle as it's an unfortunate part of today's social and political problems (drugs, terrorism, etc..)
This is actually one of the reasons I've avoided intl MRs. I must look 'suspicious' because I almost always get targeted by security and/or customs even on real trips. Frequently I get targeted for secondary screening (had something like five in a row once), get pulled out of boarding lines to be searched, get grilled hard when returning from routine intl vacation areas, etc. One can only imagine what my luck would be doing a 4 hour turn overseas
May 5, 2009, 5:24 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/2MM, AA Plat, IC Diam. Amb., Peninsula regular, amanjunkie
Posts: 5,848
You have a constitutional right to secretly voice record any dealings with law enforcement officers (which include customs/immigration agents) in the United States and use them in furtherance of your cause in a criminal or civil case. This is actually an exception to the normal rules about secret recordings.
You can't, however, take photos or video record such dealings.
You can't, however, take photos or video record such dealings.
On what to tell the immigration officers, I follow Ricky Roma's advice:
"Always tell the truth, George. It's the easiest thing to remember." "When I talk to the police, I get nervous." "Yes. You know who doesn't?" "No, who?" "Thieves."
(David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross.)
Get used to the grilling. It's S.O.P. They ask you the same questions over and over again, even offering misleading suggestions of the answers, all to see if you depart from your story. Why? Because the truth is the easiest thing to remember. And if you're lying about why you went to Switzerland for one day, maybe you're lying about something more important.
My experience differs from the comments in this thread. SFO has been a breeze. LAX has been a real PITA for me. They don't like me there for some reason.
May 5, 2009, 5:56 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SAN
Programs: AA EXP 4 MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 884
And if you get sent to secondary, don't get annoyed, just smile and comply.
The more helpful you are the quicker you get out of there.
Last month, the young customs officer thought my MR was strange he didn't get the whole mileage run thing so he sent me over to secondary. I was cheerful and just dealt with it, was extremely helpful at secondary, even started to open my suitcase. When the customs officers at secondary realized I had nothing to hide, they quickly dismissed me.
May 5, 2009, 6:14 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 83
Sorry to hear about your experience in SFO. At least if you were detained for a long time there, you're already home and won't miss your next flight. What did you think of the GVA passport control? I think my passport was checked at least 4 times from the check-in area until getting on board.
I got secondary screened in IAD when I came back from FRA a few weeks ago. I still had one more flight to get home, but thankfully had a 3-hour layover. I made it through passport control with no questions asked. My companion was not so lucky, and his form was marked with a big "C" and was directed to the "other room" for secondary screening. I thought I was home free, but then while exiting customs, the officer looked at my form and said "You didn't buy anything?" and then he looked at my tiny carry-on and said "You don't have any checked bags?", marked a big "C" on my form...haha. At least it wasn't "B" (not sure what "B" means) because those people sit in another room, and just wait and wait and wait... I think I got out of the "C" screening faster. They question you about your trip, take your passport to a computer to look up something, and then rummage through your bags.
This MR, I tried to be more prepared. I printed out the WSJ article about mileage running. I bought some Swiss chocolate in GVA so I had something to declare on my form. I made sure there was a huge line in front and behind me while exiting customs. (Last time, there was no line, so the officers had free time to ask questions) I made it through immigration and customs without having to whip out the WSJ article, though there were a few questions from passport control about what I'd get out of this mileage run, haha. "My first 1P card!"
Hope your experience doesn't deter you from going on more mileage runs...it comes with the territory.
I got secondary screened in IAD when I came back from FRA a few weeks ago. I still had one more flight to get home, but thankfully had a 3-hour layover. I made it through passport control with no questions asked. My companion was not so lucky, and his form was marked with a big "C" and was directed to the "other room" for secondary screening. I thought I was home free, but then while exiting customs, the officer looked at my form and said "You didn't buy anything?" and then he looked at my tiny carry-on and said "You don't have any checked bags?", marked a big "C" on my form...haha. At least it wasn't "B" (not sure what "B" means) because those people sit in another room, and just wait and wait and wait... I think I got out of the "C" screening faster. They question you about your trip, take your passport to a computer to look up something, and then rummage through your bags.
This MR, I tried to be more prepared. I printed out the WSJ article about mileage running. I bought some Swiss chocolate in GVA so I had something to declare on my form. I made sure there was a huge line in front and behind me while exiting customs. (Last time, there was no line, so the officers had free time to ask questions) I made it through immigration and customs without having to whip out the WSJ article, though there were a few questions from passport control about what I'd get out of this mileage run, haha. "My first 1P card!"
