Rude

[gerkin]

Which country has the rudest airport staff. Top of my list is definately the USA

[Rebecca611]

Yeah, definately the US. My dad, the most docile character, there was a dispute about his passport expiry date with one of the immigration officers when we arrived in the US. The officer threatened arrest because my dad talked back at him to voice an opinion! That was really uncalled for!!

Oh, and just have to add, for air stewardesses has to be Virgin Atlantic, a right bunch of witches they are!!

[mushroom25]

Stansted Airport can give any US airport a run for its money.

[almcd007]

US definately - especially at JFK. I experienced them either ignoring your question totally, not telling you what they are doing with your bag (when it's out of site) then if you did get through their thick skull - they shouted at you !!

Treat them as they treat you - that's all they deserve !

[vehelpfulguy]

I went to Saudi Arabia on business once.

They do not accept tourists and to go there on business you need an invite from the company you are going to see (and a visa).

They treat EVERYONE who arrives there as a potential criminal and are so surly.

I had some software CDs (as part of my job) and I got herded into a room and searched because (I assume) they were paranoid I was smuggling in porn.

My colleague, who asked what was going on, was also herded into a room and seached.

I almost turned round and went staright home.

I stayed a week but was so glad to get out the country.

[vehelpfulguy]

I think many people in unifrom in the USA are totally humourless, including immigration staff.

In one of the Bill Bryson books he says the following happened to him once.

An immigration officer asked "Any fruit"

Bill Bryson replied "I will have two apples, a banana and a melon"

The officer asked again, in a surly manner "I mean are you bringing IN any fruit"

Bill Bryson decided this guy was not to be mesed with, so replied meekly "no sir"

[JonnoGenie]

I've had it up ' to here' with US immigration. Each time I go (6-7 times last year) they interrogate me. They ask me questions then interupt me before I can reply. Last time I was asked how I could possibly spend so long in the US and still run a busineess in the UK. Well, I can, it might not fit in your box, but get over it). They asked whether I was going to propose to my girlfriend on this last trip, how long had I known her, ... why not... (these extrememly personal questions after a 15 hour day in a room in front of other people). The guy said "Tell me something I don't already know" (what ever that means). Twice he told me to 'Get out of here, I've had enough of you'. That was after suggesting I in fact work illegaly in the US, I 'must spend more time in the UK', and he'd 'mark my record, so everyone can see you need to get a visa'.

I've aways been very fond of America and it's ideals, and have lovely friends there. But despite the posters every meter or so in the airports re: immigration staff 'We are the Face of America'... I'd really think twice about going back if it were not for family reasons.

American beaurocrates really are A-holes.

[Memore]

Moscow without a doubt

[chitchat]

Definately the US. Myself and my two children transited through LA from Heathrow the day the terror alert happened in August. The guy at immigration was pig ignorant. I couldnt understand a word he said (he was oriental) and he made me feel like a piece of sh1t. We waited nearly 2 hours to get our bags scanned (I know that wasnt their fault) but then going back through security we were rushing to catch our flight the guy shouted at me not to touch my stuff as I tried to sort it for him. I wont be going back in a hurry that is for sure.