Sealed packets. no hand luggage and the UK

[Darknight 0]

My fiancee (who panics) has asked me to post this question;

With the recent increased security in the UK and the banning of hand luggage, has anyone had experience of trying to take the sealed packet given by the US Embassy as carry-on luggage?

(Obviously, when I say "has anyone?" I mean "can people answer this when they have?" as anyone caught up in this is still in the air right now, or hasn't boarded).

Putting stuff as checked luggage is not impossible (merely annoying) but the sealed packet is large and sealed. It is also not impossible to fake the stamps and seals on it, thus making it a suspisious item.

The UK security forces will most likely want to open or scan it, the question is - does opening it really upset the USA people on the other side, as the instructions state "Do not open"? Do the UK people open it?

For the record, I'm not concerned - I think that things will have settled down in a few days (certainly by the 1st when I fly) and everything will be back to normal and carry-on luggage will be allowed. But Liza panics as it gives shape to her life, so she asked me to ask.

What - if anything - are people's experiences and thoughts?

[GaryC 7]

You will have to hand carry that. It has stuff in it that is needed at the immigration interview. Every time I come in that is first and the luggage is gotten later. I don't know if they will allow it to remain unopened. Check with the embassy and see.

[hahuhobrad 0]

I think it's funny that your asking this and anyone who could answer, is probably in the air and unable to answer. I also think it's great that you know your wife so well and have posted the question in an effort to calm her feelings. I think you are correct. By the 1st, everything will be back to normal. And, it's just my idea, but I think if you explained to the UK officials, they would understand. And finally, you can always just check it. So, one way or another, everything will most likely work itself out.

Take care.

-B

[Darknight 0]

By the 1st, everything will be back to normal. And, it's just my idea, but I think if you explained to the UK officials, they would understand.

Personally, I doubt they will - they will want it scanned or opened. It's big enough to contain a bomb capable of blasting a plane out of the sky.

And finally, you can always just check it.

Not and still be allowed into the USA - without it in my carry on, I don't enter the USA.

I'm going to wait a few days and then see what has happened. Everything should be back to normal, with a bit of luck.

Edited August 10, 2006 by Darknight

[noura 0]

no answer for you ... but best of luck! hopefully it will be a non-issue by the time you fly!

Noura

[Neya 0]

Unless I am mistaken the threat is for all types of liquids. So unless it contains liquid I wouldn't worry. Documents can be easily scanned by both types of xray machines. Do Not check it. If necessary have that as your only carry on and LEAVE ALL LIQUIDS BEHIND....

[rebeccajo 14]

It's not that big. It's just a flat envelope. The big thing is the xray which they don't want anyway.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

If you are flying from the UK you are allowed to take travel documents on as hand lugguage... as this packet has to be handed to immigration it is needed for travel.... you may find that the UK security open it but I am sure the US CBP will fully understand why it was opened....

IMO

Kezzie

[Darknight 0]

Unless I am mistaken the threat is for all types of liquids. So unless it contains liquid I wouldn't worry. Documents can be easily scanned by both types of xray machines.

Hydrocarbon-based liquid explosive and paper read much the same to an X-ray machine . . . and it is possible to stick Semtex into flat sheets that are pretty much indistinguishable from paper

Don't you just love modern military technology?

Anyway, I suspect people are right - they might open it, but the USA guys are not going to mind if it does.

When's the next person flying from the UK to the USA with one of these?

[rebeccajo 14]

The packet says DO NOT OPEN on it and also has markings from Department of State on it, correct?

If I were you I would not allow the security guards to open it. I would present it straight away, explain this is your visa packet, and have them get their supervisor if need be. Their supervisor can ring down to CBP if they have further questions.

Damn I am messing this up. I am thinking as if you are flying out of Dublin as they have US CBP there. Are you by any chance flying through Dublin?

Edited August 11, 2006 by rebeccajo

[mendeleev 69]

Another option is to fly to the Continent, get the packet out of checked luggage, and fly to the States. Its inconvenient, for sure, but it keeps the sealed packet sealed, so maybe is safer.

I was going to connect through Heathrow when I return to Russia next month. After yesterday, no way. I'm rerouting. (I go for work, and must have my laptop. Corporate security won't let me check it, the UK won't let me carry it onboard, and DHL is slow and Russian customs won't let it through unaccompanied. I'm taking Aeroflot out of JFK this time.)

We're going to have to be flexible with international travel for some time.

[Darknight 0]

The packet says DO NOT OPEN on it and also has markings from Department of State on it, correct?

Correct - remember that these can be faked (I could create a packet that looked exactly like that with a laser printer and about half an hour) and even if these are taken as official, the US Dept of State has absolutely no jurisdiction in the UK.

And, no - I'm not flying through Dublin. Gatwick

[rebeccajo 14]

The packet says DO NOT OPEN on it and also has markings from Department of State on it, correct?

Correct - remember that these can be faked (I could create a packet that looked exactly like that with a laser printer and about half an hour) and even if these are taken as official, the US Dept of State has absolutely no jurisdiction in the UK.

And, no - I'm not flying through Dublin. Gatwick

LOL - You've been watching too many spy movies.

I really think a reasonable explanation will work.

[john_and_marlene 162]

If they are concerned about the contents, one corner is cut away. They can swab test it for explosives. They have the swabs/pads/detectors in most international airports now.

[Joey559 1]

Ok, so I just called the Dept. of Homeland security and asked what happens if the security guards in Newcastle, UK open and break the seal on my fiance's brown immigration envelope. Operator 61 informed me that they will and that the immigration office in Detroit will accept it due to the High Security Level. That they will KNOW security had to open it...but I have my doubts. I'm calling back and seeing if operator 45, 58, 34 or whoever I get gives me the same line....