Hope your experience doesn't deter you from going on more mileage runs...it comes with the territory.
May 5, 2009, 7:26 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,838
May 5, 2009, 8:16 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Live: HVN -- Work: The World
Programs: DL - exPlat (now Gold) ; AB - Gold ; TK - Gold; BMI - exGold; US - exChairman ; UA-ex1K; NW-exGold
Posts: 1,248
I have had 'fun' with US CBP. My favourite by far was an inspector demanding my work visa to enter the US while at JFK (I am a US Citizen, on a US Passport, born in NYC...JFK is in NYC).
You can read about this W.T.F. moment here:
26/05/2008 - Do You Have A Visa To Work Here? Ummm….I Live Here (Humour From Real Life)
You can read about this W.T.F. moment here:
26/05/2008 - Do You Have A Visa To Work Here? Ummm….I Live Here (Humour From Real Life)
May 5, 2009, 8:39 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: PHL (and sometimes BKK)
Programs: aa/ua gold; mar titanium. SPG till I die.
Posts: 15,648
I agree with the charitable interpretations above. But I am not sure if the grilling processes have to be so mean and rude. I felt stunned by the manner in which I was spoken to and the whole experience still stings me like a bad infection. I had been flying for a long time non-stop or with little stop. I don't need a smile or a hug, but some respect and not taken for an evil monster doesn't seem to be asking for much.
People who are made to feel comfortable act comfortable. Ever hear the phrase "the tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife?"
Whoever first coined that probably wasn't feeling too relaxed at that time, either.
While 99.99% of people who cross borders into and out of the US are not criminals, the CBP officer's job is to find the 1 who is.
May 5, 2009, 9:16 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Up in the Air OR Down to Earth ;)
Programs: XP AA, ◊ HGP, PL SPG, 1K UA
Posts: 1,369
GREAT! Let's ask our Secretary of State make that announcement to the world that this country greets its travelers (both its own residents and foreigners) by making them feel uncomfortable. Put it in the tourist brochure too! 
Means never sufficiently justify ends unless of course this is a dictatorship.
Means never sufficiently justify ends unless of course this is a dictatorship.
His job is to make you feel uncomfortable. Why? Makes his job a lot easier if he makes you feel uncomfortable.
People who are made to feel comfortable act comfortable. Ever hear the phrase "the tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife?"
Whoever first coined that probably wasn't feeling too relaxed at that time, either.
While 99.99% of people who cross borders into and out of the US are not criminals, the CBP officer's job is to find the 1 who is.
People who are made to feel comfortable act comfortable. Ever hear the phrase "the tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife?"
Whoever first coined that probably wasn't feeling too relaxed at that time, either.
While 99.99% of people who cross borders into and out of the US are not criminals, the CBP officer's job is to find the 1 who is.
May 5, 2009, 9:34 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 65
Hi,
I am wondering if folks had problems coming into US after an international MRun? This Sunday, I was met by a very unfriendly Immigration official at SFO who checked my passport, visa. But I seemed to have set him off after I told him that I was gone only for ONE day to Switzerland and Germany. Have others had any problems with international MRuns especially if you are a resident or citizen of US? What do you say/behave so as not to come off as a potential terrorist or drug smuggler etc, which of course they already assume. How does one avoid the hassle of secondary screening and stupid small talk with Immigration police?
I am wondering if folks had problems coming into US after an international MRun? This Sunday, I was met by a very unfriendly Immigration official at SFO who checked my passport, visa. But I seemed to have set him off after I told him that I was gone only for ONE day to Switzerland and Germany. Have others had any problems with international MRuns especially if you are a resident or citizen of US? What do you say/behave so as not to come off as a potential terrorist or drug smuggler etc, which of course they already assume. How does one avoid the hassle of secondary screening and stupid small talk with Immigration police?
May 6, 2009, 2:34 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Seal Beach, CA, USA
Programs: UA GM
Posts: 472
I don't understand getting upset over a few questions or having my bag searched. They are just doing their jobs.
Thirty hours of flying might make any traveler be less than cheerful, so I would really like to hear the other side of the story.
If you want to avoid the immigration person, then you could sign up for the Global Entry program that the CBP has, if it is in use at your int'l entry point.
Thirty hours of flying might make any traveler be less than cheerful, so I would really like to hear the other side of the story.
If you want to avoid the immigration person, then you could sign up for the Global Entry program that the CBP has, if it is in use at your int'l entry point.
