Flood of new agents to speed up Customs at JFK and Newark

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.

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.

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.

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 !