[talentdeficit]

I fly into the US via YVR Vancouver approximately 18 times per year, and it's almost always a terrible experience. ICE officers are surly, impatient and unpleasant, even when there's no lineup and no urgency. There are exceptions, there is one officer who knows me on sight and always asks how my previous visits were. The majority can't even be bothered to make eye contact or do anything beyond order me through the fingerprint scans and photographs. Once, one accused me of hating America for living in Canada but doing business in the USA.

By car, however, the experience has almost always been excellent. One border agent told me an extended anecdote about why Andrew Jackson was called 'Old Hickory' when I paid my VISA fees with a $10 bill. Another greeted me with 'you know weezy? good times?'. They seem relaxed, friendly and happy in general.

There definitely seems to be a difference in culture between the airport personnel and the land border personnel.

[excuse-me]

I think there is a natural air of doom over everyone who works at an airport. But US immigration at YVR is the worst. I think it's because they are forced to be in Vancouver while still working for ICE. It's like being forced to work at a soup kitchen inside a Purdeys chocolate shop!

[jff]

Airports are the most soul-sucking places to be for anyone. I feel like crap after spending a few hours in one... I can't imagine working there every single day.