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Atlanta Has the 3 lanes, The 'expert' Lane is what use to be the for the 1st/biz & High level FF, The normal & special lanes, when the TSA agent does your ID Check s/he send you off to the Special lane if s/he thinks you need it. (if you dont self request.) The Expert lane moves a little faster then the normal lane. Never used the special Lane, but it looks slow.
I fly a minimum of 2x per month, usually more, and I have yet to see this at any of the airports! I've been to both SLC and Denver after February, and don't recall seeing it.
From the article, it seems that you choose the line that you feel fits you best. I'm willing to bet no one will admit needing "special assistance" and the casual lines will have very long lines anyway.
I've seen it in several airports including Philly, Portland, and Orlando. In Orlando (my "home" airport), technically you can choose, but if you are obviously going to need assistance, or have a bunch of kids, baby in stroller, wheelchair, etc. they don't give you a choice, you go all the way to the right. They also seem to "size people up" and are pretty good about keeping those who "think" they are an experienced traveller out of that lane and in the regular lane in the center.
Like MAK802, I fly a bit. What's funny to me about this link annerk posted is that of the 3 airports listed, I do actually fly in/out of Spokane a lot, the other two, not at all. Never noticed any change or new lanes, certainly for "experienced" or "expert" travelers. Maybe because Spokane is sooooooooo busy. (Please note sarcasm. It's one of my favorite airports due to it's usual lack of crowds and ease of getting in and out of it.)
I don't have a lot of faith in any "self-select" program working...
Like MAK802, I fly a bit. What's funny to me about this link annerk posted is that of the 3 airports listed, I do actually fly in/out of Spokane a lot, the other two, not at all. Never noticed any change or new lanes, certainly for "experienced" or "expert" travelers. Maybe because Spokane is sooooooooo busy. (Please note sarcasm. It's one of my favorite airports due to it's usual lack of crowds and ease of getting in and out of it.)
I don't have a lot of faith in any "self-select" program working...
It's actually working pretty well in Orlando. As I mentioned, the TSA isn't giving those who will obviously need more time a choice--they are being sent to the lane for them.
"Peer pressure" seems to be working to keep those who really don't belong there out of the experienced travelers lane. Only once or twice have I seen people who really didn't belong there in that lane.
If it's your own prescribed medication which is labeled as such by a doctor in the US (in other words, meds that you needed on your trip and are returning with), then yes you can bring it back in. Otherwise, importing illegal or prescription drugs to the US is tantamount to smuggling in the eyes of the TSA and the DEA. Don't do it. There may be some exceptions, which I'll let an expert speak to.
Last edited by otterprods; 01-14-2015 at 12:26 PM..
I assume prescription medication that is for your own personal use given to you by a foreign doctor should be okay as I assume many tourists bring their own prescription medication with them when visiting the USA. I would say the same for small quantities of non-prescription medication for personal usage.
I know at one time many people living in states that bordered Mexico would go to Mexico on a regular basis to get their meds.
I am guessing as long as the drug is legal in the U.S. and you have the proper prescription written by a legit doctor from that country that you will be allowed to bring it in a reasonable amount. Your best bet would be to contact Customs and request a written copy of their regulations regarding this.
I know at one time many people living in states that bordered Mexico would go to Mexico on a regular basis to get their meds.
Yes, I remember those days well, but they've really cracked down on it now. But like I said there may be some exceptions. I'm not a narcotics expert.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaskan Mutt
I am guessing as long as the drug is legal in the U.S. and you have the proper prescription written by a legit doctor from that country that you will be allowed to bring it in a reasonable amount. Your best bet would be to contact Customs and request a written copy of their regulations regarding this.
I was wondering about that too, but my inclination is that a foreign prescription won't carry much weight unless there's some way for them to verify that it's not just some label you printed and stuck on there. It sounded like the OP just wanted to buy stuff over the counter there which is prescription-only here and then bring it over, and I'm pretty certain that's a big no no these days.
At any rate, there are resources where you can check the policies yourself to be sure' For example: Prohibited and Restricted Items | U.S. Customs and Border Protection > Medications
From that page: Rule of thumb: When you go abroad, take the medicines you will need, no more, no less.
From that page: Rule of thumb: When you go abroad, take the medicines you will need, no more, no less.
That's actually a pretty poor rule of thumb. If you only take the amount of pills you'll need for the specific number of days of your planned travel, then you could encounter serious medical problems if your trip is unavoidably extended (by an airline strike for example) and you run out of one or more of your required medications.
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Are we allowed to bring prescribed drugs back into the US?
