Comments on: 6 US Travel Norms I Forgot About

By: ChinaMatt

ChinaMatt — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:22:06 +0000

I’ve had a few friendly customs officers at Newark and JFK. On my first visit to customs when I was in college, the officer waved me right through because I was wearing my Devils jersey at JFK (he said he got harassed for being a Devils fan in the city).
ChinaMatt recently posted..Travel Lessons from The Simpsons

By: travelyn

travelyn — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:13:56 +0000

Are Americans that bad. Aussies are really good at quequeing also, but don’t try and cut in, really frowned upon, a real no! no! I was terrified going through customs in Africa, a very unfriendly lot!. Everywhere else, don’t think going though customs in any country is very friendly, but I think that is just how its because of what it is? I agree with Sassy try getting on a train in India forget waiting in a line or personal space, pretty scary process. All part of traveling experience I guess.
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By: Sassy

Sassy — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:52:09 +0000

I don’t mind the US airports and I am now living as an expat and get to travel often. So far the Middle East has us beat in the unfriendly category. Forget about waiting in lines especially when travelling amongst people from India/Pakistan. It’s every person for him/herself, oh and forget about personal space…

By: Garrett

Garrett — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:17:01 +0000

Wow, Jeff, I have to admit this was pretty harsh my friend.

I think your commercial comments – service without a smile, skymall, a la carte pricing – is the same in Western Europe, if not worse. I’ve flown around South America while backpacking and the distinction is that only a small portion of the population can afford it, so it tends to reflect their service expectations.

Overall, flying requires a perception of safety, and after 9/11, I think sternness and a heavy hand are what was required to give people the bubble of safety to travel again.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:18:46 +0000

The French aren’t much for lines either–often have to take a deep breath and realize that the line is simply not viewed the same way in their culture. But I’m always happy to come home and be greeted with nice, neat lines!

By: Sherry Ott

Sherry Ott — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:44:27 +0000

Love your positive note ending…I have a healthy respect for lines after living in Asia.
Some great and accurate observations!

By: JFetzer

JFetzer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:44:13 +0000

I agree with the observation of the disgruntled customs agents in the US, but I never felt threatened by them like I did in J-burg South Africa. I swear they look at you like they are trying to figure out the best way to kill you. Add to that being the most corrupt baggage handling airport in the world and I’ll take a no-smile any day.

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By: DMills

DMills — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:48:32 +0000

SkyMall must-not-have indeed..!
Though when confronted with prime one-upsmanship conversation in LA, I tell the agitant we always grocery shop via Skymall…

By: Jason of Two Backpackers

Jason of Two Backpackers — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:58:07 +0000

Lines!!!! That is one thing that drives me nuts in Latin America. No respect for lines anywhere. Great list.