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Topic: Immigration and luggage  (Read 1097 times)

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  • Location: Chicago to Bristol UK
Immigration and luggage
« on: March 10, 2014, 01:49:38 AM »
Hi everyone :)

I'm getting ready to plan my 5th trip over to the UK in 3yrs.
Immigration always scares the hell out of me, I feel like making it pass them is like crossing the finish line. The first 2 times I had a issue with them, the 3rd time was a cake walk and the 4th it felt like I was being question about US immigration rules.
This time, I'll be having a thousand in cash, thousand in my bank account and 5 credit cards totalling 5k. I'll have my return ticket, and a letter from my employer (Although I've learned make that a last resort!) It's only a 3wk trip, So I'm hoping they won't be too mean to me. I know the usual questions: Ie: why are you here, what do you do in the states ect. I'm brushing up more on US immigration as my fiance' may very well be coming out to the states to live instead of us going to the UK. and if asked I will let UK immigration know our interest lays in living in the US.

Another thing I'm semi paranoid about-With it being May when I come out, I know the weather can be bipolar. I'm considering taking 2 checked bags, a roller carry on and a small backpack instead of a purse. Will this red flag me? I want to take 2 checked bags because 1. I always end up buying a bunch of stuff and 2. I want to take back some clothes I left there previously since we are looking at moving to the US. Do they have access to info stating how many bags are checked?

I just want this to be a relaxing flight and these people always get me nearly shaking when I see them. I think Bristol's immigration is probably a bit milder since they don't seem to deal with alot of non eu unlike Heathrow but I've seen their officers on a power trip and that has me permanently shaken.

Thanx
-AmyMarie
Met online: 2001
Lost contact: 2005-2010
Found me on Facebook: 12-26-10
Officially dating: 4-9-11
Met in person: 5-5-11 *stayed 3wks in UK*
Met 2nd time: 9-29-11 *stayed 2wks*
Proposed: 10-9
3rd visit: 5-27-12 *3wk stay*
4th visit: 3-28-13 *3wk stay*
5th Visit: 05-13 to 11-3 2014
Fiance' Visa: 2015


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Re: Immigration and luggage
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2014, 09:12:05 AM »
You're doing everything right, so take comfort in that.

Yes, they will know how many bags you check.  Two bags does seem a lot for 3 weeks, but it doesn't seen unreasonable.  I would just make sure you genuinely have room in your bags (that they aren't already stuffed) to take things home.  I honestly can't see it being too big a deal.


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Re: Immigration and luggage
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2014, 11:05:30 AM »
I'm thinking since I only wear all things Yoga (Pants, capris, shorts) I might be able to get away with one checked bag and load my carry on with extra clothes and just buy a suitcase while I'm there to bring stuff back. ah the struggle is real. lol.
Does it show when they pull my name up on the screen at immigration about the luggage? at Bristol, You run smack into immigration off the plane so they don't see what your checked baggage is. I've always been curious.
I need to look and see what size suitcases I have before I make a final decision of what stays and what goes.
Met online: 2001
Lost contact: 2005-2010
Found me on Facebook: 12-26-10
Officially dating: 4-9-11
Met in person: 5-5-11 *stayed 3wks in UK*
Met 2nd time: 9-29-11 *stayed 2wks*
Proposed: 10-9
3rd visit: 5-27-12 *3wk stay*
4th visit: 3-28-13 *3wk stay*
5th Visit: 05-13 to 11-3 2014
Fiance' Visa: 2015


  • *
  • Posts: 18238

  • Liked: 4993
  • Joined: Jun 2012
  • Location: Wokingham
Re: Immigration and luggage
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2014, 11:40:25 AM »
I think the main thing is that your baggage claim tags are on your boarding pass.  But we have these silly TV shows here and they'll talk about how someone is there for 2 days and has 5 bags or is there for a month and has no bags, etc.

When my parents came for Christmas, they had more bags than they went home with.  They packaged a few bags into larger bags for the return journey.

I wouldn't worry to much though.  It will be fine.


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