Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Customs annoyance

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Bill, re-read what I wrote. I didn't SAY it was an effective use of resources. What I said, is that it is used to increase the perception of improved security.

Interesting comments all. On the same trip I was randomly searched twice, my luggage opened up, the works. I put up with it and smile. These people were kind and professional. (BYW - I'm a middle aged white male.) But the customs agent (or whatever he was) seemed a bit over the top and sinister - like out of a bad cold war movie. Thanks for the friendly replies.

AFter a 3 day weekend in London, customs agent could not belive I flew all that way for such a short time - kept asking questions - couldn't I get off work longer, etc. Actually i went to shop, see theatre, and stayed at the Waldorf (good rate but still nearly $200 night) so real reason was: London is very expensive. He also asked my profession (grant writer). It felt kind of scary. I am petite, dress beautifully and am very innocent looking but have been thoroughly searched - dont' mind but do hate when they motion you thru but your purse is still on the other side of the x ray machine - I dont' want to go thru till my purse is safely through...

I cannot believe how many of you, even supposed seasoned travelers, cannot discern the difference between a customs check and a security check. Ron's experience was the former, not the latter, and has nothing to do with terrorism. For more information, see http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm

I've never had too much hassle from Customs, but Immigration is another matter. I have a friend who works for the INS, and he tells me that most of the annoying questions from the INS people are meant to detect people travelling on forged or stolen US passports. Apparently US passports are a very hot black market item abroad. Have you ever read the entry card that is given to foreign nationals by the airlines? One of the questions it asks goes something like, "Have you ever been involved in a terrorist plot against the US?" As if someone with ill intent is going to answer "yes" to a question like that. Code the passport and scan the dratted thing when you pass; if there is something fishy the software should trigger further inquiry. It wouldn't hurt to have the UN create a standard for the scan format for all member nations, so that scanning will work at almost any port.

In the same vein as customs vs. security, I’m dumbfounded that people have no idea what the word “random” means. Random means anyone at anytime may be pulled to have additional security screening. This includes, but is not limited to, teachers, families, grandparents, children, people in wheelchairs, etc. The worst thing to possibly have is a known pattern. “I look like “xyz” therefore I will never be scrutinized any extra amount.” Then as a terrorist all you have to do is fit “xyz” and you know extra scrutinizing won’t happen to you. Wake up people, that is a BAD idea.

I can't relate to your annoyance at all and don't find simple questions unusual or a problem. I've been subjected to questions just like that at several times in the past when traveling in Europe or the Middle East by other country's airport security staff, so if you hadn't, it's just because they don't do it to everybody. I know I was at CDG airport and it appeared to just be a random check as I didn't have anything unusual or look unusual. I've had even more at Amsterdam and other countries. When I flew within the US at Thankgiving, I was selected both coming and going and had to take my shoes off and xrayed etc -- I don't know if that was random or not, I didn't have anything in my carryon that set the machine off. I really didn't care, why should I? As long as I don't miss my plane, it doesn't matter to me to take a few minutes for those checks or questions. None of these security checks were by customs agents and were not even at customs, however, so maybe in the US they are doing it there to save time as people have to stand in line anyway. I remember being examined rather thoroughly at JFK once upon return from France because I was carrying several large hardcover books back from France in my carryon and they couldn't tell what they were, so I had to unload it to show them. It wasn't by customss, but didn't bother me at all. I don't like conservative paranoia which leads to people thinking they don't have to participate in society, answer questions at airports, etc.

GO PATRICK! I'm with you.

I too am surprised that many people don't seem to know the difference between customs, security, immigration, or the meaning of 'random.' I also wonder what people think is the job of customs, immigration, and security - since apparently asking questions and inspecting luggage is outside of what people consider acceptable behavior for these agencies.

A year ago, coming back from Prague via London, I was detained by US Customs @ Detroit airport for so long that I missed my connecting flight to SFO. The questions asked (repeatedly) were no doubt legitimate, but I wonder if the agent's incredulity that a young woman (white, well-dressed, US citizen and resident) would travel to "Eastern Europe" (sic) alone on short notice for a relatively short period of time had more to do with his limited idea of what's (not) "normal" than with a defined, particular suspicion. Why did I travel alone? Had I originally planned to travel with someone else? Why not? Didn't I know anyone else who wanted to go? Etc. A very similar thing happened (same airport) when I returned from Vienna a few months ago (didn't miss the connection that time). I've travelled a fair amount, and elsewhere, Customs has quickly and efficiently asked the routine questions - including where I work and what I've bought - and this includes returning to the US from Syria and Colombia. I'm not arguing the right of customs agents to ask any question they want, but if I can avoid inconvenience, I will - and in my experience, it is a considerable inconvenience when you miss the last connecting flight of the evening. Therefore, I no longer take any flights from Europe that require a plane change in the USA. And, while I wouldn't mind a delay at my final destination, I've never had any trouble at SFO either. Z - the purpose of Customs is primarily to ensure that travellers are not entering the country with prohibited or restricted items, failing to pay duty on items purchased abroad, or presenting a risk to the country by introducing dangerous contaminants. I'm sure there's more, but anyway - I could have done any or all of these things regardless of whether my boyfriend had decided he wanted to come along. But I was left with the strong feeling that if he had, I would've gotten through customs a whole lot faster.

Lorna, No offense intended, but travelling a long distance for a short period on short notice alone isn't the norm for men or women. That's much more the norm for a business trip and if you weren't travellng on business, that's probably why the officer questioned you.