Welcome to USA

[TotallyOz]

I am a VERY regular person to get the extra screening at airports when returning from abroad and especially Thailand.

 

Today was no exception. I was sent for the extra screening and they searched everything I own (typical and they have never found anything inappropriate). But, today for the first time the guy asked me to turn my hand over and he felt my pulse and measured my heart rate while he was asking questions. I was stunned. I didn't know what to say or do.

 

I answered all his questions as truthfully as I could. He asked if I went to Thailand to visit ladies, did I have a girl living with me, etc etc.

 

It seems after 50 or more extra searches and me talking about the BF and even them asking for his photo in the past that they would have it written down. But, they were asking me about ladies. Flattered I looked straight and not flamboyant but also wondered if they knew something I didn't. I wonder if my future is to be with ladies? Am I not gay? I am dazed and confused and after a few nights of sleep I'll reflect back on the cute TSA guy holding my hand and my pulse.

[Bob]

I can't figure out why you're singled out. My only guess is your name is the same or very close to somebody on their watch list. All that I, my laptop, and cameras ever get are a "welcome home."

[KhorTose]

Sounds like you missed a great opportunity. I would have replied that, "No I do not like ladies, but I definitely go for TSA men in uniforms. How about giving me your phone number and the time you get off."

Even if he was not interested, I think he might decide to quit holding your hand. It is a shame that you can't feel his pulse when you ask that question. Oh well, welcome home anyway.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I don't think that would be a good idea since the TSA has authority over you at that point.

[KhorTose]

I don't think that would be a good idea since the TSA has authority over you at that point.

 

I have had the complete search once, and one of the first things I mentioned when they asked me about girls, was that I was gay. After that I had no real problem with the custom's officer who seemed to appreciate my frankness. All they did was check the pictures on my camera--probably to make sure I had no porn or little boy pictures. Never been stopped since and I have gone back and forth about three more times since then.

[firecat69]

I am a VERY regular person to get the extra screening at airports when returning from abroad and especially Thailand.

 

Today was no exception. I was sent for the extra screening and they searched everything I own (typical and they have never found anything inappropriate). But, today for the first time the guy asked me to turn my hand over and he felt my pulse and measured my heart rate while he was asking questions. I was stunned. I didn't know what to say or do.

 

I answered all his questions as truthfully as I could. He asked if I went to Thailand to visit ladies, did I have a girl living with me, etc etc.

 

It seems after 50 or more extra searches and me talking about the BF and even them asking for his photo in the past that they would have it written down. But, they were asking me about ladies. Flattered I looked straight and not flamboyant but also wondered if they knew something I didn't. I wonder if my future is to be with ladies? Am I not gay? I am dazed and confused and after a few nights of sleep I'll reflect back on the cute TSA guy holding my hand and my pulse.

 

First we need to get our terms right. TSA has nothing to do with the person that questioned you. TSA is responsible for screening you getting on an airplane. They are for the most part low to medium pay and poorly educated and do everything by rote. They cannot arrest you or even detain you except for getting on your airplane. Anything else they are required to call a member of law enforcement which is why you always see a policeman stationed at the screening area.

 

You were searched by people from Customs and Immigration. They are for the most part highly paid and better educated then any one at TSA. That doesn't mean they can't be jerks because they definitely can be. In some ways I respect what they do because they are definitely on the front line for catching drug dealers and yes even terrorists. They can be very good at their job or they can be ridiculously invasive , if they have decided they don't like you.

 

As you well know say the wrong thing and they can waste hours of your time. I have practically eliminated any aggravation from they by not traveling with cameras or computers. I leave one of each at my apartment in Bangkok and in the USA. I know that is not practical for GayThailand. What ever happened to that company you were using to ship things for you. I thought that was a great idea for you even if just to avoid aggravation.

 

Anyways glad you are safely back in the USA. Hope you are able to get out of LA (secret) just as easily

[kokopelli]

GT, your experience is one of the reasons I object to a national ID card for US citizens. It is just another invasion of privacy. Yes, I know, not same same but still Big Brother putting his nose in other peoples business when not necessary. Most likely because you are a frequent flyer to other gay venue places like Rio, that you were singled out. Sometimes I get questioned and other times not. Why not try to avoid this hassle by applying for a frequent flyer type of program offered by US Immigration. I forget the name of the program but you get pre-approved and just go to a kiosk, present your Passport and you are cleared. That may get you through Immigration but not sure if it also clears you through Customs. Anyone else have experience with this?

[Guest fountainhall]

Why not try to avoid this hassle by applying for a frequent flyer type of program offered by US Immigration. I forget the name of the program but you get pre-approved and just go to a kiosk, present your Passport and you are cleared. That may get you through Immigration but not sure if it also clears you through Customs. Anyone else have experience with this?

I am not a US citizen, but these types of fast track immigration schemes never give you the right to avoid going through customs procedures.

 

I am regularly searched going into the US. It is always because I have a Thai visa and a lot of Thai entry/exit stamps, even though I always give my registered address in Hong Kong when buying the ticket and doing the on-line visa procedure. But strangely they have never even looked into my laptop.

[ChristianPFC]

TSA = Transportation Security Administration

(never been to USA and never heard of it before, had to look it up)