Airlines Playing 20 Questions

[GRG55]

...That, and my passport was chock full of entry/exit stamps from Malaysia and Indonesia.

I know what you mean.

Every time I was back here and crossed the border, during eight years living in the Middle East, my passport stamps and visas would give the CBP heart palpitations. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Nigeria and Kazakhstan were just a few of them. A defibrillator might have been handy for a few of the more high strung types

 

[Katamarino]

Yeah, I'd really want to go there...

I've been to about half the countries in Africa, and the USA is more of a pain in the arse to visit than any of them. None of their governments think they run the whole world though, unlike yours

 

[Salty]

I've been to about half the countries in Africa, and the USA is more of a pain in the arse to visit than any of them. None of their governments think they run the whole world though, unlike yours

Most of their countries can't run a gas station let alone a country, but I know your point was just to slam the US.

 

[Katamarino]

Most of their countries can't run a gas station let alone a country, but I know your point was just to slam the US.

Funny how you know what I'm thinking. Half the time even I'm not sure.

I love the US, it's one of my favourite countries in the world. I lived there for 5 years and even now spend a few months a year there. I keep my airplane there and it's clear from our signatures that I've flown across a damn sight more of it than you have.

I love the people, and I love the landscape. However, the government's attitude is that they control the whole world and that other countries should do what they're told; see the banking regulations and ABC regulations as examples. As a citizen you probably don't see much of it, but try being a foreigner and seeing it from both inside and outside.

Other governments aren't any better, they just suck in different ways (like Europe's disaster of an aviation system; the US wins hands down there)

 

[wsuffa]

At what domestic airport did you get questioned by TSA? I thought I'd had every screening they had to offer because I opt out of everything, and I get randomly selected for "additional" screening 8/10 tines I fly. I've even set off the bomb detectors and been caught with more than 3 ounces of liquid. The only questions I've ever been asked are, "Is this your bag?" "Did you pack it yourself?" and "Is there anything sharp in here?"

Curious what I'm missing out on.

Several of them. IAD, AUS, BWI, EWR, DAY to name a few. At DAY we had a bit of a problem with them with some of my camera gear that they tried to manhandle (expensive lenses in particular). Some have been fine, others have been a real problem. Precheck helps a lot these days.

 

[Salty]

Funny how you know what I'm thinking. Half the time even I'm not sure.

I love the US, it's one of my favourite countries in the world. I lived there for 5 years and even now spend a few months a year there. I keep my airplane there and it's clear from our signatures that I've flown across a damn sight more of it than you have.

I love the people, and I love the landscape. However, the government's attitude is that they control the whole world and that other countries should do what they're told; see the banking regulations and ABC regulations as examples. As a citizen you probably don't see much of it, but try being a foreigner and seeing it from both inside and outside.

Other governments aren't any better, they just suck in different ways (like Europe's disaster of an aviation system; the US wins hands down there)

You're so awesome. I only mark states I've landed in as PIC and I've only had my license for a little over a year. I've visited more states than you based on your silly image, and I'd bet I've lived for more than a year in more states and maybe even countries than you have, but, I won't stop you from ranting, have at it.You are the king of world travel and politics.

 

[Anymouse]

I've been to about half the countries in Africa, and the USA is more of a pain in the arse to visit than any of them. None of their governments think they run the whole world though, unlike yours

The US is the ONLY country I've been to that doesn't require you to stand in line at passport control to get out of the country.

Also, a certain country mentioned in your location is the only place I've been shaken down for bribes while coming into the country. The northern portion isn't nearly so bad though.

 

[Timbeck2]

When I went to Scotland a couple years ago we had to stand in two different lines according to citizens and non-citizens. So I stood in line with all the Asian people and was about 4th in a line of at least 40 non-citizens. As I got to the passport stamping area, the agent looked it over, stamped it and gave it back, then I went to a guy in a suit who started asking me a bunch of questions. I explained that I was retired US military and was visiting a friend who was on a pilot exchange in the RAF flying Tornadoes. Then he asked me a lot of questions I don't remember but I started getting annoyed while all the other 44 or so people walked right on through while he felt the need to question me. I could see the baggage carousel right behind him and when he finally finished and let me go, the baggage carousel had stopped and someone had took my bag off of it because it was the only one left. Maybe I got a trainee or the guy just wanted to talk to someone who spoke English, I'll never know.

