Roberto--I get picked for the personal shakedown almost every time I fly. My daughter thinks it is hilarious. I tell her they do it because they think I am the reincarnation of Jesus. They always inspect the bottom of my feet to see if I have something taped there but I think they are looking for nail holes.
Even the USF&WS inspectors give me a going over looking for endangered something or other.
Maybe they just had an issue with your souvenirs.
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xinloi- sorry you are stopped (LOL)
but, seriously, I think it sometimes is the roll of the dice, but I also think people who look very "wild" to the inspectors are sometimes profiled and have rules enforced on them others are not asked about. I can understand someone saying "I am what I am", and not changing a style of dress or haircut.
I am almost off on another trip to Haiti so please forgive me if I don't see messages right away. Interestingly, Haitian inspectors have never asked me anything and the last time I flew into Port Au Prince, American Airlines either forgot or didn't bother to check if I had my passport (never mind the return ticket). Coming back to the US, it was another story- no one got near the plane without an inspection of documents.
Looks are important. For example, I had encountered a UN roadblock while in a taxi in Port Au Prince. The driver thought if I spoke to the UN "police" they would just let us pass. I was sad 'white" skin is seen as so powerful. The driver was amazed I wouldn't just tell the UN guys that we were important and had to pass.
I've been asked for a return ticket about half the times I've flown into Latin America on Spirit. Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. The simplest solution is to get a travel agent to print you out a reservation for a return flight before you leave. You don't have to actually buy the ticket. Show that to the check-in people and you are fine. I've also had luck with bogus home-made itinerary printouts. Airlines don't always ask, but I always carry one to be safe. It is no fun at all being denied boarding at the last minute.
Wow. Regardless of who or what asks for return proof or not....
A friend told me that in Costa Rica there is a particular buslines that offer "fake tickets" sold soley for the purpose of showing return proof and are not good for any actual bus trip. They are about $10 and I apologize greatly but I do not know the company name. I am looking to purchase a ticket myself right now and if I find it I will post it.
Wow. Regardless of who or what asks for return proof or not....
A friend told me that in Costa Rica there is a particular buslines that offer "fake tickets" sold soley for the purpose of showing return proof and are not good for any actual bus trip. They are about $10 and I apologize greatly but I do not know the company name. I am looking to purchase a ticket myself right now and if I find it I will post it.
.....
