"Cell phones may be confiscated" (in customs hall)

[Keygrip]

Just flew back into USA from Canada this morning. First time through Newark (usually use Boston).

Usual crew announcement, "You may now use you cell phones as we taxi towards the gate" - but then added "However, when entering the Customs and Immigration Hall you must switch them off again as they may be confiscated if you are caught using them in the Customs area".

Now - apart from it being darned rude and (probably) unnecessary, what would be their reasons for "confiscation" of cell phones if used in the Customs Hall??? Photos on the camera phone I could (kind of) understand - but phone calls? What harm?

[TheOddOne]

Well, lots, but not for discussion here!

This seems to be a rule in lots of places, certainly in the UK.

Just don't do it.

Cheers,
The Odd One

[bealine]

The thing that is irritating to HM Customs here in the UK is the camera phone! The use of cameras in the customs hall has always been expressly forbidden.

As most phones nowadays have cameras, I would think this prohibition of mobile phones is going to become standard policy in Customs Halls worldwide.

Mobile Phones could also be used to alert smugglers that customs officers are watching them or a whole raft of other sinister purposes (indeed, the LHR baggage handlers found the texting system very useful in assisting with pilferage a few years ago!)

[strake]

The mobile phone ban in Immigration halls at US airports has been in place for some time. Despite the numerous signs and warning announcements, people still turn their phones on.

It's mildly interesting entertainment while in the lines actually. Settle into a line, wait for the "chirrup" of a phone powering up and try to spot which Immigration Officer hears it first. At Boston, they enjoy coming out of their cubicles and swaggering over a la Wayne..."Aww, turn that phone off Pilgrim..."

Bless. It's the only time they really get to show off their handguns and other vital self-defense equipment they need to protect against the feared long-haul airline passenger.

[itaxi]

There are so many reasons why you should keep them swithced off buy like someone said, that should not be discussed here.

[ExSimGuy]

Yes, UK and USA airports all the time. Not noticed any signs in the Mid-East airports though (but I may not have noticed).

As previously said, yes, it is for security reasons.

The only comment that I would make is that it's a "B" nuisance not to be able to phone to say "yes, the flight's in, but it'll take me an hour or more to get through immigration and customs", as I would have loved to do to save my daughter waiting ages and paying a fortune in short-term-parking when a US airbus arrived at PHL at the same time as every other one of their internationals!

[B Sousa]

"Yes, UK and USA airports all the time. Not noticed any signs in the Mid-East airports though (but I may not have noticed"

Now heres a no-brainer........Why would they be concerned in Mid East Airports? Without raising the PPrune tolerance level for "profiling", let me just say that isnt this where the security threats all board in the first place...........

[Crusty Ol Cap'n]

B SOUSA get real! Where did the 9/11 guys board? What about the shoe bomber?

[B Sousa]

Crusty Old whatever......Take a look back at these folks.. Where did they get on their first plane.They all came from ________ fill in the blanks without pissing off the Politically correct. Hint its their heritage??
That was the meaning.
I know where they boarded for their martyrdom mission...
Get real my achin.........

[DOME]

In the last couple of years the ban on mobile phones in IMM/Customs halls down here has actually been lifted.

[Keygrip]

Hang on - I'm even more confused now.

I said in my original post about camera phones being a problem - I can see that from a security point of view. I can also agree with the idea of calling to say that the flight is in (but we were allowed to do that from the aircraft whilst taxiing in anyway).

I am the first to agree that there is no real need for a phone when going through Customs and/or Immigration - and it would be downed right rude to be using one whilst going through - but I still don't see what security problem there is in being on a phone AFTER GETTING OFF THE FLIGHT.

I've absolutely no objection to not being allowed to use my phone when wandering the hallowed corridors and waiting goodness knows how long for my turn with a Customs or Immigration agent - I just wanted to understand why I couldn't (and, at the moment, I don't).

Before I sign off - if, as some of you suggest, there IS a good security reason why not then I also agree that it shouldn't be posted here. I'd rather not understand.

[Bumz_Rush]

sorry not quite true....I can not see any reason, (and not one not mentioned here), why except at the desk, they phone can not be switched ON.
I would agree with the camera situation, but from all the reality airport shows, not quite certain just what is so secret.....
Is it fair to assume that all staff do not have a phone switched on, whilst in the hallowed halls.
Bumz