May 6, 2009, 2:42 am
#26
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BWI/WAS
Programs: UA 1K, RCC, HH GOLD, SPG, OMNI, KIMPTON, A-CLUB
Posts: 216
One thing that has helped me out particularly to avoid dealing with CBP officers for the most part, was to enroll in the GOES system. I've done 24 hour international mileage runs since I enrolled, and the system has never sent me to see anyone else for further questioning/screening. It cost $100 to enroll, but it a small price to pay to avoid the interrogations and the long lines.
However, yes, I've been made to feel like an outsider to get back into my own country and some agents are rude. However, it's like any other profession. Being a CBP agent processing passengers is a monotonous job, and not everyone is a "people person" sadly enough.
These people are trained to be suspicious. They will assume that you may be in violation of something until you convince them otherwise. Mileage runs aren't known to everyone, and some of them will look at a 24 turn-around to Switzerland or some other country that has been flagged for some "undesirable activity" as being suspicious. However, there are those who abuse their authority. Sorry, but you can't record them as evidence of a complaint.
May 6, 2009, 6:17 am
#27
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chihuahua
Programs: SPG Plat, HHonor Diamond, Hyatt PLAT, Marriott PLat, UA 1K, AA EXP, DL PLAT, BMI Gold, Co PLAT
Posts: 1,962
If you are doing this for not so often, that's fine, but if u r doing this many times, it will be a big problem for you because u r not US citizen, CBP officer has rights to refuse entry, though highly unlikely. They can also put u on a redness list, which means you will need to go to secondary inspection every time.
at some big airpots, secondary inspection can be a very quick process, but at some small airports, it will be a big hassle. expect 2 hours or more.
Also, the experiance of primary inpection officer plays a big role here. If you meet an officer who has no shoulder stripe, that means it's a new officer, you will have high possibility of being put on redness alert list.
I was putting on the list by a new officer, so since then I need to go to secondary everytime.
at some big airpots, secondary inspection can be a very quick process, but at some small airports, it will be a big hassle. expect 2 hours or more.
Also, the experiance of primary inpection officer plays a big role here. If you meet an officer who has no shoulder stripe, that means it's a new officer, you will have high possibility of being put on redness alert list.
I was putting on the list by a new officer, so since then I need to go to secondary everytime.
Hi,
I am wondering if folks had problems coming into US after an international MRun? This Sunday, I was met by a very unfriendly Immigration official at SFO who checked my passport, visa. But I seemed to have set him off after I told him that I was gone only for ONE day to Switzerland and Germany. Have others had any problems with international MRuns especially if you are a resident or citizen of US? What do you say/behave so as not to come off as a potential terrorist or drug smuggler etc, which of course they already assume. How does one avoid the hassle of secondary screening and stupid small talk with Immigration police?
I am wondering if folks had problems coming into US after an international MRun? This Sunday, I was met by a very unfriendly Immigration official at SFO who checked my passport, visa. But I seemed to have set him off after I told him that I was gone only for ONE day to Switzerland and Germany. Have others had any problems with international MRuns especially if you are a resident or citizen of US? What do you say/behave so as not to come off as a potential terrorist or drug smuggler etc, which of course they already assume. How does one avoid the hassle of secondary screening and stupid small talk with Immigration police?
May 6, 2009, 6:54 am
#28
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Melting Ice @ North
Programs: Oz Diamond,
Posts: 230
Cheers,
Polar Bear
May 6, 2009, 7:18 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alexandria VA, Washington, DC or Pick 5
Programs: UA 1P, Hertz 5*, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,064
Don't small talk, just answer the questions.
And if you get sent to secondary, don't get annoyed, just smile and comply.
The more helpful you are the quicker you get out of there.
Last month, the young customs officer thought my MR was strange he didn't get the whole mileage run thing so he sent me over to secondary. I was cheerful and just dealt with it, was extremely helpful at secondary, even started to open my suitcase. When the customs officers at secondary realized I had nothing to hide, they quickly dismissed me.
And if you get sent to secondary, don't get annoyed, just smile and comply.
The more helpful you are the quicker you get out of there.
Last month, the young customs officer thought my MR was strange he didn't get the whole mileage run thing so he sent me over to secondary. I was cheerful and just dealt with it, was extremely helpful at secondary, even started to open my suitcase. When the customs officers at secondary realized I had nothing to hide, they quickly dismissed me.
I went through this at LHR on an early morning arrival...the customs officer said he "wasn't sure about this whole MR thing" but I showed my itinerary, told him what I would be doing from now to flight time, my travel bag which only contained an additional shirt and smaller items...he then stamped my passport and I was on the way....