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Heathrow annoying, Americans rude according to some social network
The members of social network Where Are you Now? have spoken! Heathrow is the worst airport in the world, according to voters, thanks to passport control lines and baggage problems. The Brits don't get all the glory, though. JFK in New York and Los Angeles picked up spots #2 and #3, respectively. The good news, for Heathrow and JFK, at least, is that both were at the top of the list for security. Bangkok, Amsterdam and Rome were at the bottom. WAYN co-founder and joint chief executive Jerome Touze calls the survey results "pretty damning in terms of Heathrow's reputation for passenger service." Apparently, he doesn't realize nobody gives a shit about WAYN's opinion.
But, Heathrow is worth the wait, with the friendliest passport control officers outside Australia. They're even nicer than the Canadians! U.S. customs officers were voted rudest, followed by those in India and Russia.
Again thinking that people give a damn about his opinion, Touze believes that "U.S. customs and immigration need address their attitude towards visitors, simplify the form filling, generally be a lot more welcoming and better reflect the personality of the American people."
Thanks, Jerome. Because of your publicist prompted quote, we'll get right on that.
WAYN's survey included detail from 2,250 air travelers, who answered questions about customs, baggage handling and passport matters.
[Via Sydney Morning Herald]
Why are these the world's best airports?
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Filed under: Business, Airports, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
HPS Feb 23rd 2009 1:13PM
yes, I agree with this. I have never been treated so badly as I have in Heathrow. they might as well say: Colored people on one side, everyone else on the other.
they pulled me over and drilled into every carving I brought from Tanzania, rendering them useless. they had already x-rayed everything. they also didn't tell me they were going to drill the size of a dime through all my carvings. they also made us miss our connecting flight.
they did the same thing with every Indian and African that was in that line, and this was in 1995, BEFORE 9-11!
Amy Feb 23rd 2009 1:41PM
Yes - everytime I've returned to the US, the welcoming party I get at immigration (and I'm a born citizen w/ American born parents) has been nothing short of cold and abrupt. I'm surprised we have so many illegals here in spite of that. Maybe they save it for the citizens.
P Chandler Feb 23rd 2009 1:41PM
I flew in and out of Heathrow Terminal 5 in December. I was frankly dreading it, given the negative publicity, but I was very pleasantly surprised. British Airways staff were very helpful and friendly and I shot through Immigration and Customs. The only thing you have to watch for is the distance you have to walk from departure lounge to boarding gate. Unfortunately I had to come home to LAX which was complete chaos.
Another nice surprise in September was Newark, New Jersey. Vast labyrinth of an airport but very friendly staff who got me to my connecting flight with seconds to spare..
Pat Feb 23rd 2009 1:41PM
Personally I feel that our Customs Agents at U.S. airports are SUPER! I've been through all major U.S. airports and have never run into a rude agent. If you want rude agents try Beijing. After 9/11 I don't care whether our agents are rude to some foreigner trying to enter this country ...leave your attitudes at home. The world changed on that awful day. If you need someone to blame ...try Mohammend Atta and his cutthroats!
Z Feb 23rd 2009 1:48PM
Hope you never end up at Will Rogers in OKC - Everything there is illegal, porn, video games,... & for the love of God Never Ever leave that Aairport! - Get connect flight.
Kevin Feb 23rd 2009 1:49PM
THE BRITISH ARE EVEN WORSE THAT THE U.S. WHEN IT COMES TO LETTING ANYONE AND EVERYONE MOVE INTO THEIR COUNTRY. NOW THEY'RE PAYING THE PRICE FOR IT.
Stuart Feb 23rd 2009 2:23PM
Airports have become like tetanus shots - a pain in the rear but sometimes unavoidable.
Joe Feb 23rd 2009 2:35PM
...so much for WAYN...I could never figure out what it was about.....US Customs Officers are no longer JUST Customs as in old, but they are charged with Immigrations and Security now...under the TSA umbrella......while tey are looking for the illegal ivory tuck and to much undeclared booze, they are also looking for illegal immegtants trying to neak in, bad guys who want to damage us and so on...the 19 hijackers from 911 came in that way....NO MORE
So, if they are rude, get over it. Its the new order of business, thanks to 5those who want to kill us...
Mike Feb 23rd 2009 4:27PM
I've traveled in/out of the US several times and I agree, the US Customs people are the most rude I've dealt with. They come across as if it is indeed a priviledge to be allowed back into my Mother Country. I've been questioned more on every return to the US than I have after traveling in and out of more than 10 other countries. Basically, it was like "why are you returning to the US? and "what were you doing while you were out of the US?". I'm a middle aged WASP and a professional businessman. I'm not a "suspect" or a "perp" or a "terrorist", I'm just someone making a living, paying my taxes so they can have a decent living working for my government!
Bonnielynn Feb 28th 2009 7:23AM
Well, I have traveled to London several times, and each time my experience has been different. The first time going through Heathrow my luggage was searched and the attendent was upset because I insisted they put on gloves before they touched my clothing, but I did not mind as I had nothing to hide and they were just doing their job. The British gate personel were horrible to Americans but again I did not care as I did not have to look at them again and felt pity for their family as it must be horrid to live with such misery. Returning home to the US has always been good as the customs personel have been outgoing and friendly. I guess I just take everything at face value and to be honest to not really care, as a hateful person is not part of my life or vacation. Best wishes all, and happy travels.