Florida

[Budlet]

Has anyone travelled to Florida recently? I am thinking about taking the family next year but would like to know about any problems with security at the airport. I have heard that it takes a long time because of fingerprinting etc. and the staff are quite abrupt.

[mushroom25]

not been to Florida for some years - but even before the more recent security requirements in the US, it could sometimes take ages to get through immigration - having said that, I've never been held up for more than 45-60mn, and as recently as last year (and even with finger scanning) I got through at Seattle in 15mn. My impression of US Immigration is "Businesslike", I've not encountered rudeness.

[jno]

same as mushroom; rudeness is usually a matter of individual staff rather than whole airports, so it just depends which line you get into. I gather the US immigration service is trying hard to civilise its operatives as they've been getting complaints, not least from Britons. At present I believe they're just taking forefinger prints and scanning eyes, both electronically; it takes only 20 seconds or so.

[chazza]

Not florida but NY and yes we did get fingerprinted but it didnt take any longer than usual to get through security.

Also I wouldnt let abrupt staff put you off going on holidays - the airport is only a tiny part of the holiday

[spudqueen]

Yes, it may take you 30 - 50 minutes to get through security, but it's not much out of a fortnights holiday is it? Just remember though that these guys do NOT have a sense of humour!

[scoobydooby]

Don't agree. Went to Florida earlier this year (International Airport) and, being some of the last to get through Immigration, were able to have a laugh and a joke with the immigration officials. They're just normal people who have a busy job to do and often don't have the time to be anything other than business like. Just give yourself plenty of time to get through and you'll be fine.

[dannydingbat]

Orlando can be a bit strange. After going through immigration, you get your luggage and they sometimes take it off you again. They do this because you will be mingling with people who are waiting to fly out and they have already been searched. They don't want you giving them anything you might have which has been missed by "inferior" foriegn searches. You then have to go across the airport to pick it up again before continuing your journey. Just be careful that they tell you the right collection point! Cost me two hours once trying to track it down.

[Dassie]

Went last year ( entered via Miami ) and had about a 30-40min wait including fingerprints. Staff were not abrupt ,but as mushroom says "businesslike" and did smile.

[Vixi]

Orlando Int. tends to be fine. If you fly into Sanford be prepared for pretty lax security - it only takes minutes but is very unprofessional and makes you think about who they are letting through - although Sanford is all charter flights so it may be less of an issue. Last time I went to the states i flew into New York (JFK) - immigration took ages and involved some of the rudest people I have ever met - I appriciate that they have a job to do but it is still possibke to be businesslike and polite. I agree with spudqueen though - the airport is not really a big part of your holiday

[Budlet]

Thanks for all your replies. I think I will take a chance and try it next year.

[Budlet]

Thanks very much for your replies. You've all been so helpful.