 

[RyanB]

Several of them. IAD, AUS, BWI, EWR, DAY to name a few. At DAY we had a bit of a problem with them with some of my camera gear that they tried to manhandle (expensive lenses in particular). Some have been fine, others have been a real problem. Precheck helps a lot these days.

I was just at EWR two weeks ago and they didn’t question me an ounce.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

The US is the ONLY country I've been to that doesn't require you to stand in line at passport control to get out of the country.

Also, a certain country mentioned in your location is the only place I've been shaken down for bribes while coming into the country. The northern portion isn't nearly so bad though.

I've been to about half the countries in Africa, and the USA is more of a pain in the arse to visit than any of them. None of their governments think they run the whole world though, unlike yours

Most of their countries can't run a gas station let alone a country, but I know your point was just to slam the US.

You're so awesome. I only mark states I've landed in as PIC and I've only had my license for a little over a year. I've visited more states than you based on your silly image, and I'd bet I've lived for more than a year in more states and maybe even countries than you have, but, I won't stop you from ranting, have at it.You are the king of world travel and politics.

The USA _is_ more of a pain for people outside of the USA to visit than other countries. With few exceptions, I merely walk into the country or get a visa at little cost. The exceptions seem to be mirroring our visa requirements. For people in those countries to come here, they need to show show that they have a job in their home countries, have savings (bank account and other forms of savings), and so forth.

As for passport control, I don't recall doing so in Canada, China (either one), or India; they seem to handle passports at the check-in counter as we do in the USA. Europe was a minor pain this last trip, even traveling within the EU. US passport holders had to go through passport control everywhere.

@Salty -unfortunately, what @Katamarino said is what I've heard in other places. I don't feel he is "slamming" the USA, but merely expressing an opinion shared by people in many parts of the world, most of which do know how to run a country. I won't speculate the reason for that sentiment as such a discussion will derail the thread.

As for the TSA, they always check my suitcase (I've a nice collection of their "I've looked in your suitcase" notes), but they haven't been any better or worse this year; last trip less than a week ago, but I suppose YMMV with these people.

 

[Katamarino]

You're so awesome. I only mark states I've landed in as PIC and I've only had my license for a little over a year. I've visited more states than you based on your silly image, and I'd bet I've lived for more than a year in more states and maybe even countries than you have, but, I won't stop you from ranting, have at it.You are the king of world travel and politics.

A clever and well reasoned response, well played.

 

[Zeldman]

I've been "questioned" at several domestic airports. It's not really an interrogation, but more conversational. Ever notice a TSA guy talking to people while they're in line? Being friendly like? They're doing their job.

When that happens I am usually pretty tight lipped.....

Where ya goin' today? Work.

Where ya work? Way north of here.

And so on.... Not trying to be unfriendly, at this point I just want to be left alone.

Last time I drove back through Canada from Alaska, the Canadian guy asked my why I drive instead of flying. I told him I was tired of the questions I get asked by TSA all the time. He asked me his required questions, then I volunteered that I love visiting Yukon and BC. I am thinking of becoming on of those damn Americans and moving here. That usually gets a chuckle, except for one woman, she just glared at me.

 

[Katamarino]

Cap'n Jack has it exactly. I've visited well over 60 countries (which is still far fewer than many here) and none are as difficult to deal with as the US in getting across the border. However, I and millions of others put up with it because once you get in, the people and the amazing places make it entirely worth the hassle.

I'm from the UK originally and our government is certainly giving yours a run for its money in terms of craziness recently.

 

[Katamarino]

The US is the ONLY country I've been to that doesn't require you to stand in line at passport control to get out of the country.

The UK, too. Can't remember about Canada...

 

[Timbeck2]

For what it's worth Katamarino, many Americans feel the same way as you in that "America thinks it rules the world". I don't think we "rule" the world but I do feel like we are forced into the role of world police.

 

[jordane93]

For what it's worth Katamarino, many Americans feel the same way as you in that "America thinks it rules the world". I don't think we "rule" the world but I do feel like we are forced into the role of world police.

We’re also the “leaders” when it’s convenient for other countries to piggyback on us.

 

[Timbeck2]

Agreed Jordane

 

[Anymouse]

The UK, too. Can't remember about Canada...

UK and Canada were entered and exited as flight crew during a ferry flight, so I didn't get the normal routine. Although I did drive through Canada once while moving my car to Alaska.

