Delays at US immigration

[SeatBackForward]

Most replies so far seem to accept the status quo. Sure, an hour standing in a queue isn't a long time if you're spending a few days or more in the USA (as I did in Oct/Nov) but when you are subject to treatment which is at best inconsiderate at worst Rude then it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

When on arrival at JFK On 15 Oct I eventually reached a CBP officer, he interrupted his examination of me to produce his diary and write a note reminding him to claim for a missed meal break.

Have any other members had similar experiences, and if so, what if anything did they do about them? I've kept quiet until now as there seem to be no avenues for lodging grievances or even feedback. And of course you don't want to be blacklisted if you wish to visit the States again.

Considering that their front line immigration officers have the final say on entry or not... its probably best to make no deal about it regardless of how you actually feel. The fact they calk all non-US citizens as Aliens should be the first hint of how much concern they will have for you.

Its sad but that's just how it is..

 

[JT0511]

Considering that their front line immigration officers have the final say on entry or not... its probably best to make no deal about it regardless of how you actually feel. The fact they calk all non-US citizens as Aliens should be the first hint of how much concern they will have for you.

Its sad but that's just how it is..

Yes, what you say makes sense. I'd like to travel to the US again without too many additional obstacles at port of entry so I'll probably keep my mouth shut.

 

[The Rok]

The US Govt pre clearance facilities in SNN & DUB are part of a bilateral agreement between the US & IRL Govt's regarding US military fuel stopovers at SNN.

 

[JT0511]

The US Govt pre clearance facilities in SNN & DUB are part of a bilateral agreement between the US & IRL Govt's regarding US military fuel stopovers at SNN.

Very interesting. If so, isn't there scope for adjustment of current US- Aust political& defence relations to make a similar situation possible here? (How many Irish troops are serving in Afghanistan?)

 

[The Rok]

Very interesting. If so, isn't there scope for adjustment of current US- Aust political& defence relations to make a similar situation possible here? (How many Irish troops are serving in Afghanistan?)

None, unless they are on UN Peace Keeping Missions.

It's a stop over for us military and CIA planes heading from the USA to the Middle East.

 

[openseat]

I recently had a short connection from CX to AA and I was given,in a luminous orange boarding pass holder that entitled me to use some special queue at LAX. I wasn't even asked any questions by the agent. It was about 15mins from plane to the street.

 

[Mal]

Yep I've been given an express pass before. You just need a shortish connection (and may be asked for proof).

 

[serfty]

Last year I had a schedule change that turned a 2:25 LAX QF-AA transit to 1:55 - under the 2:00 MCT.

I was able to accept the schedule change online (the were no other really viable options) and a warning message came up regarding the short transit but otherwise accepted.

On landing, they had an agent holding one of those yellow flouro folders containing my onward BP's.

 

[QF029]

QF029 - you make it sound as if I got red(dish) carpet treatment at JFKT4. US citizens did get priority then also but I recall that officials were redeployed from the US citizens lines to others as the imbalance in queue lengths became so great that it must have roused even the supervisors from their torpor.

They did this also between landings. The good news after a 2 hour queue is that you're bags are ready.

 

[JT0511]

I recently had a short connection from CX to AA and I was given,in a luminous orange boarding pass holder that entitled me to use some special queue at LAX. I wasn't even asked any questions by the agent. It was about 15mins from plane to the street.


Something similar happened to me at LAX several years ago when I was travelling QF SYD-JFK (tho I was asked a couple of questions).

 

[JT0511]

Yes, what you say makes sense. I'd like to travel to the US again without too many additional obstacles at port of entry so I'll probably keep my mouth shut.

Though I missed a chance last night to submit a question to the US Ambassador and our (Aust's) Foreign Affairs Minister, both of whom were on the ABC's Q& A panel. Wonder what Bob Carr would have said.