Galen, totally agree with you about Miami airport staff! Rarely get through Immigration in under an hour and a half - has been up to 3 hours. Seems to be the worst airport in USA though LAX comes a close second.
GalenDidn't make Miami airport any better though. I will never fly to America again, the airport staff are so nasty The worst we have come across at Miami Airport. Never again! I thought at one point DH was going to be held at gunpoint by the immigration official.
I think you have to be VERY careful with Border Protection Officers in the USA, they can be a wee bit officious, more so than our lot.
I think a wait of an 45 mins. to get through is quite standard though, we never really seem to do it in less, and that is airports all over the States.
Never mind, well worth it when you DO get through !!
I have always traveled economy in the past, but the last trip back from Australia was the last straw for me. The plane was full and despite asking for an aisle seat was in the middle, couldn't move (and why do they give you a blanket, pillow and other bits and pieces when you have nowhere to put them!).
I'm planning to visit Australia again next year (Mum's 90th birthday) and I am saving hard as I intend travelling business class!!
Consider trying to fly on an Emirates A380 if you want to go to Australia business class sunseeker. Absolute bliss ! I'm sure there are others just as good but have no knowledge of them. Make sure that the beds do really lie flat and not at a slight angle as it is annoying to slide down. I go to Beijing with KLM (for the convenience of going from Durham or Leeds) and am hoping that they have changed the annoying beds before my next trip. However you get there have a wonderful time.
Emirates to Australia was better in economy too. Part of our journey was with Qantas, part with Emirates, so be careful when you book as they mix and match.
Which is what I had on and off all the way to Tenerife earlier in the year. Only four hours or so, a nice family (we were chatting to them in the queue for boarding), but Mum was busy with a little one or asleep, Dad was somewhere else ...... I didn't like to make a fuss but if it had been longhaul I would have said something.