Customs
Jan 21, 2001 | 8:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,673
Customs
I am curious how many of you have been "searched" by customs. I did a mini-mileage run this weekend (it was cheaper than flying direct) JFK-LHR-LAX-PHX-LGA. I did JFK-LHR Sat night and connected to the LAX flight 1st thing Sunday morning. Cleared UK Immigration and Customs with no problem (under 5 minutes including walking time).
I get to LAX -- totally different. We waited 15 minutes in a totally uncoordinated area (Delta in Terminal 5 is used by AA for its International Arrivals). I clear immigration (30 seconds) and head to customs. Asked the normal questions -- Where coming from? (LHR) How long you there? (3 hrs) Personal or Business? (Personal) What do you do for a living? (Real exciting -- tax acountant here).
Next thing I know -- please step over here for further review. The customs guy could ont believe I saved $700 by flying though London and did it for the miles. He searched my bags (some clean clothes and some dirty ones). 10 minutes later I am on my way but missed an earlier connection by 5 minutes.
I actually felt uncomfortable coming back into my own country. LHR -- noone stopped me or asked any questions -- any time I have been through LHR. And now I have a "record" with Customs since he entered something into the computer.
Now, the other interesting note was they also seached a flight attendant from our flight.
Strange if you ask me.
--Jim
I get to LAX -- totally different. We waited 15 minutes in a totally uncoordinated area (Delta in Terminal 5 is used by AA for its International Arrivals). I clear immigration (30 seconds) and head to customs. Asked the normal questions -- Where coming from? (LHR) How long you there? (3 hrs) Personal or Business? (Personal) What do you do for a living? (Real exciting -- tax acountant here).
Next thing I know -- please step over here for further review. The customs guy could ont believe I saved $700 by flying though London and did it for the miles. He searched my bags (some clean clothes and some dirty ones). 10 minutes later I am on my way but missed an earlier connection by 5 minutes.
I actually felt uncomfortable coming back into my own country. LHR -- noone stopped me or asked any questions -- any time I have been through LHR. And now I have a "record" with Customs since he entered something into the computer.
Now, the other interesting note was they also seached a flight attendant from our flight.
Strange if you ask me.
--Jim
Jan 21, 2001 | 9:02 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,929
Authoritarian government in my opinion though many others are more than willing to surrender their rights. I don't see any reason why they should want to know what we do and what the purpose of our trips are for.
Someone on the US forum who I was with on our way back from FRA (weekend mileage run) got (just) his small backpack searched by customs at PHL (while I, in transit to Canada, cruised through).
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-21-2001).]
Someone on the US forum who I was with on our way back from FRA (weekend mileage run) got (just) his small backpack searched by customs at PHL (while I, in transit to Canada, cruised through).
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-21-2001).]
Jan 21, 2001 | 9:38 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,343
"Authoritarian government in my opinion though many others are more than willing to surrender their rights. I don't see any reason why they should want to know what we do and what the purpose of our trips are for."
Sure, let's just let anyone smuggle anything they want into the country. Let's get rid of the customs guys. In fact, let's get rid of all police everywhere at all levels. We can put everyone on the honor system. I am sure no one will ever do anything illegal.
Djlawman
(former federal prosecutor)
[This message has been edited by Djlawman (edited 01-21-2001).]
Sure, let's just let anyone smuggle anything they want into the country. Let's get rid of the customs guys. In fact, let's get rid of all police everywhere at all levels. We can put everyone on the honor system. I am sure no one will ever do anything illegal.
Djlawman
(former federal prosecutor)
[This message has been edited by Djlawman (edited 01-21-2001).]