The land of the free....

I think the Huffington Post article is not representative, but awful if she really was treated like that. I have found USA customs officials to be friendly and courteous, whilst doing a through job. They ask curious questions, but that's ok with me. I love visiting America, especially the west coast and New England. They're not all stereotypical gun-toting red-necks! The majority are just like us - peace-loving, hard-working family people who like a good laugh.

Only been to San Francisco, and, having heard tales about the infamous immigration/security/customs officers, I was wary. They were, however, incredibly polite and friendly, not just to the little old lady (me, in case you were wondering) but to everyone coming off our flight. I thought they must have been sent to charm school. They were just as pleasant on the way out. I've had more trouble at Manchester Airport.

Been in and out of the States numerous times, also once through Montreal. I find the border controls robust, certainly, and the personnel are very adept at firing last minute questions out of left field, so to speak. I find it tiresome and irritating, but no more than that. I've had sniffer dogs suss out apples in my backpack, had stuff confiscated, and everyone has to have their fingerprints done, along with cyclops. Their attention to detail is extremely high.
Frankly I'd jump through blazing hoops to get to see my family and grandchildren.

The worst border control I passed through was Australia.

I have travelled to USA several times and have always been treated with courtesy. In the case of the woman who wrote the article I would think she came up against one officer and he then reported her as a unsavoury character, although that doesn't excuse her subsequent treatment by other officers.

The treatment she received is, on the face of it, totally out of order and she should write to the relevant authorities with a complaint and insist on an investigation into her treatment

Anno ,, ME !

Don"t tease .

When I came through Heathrow this weekend I wished that there was more rigour at our customs. Three people peeped through a partially closed door with one man standing in the corridor as hundreds streamed past. Are they so well trained that they can spot smugglers/ drug runners/ people returning from training camps in Pakistan cowering behind a door? There was a major flight into the UK from Pakistan and you could have got anything through.
I am also a bit iffy about the huffing ton post. Pinch of salt time.
Also worth remembering that it was an American border post person who spotted the murderer of the schoolgirl Caroline Dixon after the French had given up.

Nonu, don't pack any sexy underwear or condoms, whatever you do.

'nuff said!

No & no

Have you read the article, Nonu? No comment?

I just adore the United States of America .

That is why I keep returning . Only 3 more weeks , then we are off , in fact this day , Tuesday.

&

Unbelievable! Far worse than anything I could ever have imagined. I have realised for a long time that the USA is far from 'the land of the free' as we have true freedom here in Australia, but still......

Good heavens. It's hard to believe such a thing in the twenty-first century. I hate flying via the US and always try to avoid it.