Phoenix Airport, Arizona - recent experiences?

wadewade

Has anyone been through Phoenix International Skyport recently? I shall be going (and coming back) soon and should be interested in people's experiences, especially regarding immigration waiting times. Thanks.

BusinessStudent

Hello,

As far as I am aware there are no direct flights to Phoenix from the UK so I doubt many people will have been to this airport.

This might help though http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/Airport_forum/phx.htm

neilbond007

BusinessStudent wrote: »

Hello,

As far as I am aware there are no direct flights to Phoenix from the UK so I doubt many people will have been to this airport.

This might help though http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/Airport_forum/phx.htm

BA fly direct.

wadewade

That's correct, that's the one we are using. Because so few international flights arrive at Phoenix I reckon the immigration will either be very good (lack of passenger numbers) or terrible (if they have very few staff!). That was really why I am asking this question on the Forum.

sturll

It is just like most other US ports of entry for the international tourist. Takes about 20 mins. Expedite your entry by not having any fruit/veg/meat with you and having filled out your forms correctly.
Expect the customs official to be a bell end and arrogant. Just smile and say yes and before you know it you'll be heading through the desert to Yuma.

neilbond007

sturll wrote: »

Expect the customs official to be a bell end and arrogant. Just smile and say yes and before you know it you'll be heading through the desert to Yuma.

I've actually found them quite cheerful recently

sturll

neilbond007 wrote: »

I've actually found them quite cheerful recently

I have to admit actually they do seem to have improved. I can remember 2 years back when i took my kids to Orlando (single dad) and the customs official asked if their mother knew i had brought them. I answered "Yes but they live with me anyway" He took his glasses off, placed them on the counter and said "If i ask you a straight forward question i expect a straight forward answer - do you understand me" So i said "Yes of course - I apologise" and he said "Are you trying to get smart with me" anyway this went on for a few minutes and never in my life have i felt so belittled and unable to react.

neilbond007

sturll wrote: »

I have to admit actually they do seem to have improved. I can remember 2 years back when i took my kids to Orlando (single dad) and the customs official asked if their mother knew i had brought them. I answered "Yes but they live with me anyway" He took his glasses off, placed them on the counter and said "If i ask you a straight forward question i expect a straight forward answer - do you understand me" So i said "Yes of course - I apologise" and he said "Are you trying to get smart with me" anyway this went on for a few minutes and never in my life have i felt so belittled and unable to react.

you were lucky you never heard that familiar* twang of the rubber glove going on

*familiar to me anyway, but that's a whole different story

sturll

neilbond007 wrote: »

you were lucky you never heard that familiar* twang of the rubber glove going on

*familiar to me anyway, but that's a whole different story

:rotfl:

Now that is how to make an entrance to the USA!