Flying To America

[sherrardk]

Prompted by another post (about biometric scanners) is there anything I should know about arriving in America (is there anything they do there that they don't at airports in other countries)? Thank you.

[237SJ]

Not a lot apart from be rude and treat visitors like potential criminals. I`d like to round up the lot of them and send them on a tour of the worlds` airports so that they can see how their job can be performed with curtesy and respect.

[sunny-dave]

Have all the documentation absolutely correct.

Be prepared to wait, be polite (very, very polite), don't even think about joking or giving the slightest hint that you don't like the process - however slow.

Otherwise it's pretty much like anywhere else ... but slower and more paranoid.

[sherrardk]

Thanks, I will warn my husband (go keep his gob shut!).

[sunny-dave]

I just won't go there ever again - life's too short & there are lots of other places that will treat me like a guest, rather than a criminal.

[black_cat51]

absolutely do not make any jokes about ANYTHING. And don't step up to the line at immigration till they invite you to.

[237SJ]

Apart from that ... they take your mug shot and fingerprints at immigration. On departure they can break into your suitcase if they see something on the x rays that concerns them (they bust into mine over a tube of Pringles once). For that reason you can use a TSA lock which they have the keys for so they don`t need to break the case. Security on departures to the US can take ages as well so it`s a good idea to get to the airport in plenty of time. Don`t take fruit or animal products in but you can take some things (biscuits, UHT milk etc) but make sure you declare it.

[sunny-dave]

Good advice from Methyl about memorising your travel plans - make sure the (older) children have some idea of where/what/when too.

[Jeza]

Flipping heck. Glad I'm not going.

[gness]

Oh believe it....I once joked with an official about his initials....JR...Lord we were there for hours....x

[Jeza]

When we went to Cuba we were taken to a tiny room with no windows. They searched all our belongings and kept asking "what is this" When they came to the tampax I turned my back and left it to Mic. Poor love didn't know what to say. The sweat was pi$$ing out of us. I turned and said, it's what you stick up your nose when an irate tourist decides to punch it.

[mightymouse]

As a frequent traveller to the USA, I would say that immigration in most USA airports can be prolonged but generally painless, but never never argue or question anything. BUT.....avoid Miami and Los Angeles like the plague!!!! Total nightmares....delays and very rude staff.

[sherrardk]

Flipping heck! Just himself and thing 1 to keep quiet then. Thank you all, all advice gratefully received.

[jeffa]

The post about the US just not being worth the hassle is spot on. I used to go there fairly regularly for work and even though I had a Visa, it was always a total pain.

Why anyone would want to go there these days is beyond me!

[SpikeyBush]

En-route to Mexico I stopped off in Atlanta - the only place in the world I managed to get a plain burger at McDonald's with no disgusting sauce that I didn't want. Managed to wash it down with a pint of Bass.

[sherrardk]

We're doing Disney - it'll be fab!

[237SJ]

Immigration in Atlanta are Ok funnily enough. They are in some places (usually the Southern US) It`s New York and LA where they are the rudest and most aggressive.

[gness]

Sher...ignore Jeffa.....Disney is just about the best reason for going to America.....I have flown there a few times...crossed the border with Canada many times....been taken in for questioning for having an Irish passport the day after Mountbatten was murdered....but I'd still go again.
Disney is wonderful....unless you're a bit of a grump....you will have a fantastic time......xx

[zebo]

We've never had any real problems with US immigration, it's slow certainly but not as slow as Marrakesh going in and leaving, and the TSA will open your bags, even cutting off TSA locks. The arrival document that you're given on the plane is a nuisance, what's the point of the ESTA? The people working on immigration can be abrupt and humourless, but can also be pleasant and chatty but as everyone's said don't try and make "funny" and "ironic" remarks, the Americans don't do irony!
Enjoy you trip, hope Disney lives up to your expectations

[237SJ]

zebo there isn`t an arrival document anymore (I think you are referring to the old green form). They did away with it a couple of years ago. There is just a customs form now.