I got backroomed by TSA in LAX

[Paul S.]

Hi Adam, If you go via DFW and that is your first arrival port in the US that is where you will clear customs, like wise if you go via LAX, LAX is where you must collect your bags and clear customs and immigration. You bag may still be checkd thru to washington but you collect it and then drop it back at usually the transfer desk.

[Philip Argy]

This blog is timely:
http://www.elliott.org/blog/5-things...nt-you-to-see/

[Kelvin R]

Hi Adam, i used to have similar issues to this but on every trip and after 5 trips a year for 2 years it became a bit tiring. I made one simple change, I started booking my flights and paying by credit card in my name. It turns out our travel agent was paying by account so all my tickets were last minute purchases paid for by cash. As a result I have been special screened once since 2004 instead of special screened every single flight. You may also want to consider getting an APEC Travel Card if you don't have one already. This enables you to use the APEC/ Diplomat/ Crew line on arrival into the US and the crew line for departure and arrival in Australia. I use the APEC card as my Govt issued ID for US domestic travel which also seems to result in a faster security processing service.

[Adam J]

Hi Kelvin

Thanks for the info. I let the office know what had occurred because I thought I might have further dramas and we spoke to Austrade who directed us to the APEC Card which we were unaware of but have subsequently applied for.

Interesting point about the travel agents.

[Andrew P]

very hard now to get APEC cards unless your business/employer does/has multi million investments overseas, and you are the primary person responsible for such investments

gone are the days every tom, dick and harry could get one

[Montague S]

Originally Posted by Adam J

I am off to Washington DC (my first time) in July. Travel are suggesting Qantas via DFW. Does anybody know do I clear customs in DFW or arrival in Washington. I am a touch paranoid now and am going to replace my luggage with new gear.

I had a nasty experience at IAD a few years ago which involved 2 hrs of questions and some assertions about my passport, gender, and other nonsense because I had middle eastern stamps.

Was quite annoying but remained calm and honest...I wasn't searched but the interrogation was repetitive and seemed quite leading.

Anyway, your not alone but I imagine you might have a similar experience in DC too.

[Alan Dent]

I was sent this You-tube clip.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...ail&FORM=VIRE1

[Justin L]

I remembered this skit from Saturday Night Live about a year or so ago also.

[Steve S... 2]

I will not travel to that intimidating, provokative and neurotic country - except for Hawaii ).