The UK, the customs guy met us at the airplane. Looked at the passports and all was good. Canada is typically just a phone call. Got met once on my westbound trip, but I think he was just bored and hadn't seen our type of airplane before.

Most of the other places I've been to, save the European destinations, have been, shall we say, less than desirable destinations.

I will admit that going by train through Europe seems to be the easiest way to get through passport control. The guy comes on the train, looks over your passport and goes to the next compartment. Having a sleeper is even easier. You hand your passport over to the steward and he give it back the next morning when you get to your destination.

Been a few decades since I did that though.

 

[Anymouse]

When that happens I am usually pretty tight lipped.....

Where ya goin' today? Work.

Where ya work? Way north of here.

And so on.... Not trying to be unfriendly, at this point I just want to be left alone.

I tend to give fairly generic answers myself. Like you, it's not to be unfriendly, but more in that I don't want to advertise my business to the unwashed masses. You never really know just who you're standing next to.

 

[paflyer]

When I went to Scotland a couple years ago we had to stand in two different lines according to citizens and non-citizens. So I stood in line with all the Asian people and was about 4th in a line of at least 40 non-citizens. As I got to the passport stamping area, the agent looked it over, stamped it and gave it back, then I went to a guy in a suit who started asking me a bunch of questions. I explained that I was retired US military and was visiting a friend who was on a pilot exchange in the RAF flying Tornadoes. Then he asked me a lot of questions I don't remember but I started getting annoyed while all the other 44 or so people walked right on through while he felt the need to question me. I could see the baggage carousel right behind him and when he finally finished and let me go, the baggage carousel had stopped and someone had took my bag off of it because it was the only one left. Maybe I got a trainee or the guy just wanted to talk to someone who spoke English, I'll never know.

"No hablo Ingels"

 

[Katamarino]

Timbeck2, Jordane, I think you're both right. The US is often damned if it does, and damned if it doesn't when it comes to direct foreign intervention. If the US gets involved, some people complain; if the US doesn't get involved, other people moan about you not doing anything. It's not at all fair.

 

[Timbeck2]

"No hablo Ingels"

Hindsight, 20/20...you know the routine.

 

[Katamarino]

I will admit that going by train through Europe seems to be the easiest way to get through passport control. The guy comes on the train, looks over your passport and goes to the next compartment. Having a sleeper is even easier. You hand your passport over to the steward and he give it back the next morning when you get to your destination.

Been a few decades since I did that though.

Hehe, a few decades indeed; no passport controls at all within the Schengen zone now, encompassing most of the EU. It's incredibly convenient. You still have to file a flight plan to cross international borders internally; although last time I forgot and nobody seemed to care.

 

[mscard88]

You hand your passport over to the steward and he give it back the next morning when you get to your destination.

Been a few decades since I did that though.

Hmm I wouldn't want to give up my passport overnight like that. IMO anyway.

 

[paflyer]

I tend to give fairly generic answers myself. Like you, it's not to be unfriendly, but more in that I don't want to advertise my business to the unwashed masses. You never really know just who you're standing next to.

"I'm on a mission from God."

 

[paflyer]

Hmm I wouldn't want to give up my passport overnight like that. IMO anyway.

Yeah, holy cow!

 

[MauleSkinner]

Back when they used to do "random" screening at the gate, I finally started pre-boarding so I didn't delay the flight, as I was "randomly" selected every time.

 

[Zeldman]

The UK, too. Can't remember about Canada...

I have driven through western Canada a few times. It was pretty much the same as driving back into the US. Except for one time entering Canada. The car I was driving did not have a front license plate. It is not required in New Mexico. The agent yelled at me, said I needed a plate on the car. I quietly said, "Look on the back". That satisfied him.

Otherwise every time I have driven into Canada, the agent asked a few specific questions, and a couple about firearms, and then I was good to go. They did not even stamp my passport.

 

[Anymouse]

Hmm I wouldn't want to give up my passport overnight like that. IMO anyway.

Yeah, holy cow!

Not a big deal. It was a service provided by the train folks. When you cross the boarder, the passports are presented to customs if asked and stamped. Otherwise, you'll be roused out of bed and have to present yourself to the customs people.

As aircrew, I've been forced to leave my passport with customs overnight (India and Niger). That I didn't particularly like though. BTW... India was probably about the worst customs I've gone through as far as putting you through the ringer.

