USA transit
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Somewhere over the Rainbow
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That really is not an acceptable approach for a customer facing industry.
I think with the current mentality out there across the world i would wait patiently in line to ensure no zealot or despot is in front of me that makes it thru. That's a customer service of a different level! After all since 9/11 how many more deadly incidents have thre been in the US?
I know that actually wanting to visit the USA goes beyond my tolerance for police states, queuing, and having nasty men with guns stare at you just itching to be allowed to use them, so I don't actually visit the USA.
Best of my knowledge officers with Hand Guns in holsters seated behind counters using sir and ma'am in a firm voice does not constitute a police state. Last I remember was a uniformed unarmed lady guiding us by the ropes to the next available person and the customs officer collecting my slip was also unarmed. (i beleive the INS official was armed, but it was holstered and she was seated so there was no gun in my face).
Just an opinion as I travel in and out of the US frequently for both business and pleasure and for some apparent reason have not been made to feel that way (except the lines seem to be longer now as processing time has increased and so has number of travellers).
Join Date: May 2009
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Why do these guys need guns?
Seeing as all 'customers' queueing up for their welcome to the 'excited states' have been security screened hours before the chances of anyone having a lethal weapon is so remote.
I avoid transiting the US, unless it is impossible to do otherwise, not only because it's an unnecessary hassle but because;
1. History of transit passengers being intercepted and 'renditioned' to third countries with unacceptable results.
2. Fact that US Border Control has the right to seize indefinitely your laptop, and other electronic devices, without having a reason. I've got nothing to hide, but I certainly need my tools while on a business trip.
3. Having been sent to secondary by an officer at IAD who wanted to know why, as a Canadian, I didn't have a visa. After spending two hours waiting in secondary I was told that Canadians don't need a visa (I did know that) and was sent on my way.
US 'welcome' may have been a factor of Chicago's loss for the 2016 Olympics - highlighted by a question from the Pakistan IOC member which wasn't handled well at all by Mr. Obama.
I'm encouraged by the posts above that comment that things have improved and will see for myself when I transit Seattle after Christmas.
I avoid transiting the US, unless it is impossible to do otherwise, not only because it's an unnecessary hassle but because;
1. History of transit passengers being intercepted and 'renditioned' to third countries with unacceptable results.
2. Fact that US Border Control has the right to seize indefinitely your laptop, and other electronic devices, without having a reason. I've got nothing to hide, but I certainly need my tools while on a business trip.
3. Having been sent to secondary by an officer at IAD who wanted to know why, as a Canadian, I didn't have a visa. After spending two hours waiting in secondary I was told that Canadians don't need a visa (I did know that) and was sent on my way.
US 'welcome' may have been a factor of Chicago's loss for the 2016 Olympics - highlighted by a question from the Pakistan IOC member which wasn't handled well at all by Mr. Obama.
I'm encouraged by the posts above that comment that things have improved and will see for myself when I transit Seattle after Christmas.
I go to the US when I visit there. if I'm going somewhere else, I avoid transiting the US. Cplin Powell said some years ago that increased security and the limitations were putting of visitors to the US to the tune of billions of dollars a year, and it's their loss, not mine. If they want to play it that way, it's their country, and they are more than free to do so. But I don't have to transit that country, even if at times I have to go there.
Join Date: Oct 2009
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As if to prove a point, I got through MIA today in record time en route from the Caribbean to New York City. Less than 5 minutes in immigration, where I was processed most politely and efficiently. Up the stairs and around the concourse to the priority lane for security screening. No “gate lice” in evidence, just a quick boarding pass check. Dealt with very efficiently, with a minimum of personal contact, and everyone screened in exactly the same, consistent, non-intrusive manner. Everyone doing their job quickly, politely and efficiently, with an absolute minimum (i.e. none) of unnecessary asking of the same infantile question five times over. Carried same 56cm rollaboard bag that was aggressively denied entry at LGW two weeks ago (see Gatwick North thread) – no problem. Into the lounge with over an hour to spare (would have been insufficient two years ago) and time to sit down over a coffee and write this. Sorry BAA – you’re just not fit for purpose!
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: China (CGO)
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Hey Gals & Guys
Quote:
I know that actually wanting to visit the USA goes beyond my tolerance for police states, queuing, and having nasty men with guns stare at you just itching to be allowed to use them, so I don't actually visit the USA.
My definition of itching to use them and police state is when one has an AK 47/uzi/M 16 with the safety off and finger on the trigger with 3 barking dogs by his feet yelling and screaming at you to lie prone on the floor.
Anyhow, so after standing there all alone like a leftover movie extra, and despite decades of passport & custom clearance experience, I suddenly imagine that Myanmar is different: they keep your passport and only give it back to you afer Customs decides you're okay. Why some folks on this planet will imagine such nonsense, go figure, but that's what hit me.
So I just wander past the trio towards Customs.
But after about 15 yards, I hear group giggling and anyone who knows Asia also knows that group giggling means only one thing: you've just done something really, REALLY stupid. You get a chill up and down your spine, stop dead in your tracks and turn around.
I do that. Then I see the three girls waving me back to their desk. So I do that.
We all wait till more folks turn up, they put down their knitting, man (so to speak) their individual counters and processing begins.
Dunno why, but I'd never dream of trying such a walk-by anywhere West.
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On another note, if you use the visa waiver thingie for the USA, you have to know that you, on your part, are also waiving your right to appeal before a judge in case some little hitler decides he thinks any presence of yours in the USA would somehow lower the general standard of quality of life for the natives there.
My (thoroughly respectable, honest, dedicated and hardworking) Colombian
friends in teaching and medicine got these lifetime multiple entry visas for the USA even though they had no intention of EVER setting foot in that country.
They did that because, if you have that visa (which outlives expiry of your passport -- you just present old & new passports simultaneously at INS), then it is MUCH easier to get visas for anywhere else you DO want to go to.
Happy Skies!
Treatment of those from overseas presenting themselves at US Immigration, and the zealous visa procedures beforehand, is widely felt to be a significant reason why Chicago lost the 2016 Olympics to Rio recently. It will be interesting to see if this analysis reaches up to the US President, who devoted time to the bid, and what in turn comes down from this.
Any nation is justified in appropriate measures at their border. This does not include widespread arrogance, rudeness, xenophobia and ego tripping by the staff, and acceptance of same by their management.
Do I understand that US border control positions are a job of choice for ex-US military personnel, enlisted rather than officers, and they bring their US military attitudes with them.
Any nation is justified in appropriate measures at their border. This does not include widespread arrogance, rudeness, xenophobia and ego tripping by the staff, and acceptance of same by their management.
Do I understand that US border control positions are a job of choice for ex-US military personnel, enlisted rather than officers, and they bring their US military attitudes with them.
