[G*]

The YUL airport 'welcome' is certainly not indicative of the city though! We had similar experiences to some mentioned here; rude, curt and surly staff. However once we were there, Montreal was a delight and remains one of my many favourite destinations to visit (unlike the BA check in experience when we left which was another airport disaster!)

[simongr]

Originally Posted by NM

note that ATW tickets can look like a series of one-ways, so can put you higher up the SSSS priority list. The FF program being used also seems to have an influence - credit to AA and there seems to be a lower risk of SSSS than if crediting to QF for the same flights.

I assssume that is because in the risk profile QF FFers gives no indication in theory of prior travel profiles. An AA FFer would imply that they are not on their first (and last) one-way trip...

[simongr]

Originally Posted by Happy Dude

And how is customs/immigration supposed to determine what a "good reason" is? I was merely pointing out that it sounds like they were doing what customs/immigration is supposed to do. You call it 'hassling', I'm guessing they call it border security. Sucks to be the one singled out for sure, although other posters here consider it the norm in Canada, but your paperwork was in order and you were granted entry. The system works. Imagine how the poor buggers who get body cavity searched must feel, especially if nothing is found. If you feel strongly resentful regarding your treatment, and the tone of your last post suggests you do, then write to the authorities in Canada or here and formally complain. Their response might be a good indicator if something 'bad' has happened to you.

I never approach customs/immigration, here or abroad, with the thought that it will be pleasant.

I think that is a little harsh - I have observed when travelling into the notoriously paranoid USA that people who have their paperwork in order and ready are through immigration in seconds - it is the people who are not compliant that take the time. Two hours with correct paperwork would seem on balance to be excessive.

My only issues with customs/immigration have been queues - generally my own processing time is about 30 seconds once at the front of the queue.

I have had one bad experience where my bags werre thoroughly searched as I was flying pvg-nrt-dfw-jfk-lhr-lca after having been to Shanghai - a slightly more suspect routing...

[NM]

Originally Posted by simongr

I assssume that is because in the risk profile QF FFers gives no indication in theory of prior travel profiles. An AA FFer would imply that they are not on their first (and last) one-way trip...

Unless they signed up for the Platinum Challenge and reach "elite" status on their first flight

[dragonman]

Just to conclude my part of the tale, I did not get SSSS'd and the exit process to maybe 10 mins max including security.

I do agree that Montreal is a lovely place. I love Canada and canadians are cool (or cold at this time of year).

My experience at Montreal airport was particularly unpleasant to me. I don't give a damn about what they think represents border security. My opinion is that if they are profiling targets people on xONE tickets then they are unlikely to be having much success.

It will not prevent me returning to Canada, it will merely come as less of a surprise if it happens again. Their is nothing I could/should have done better to avoid it.

[dragonman]

Just to conclude my part of the tale, I did not get SSSS'd and the exit process (US customs) took maybe 10 mins max including security.

I do agree that Montreal is a lovely place. I love Canada and canadians are cool (or cold at this time of year).

My experience at Montreal airport was particularly unpleasant to me. I don't give a damn about what they think represents border security. My opinion is that if their profiling targets people on xONE tickets then they are unlikely to be having much success.

It will not prevent me returning to Canada, it will merely come as less of a surprise if it happens again. Their is nothing I could/should have done better to avoid it.

[stryker]

Originally Posted by simongr

I think that is a little harsh

I have had one bad experience where my bags werre thoroughly searched as I was flying pvg-nrt-dfw-jfk-lhr-lca after having been to Shanghai - a slightly more suspect routing...

A little harsh? You can never be too harsh IMHO when complaining about Customs/Immigration (even if they are fine).

I think there may have been some other reason for the bag search, unless you somehow brought undue attention to your circuitous itinerary.

I have been through LAX on many occasions with quite weird itineraries (like SYD-LAX-HKG-SIN) and never had a problem. Basically, I only tell them as much as I think they need to know. Never an untruth, as this could rebound on you, but just a little economical with it.

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by Mal

I have heard quite a few stories of Canadian immigration not taking kindly to youngish solo men turning up for a short amount of time and flying in.

Are the Canadians afraid of single men coming in to their country to steal their women? No thanks!

Or are they afraid of a repeat of 911? Highly unlikely to happen again, too late to worry about it and who is to say that next time they don't come into the country as married couples.