 

[paflyer]

I've visited well over 60 countries (which is still far fewer than many here) and none are as difficult to deal with as the US in getting across the border. However, I and millions of others put up with it because once you get in, the people and the amazing places make it entirely worth the hassle.

Absolutely!

 

[paflyer]

I have driven through western Canada a few times. It was pretty much the same as driving back into the US. Except for one time entering Canada. The car I was driving did not have a front license plate. It is not required in New Mexico. The agent yelled at me, said I needed a plate on the car. I quietly said, "Look on the back". That satisfied him.

Otherwise every time I have driven into Canada, the agent asked a few specific questions, and a couple about firearms, and then I was good to go. They did not even stamp my passport.

Surprised the guy didn't think you drove from Mexico.

 

[paflyer]

India was probably about the worst customs I've gone through as far as putting you through the ringer.

They're worried you're going to get a job in IT and undercut their wages.

 

[murphey]

Cops are allowed to lie to you.

But TSA screeners are not LEOs. Of course they can call the locals over to the line to chat with you.

In addition to possible SEC violations, there's also the issue of people with DOD and other Dept. security clearances traveling and not allowed to discuss or even identify what locations/companies were visited.

 

[murphey]

I tend to give fairly generic answers myself. Like you, it's not to be unfriendly, but more in that I don't want to advertise my business to the unwashed masses. You never really know just who you're standing next to.

Back in the days when I traveled almost daily (sometimes with others, most of the time on my own), my luggage tags were always my university business cards, not my company business cards (Exxon, Boeing, NASA, etc). As soon as someone finds out I'm a teacher, I'm invisible, even seatmates don't want to talk. The other engineers (and managers) often got stopped, not me.

 

[paflyer]

But TSA screeners are not LEOs. Of course they can call the locals over to the line to chat with you.

In addition to possible SEC violations, there's also the issue of people with DOD and other Dept. security clearances traveling and not allowed to discuss or even identify what locations/companies were visited.

"Cops" in the royal sense.

 

[Anymouse]

Back in the days when I traveled almost daily (sometimes with others, most of the time on my own), my luggage tags were always my university business cards, not my company business cards (Exxon, Boeing, NASA, etc). As soon as someone finds out I'm a teacher, I'm invisible, even seatmates don't want to talk. The other engineers (and managers) often got stopped, not me.

Luggage tags is one thing I don't do (except for that flimsy thing you get at the ticket counter). Those are great for marking yourself.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Not a big deal. It was a service provided by the train folks. When you cross the boarder, the passports are presented to customs if asked and stamped. Otherwise, you'll be roused out of bed and have to present yourself to the customs people.

As aircrew, I've been forced to leave my passport with customs overnight (India and Niger). That I didn't particularly like though. BTW... India was probably about the worst customs I've gone through as far as putting you through the ringer.

Interesting...I don't know how many times I've been to India anymore. They've gotten a lot better since the last century but they've never given me any problems since then with customs. Except a long line for immigration last trip, it was easy for me to get in. As I arrived just prior to Republic Day, I expected more security in Delhi and that was probably part of the long lines. They do have a real terr'ist problem compared to us here with Pakistan next door stirring the pot. They never kept my passport, but I'm not air crew or anything like that either.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Luggage tags is one thing I don't do (except for that flimsy thing you get at the ticket counter). Those are great for marking yourself.

Agree with that! At the home airport, a luggage tag just tells TSA and luggage handlers whose house is empty.

 

[Skip Miller]

I was just at EWR two weeks ago and they didn’t question me an ounce.

Yes, the limit is three ounces. -Skip

 

[Anymouse]

Interesting...I don't know how many times I've been to India anymore. They've gotten a lot better since the last century but they've never given me any problems since then with customs. Except a long line for immigration last trip, it was easy for me to get in. As I arrived just prior to Republic Day, I expected more security in Delhi and that was probably part of the long lines. They do have a real terr'ist problem compared to us here with Pakistan next door stirring the pot. They never kept my passport, but I'm not air crew or anything like that either.

In my case, we were ferrying a plane from Australia to Afghanistan. They took us each into a room and interrogated us. The questioning went something like this...

You're in the military.
No
The plane is a military plane.
No
But you're in the military.
No
The plane is military and you're in the military.
No

And so on for about an hour.

I don't care to go back to India.