Getting waved through customs

[turtlemichael]

On Tuesday I flew into SYD from AKL and, after clearing Immigration and eventually getting to the head of the quarantine inspection/customs queue, I got asked if I had any fruit and then got waved through and straight out the door. This is the 4th time in a row that this has happened. The other three trips were returns from the US (including French Polynesia and Costa Rica), from Thailand and New Zealand again.

Is this a record? Am I candidate to be recruited as a drug runner? Or am I heady for the full inspection next time?

I recall a number of years ago coming through CNS and getting the full going over. I had mortal fears (or was it gleeful anticipation?) of a cavity search. That situation was maybe brought about because i had in my hand luggage, which the preliminary inspection found, a number of pamphlets on the practice of drug taking and such delights as how to safely shoot up, as I was then doing volunteer work on a safe needle and syringe exchange program for drug users.

I guess no one should travel with me next time.

[samh004]

I entered NZ once and had everything searched, even messed with the Customs officer playing coy and asking if he wanted my other passport and ID card alas, nothing was found and the real smuggler got through that night.

But have been waved through at Brisbane before, quite useful when that happens.

As an aside, I don’t think I’d be happy with a cavity search!

[yohy?!]

I've been waved through 5 times out of my last 6 returns to SYD. The last time I was approached at the carousel and had my customs form stamped so when I got to the queue they just pointed me to the door.

[tuapekastar]

On Tuesday I flew into SYD from AKL and, after clearing Immigration and eventually getting to the head of the quarantine inspection/customs queue, I got asked if I had any fruit and then got waved through and straight out the door.

I also flew AKL-SYD on Tuesday (QF56 - were you on that one?) and simply got asked 'anything to declare'? After my 'no' response, I was waved though without any x-ray...must say I had been under the impression x-raying luggage was more-or-less mandatory these days, but obviously not.

[turtlemichael]

I was on LA801.

I guess all us AFFers must look honest.

[markis10]

Whatever you do dont take coffee and then try to bring it back - especially after a weekend in NAN.

[straitman]

Whatever you do dont take coffee and then try to bring it back - especially after a weekend in NAN.

Why

I often take sachels of coffee and always declare them and still get waved through on most occasions.

[samh004]

My dad got stopped once for taking an Apple from the CNS lounge onto the plane and off with him in BNE (on INT CX flight). Customs didn’t even believe the “Australian grown” sticker meant it was from Australia.

[markis10]

Why

I often take sachels of coffee and always declare them and still get waved through on most occasions.

I believe its a masking agent for drugs, at least that was the reason they gave me for the very thorough going over I got in BNE, wanted to know where I had stayed (the mocambo - agent reckons it did not exist until I pointed out its popular with aircrew from Atlas and Fedex, its now the Novotel), why I spent the weekend there etc etc.

I am looking forward to my status run in a few months where I have 3 hours at NAN, that should be interesting to explain

[JetLagged]

We've been waived through Customs in Sydney on a number of occasions now - whether from Europe or Asia. I must say - the wave has been even quicker when travelling with an over-80 yo mother in a wheelchair!

As to the comment about mandatory X-raying of baggage at Customs stage - wonder if the UK has ever heard of this - every time I fly into OHR there are no Customs officers in sight, or else two of them standing around chatting. Of course, the amount of time that it takes for ones baggage to come through more than makes up for any delay at Customs!