Good news for those of us who visit the U.S. or come home to New York area airports, which have had some of the worst customs delays for arriving passengers (a high of THREE HOURS last August 24!). Homeland Security has begun hiring 300 more Customs agents; 200 will be at JFK and 100 at Newark. DETAILS from the NY Post.
With several days to spend in Porto, Jonathan L explores several aspects of local culture
recommended by TravelGumbo
This iconic tree along The 17 Mile Drive is always a beautiful picture.
Of all the grand features of Paris’s Grands Magasins, Paul Heymont’s favorite is the stained glass dome at Printemps
DrFumblefinger shares images of a Lewis and Clark statue he spotted on the Boise State Capitol grounds.
For those who like to follow the presentation of impressive-looking plaques, or are just curious… here are some more
Of all the grand features of Paris’s Grands Magasins, Paul Heymont’s favorite is the stained glass dome at Printemps
Vienna’s largest and most famous cemetery is a mirror of social change and art
You’re both right of course. No one has the moral high ground on delays.
When you transit an airport with several terminals you do need to enter the country first.
But hub airports like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bahrain have all been so polite and helpful it makes you realise that there is a better way.
I use Philadelphia airport now to enter the US. It rates alongside Orlando as a pleasant experience.
Last year I went through passport control in Philly. When asked, I told the officer that I was visiting my son. He shouted the customs guys “It’s OK – family coming through !” and we were off in our rental in minutes. It cost me more to fly to PA, but its worth it !
The hold up in NY is that passengers – mostly just changing flights – have to enter the US. Then leave the US before getting an onward flight to other parts of the world.
In non-US countries you can enter the International Lounge to wait for your next flight with no customs or visas. Just onward boarding card and passport.
Quick and easy.
About time.
I routinely fly in and out of Calgary International and have never had to wait more than 15 mins for customs/immigration (both US and Canadian customs located at this airport).
That should be the standard they strive for everywhere.
it’s nice when the countries treat their transit people that way, GarryRF. Someone passing through.
But I’ve had long delays with transit situations in the UK, Japan and most recently in Chile. It’s unfortunately common.
In transit once at Narita, our entire onward-traveling load of passengers was left locked standing in a narrow windowless hallway, not knowing why we were there or how long it might be. Treating passengers badly is not a behavior owned by any particular nation’s immigration officers, as you say, DrF. It can happen even in countries supposedly known for their politeness.