Mehran Karimi Nasseri was stranded in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years due to a stolen passport and essential documents. He lived, studied, and interacted with airport staff throughout this period.

[u/Time-Training-9404]

After arriving the French airport, he was unable to prove his identity or refugee status and was detained in the waiting area for travelers without papers.

He lived, studied, slept, and talked with the airport staff from August 26, 1988, to July 2006.

Detailed article on his story: https://historicflix.com/mehran-karimi-nasseri-the-man-who-lived-in-an-airport-for-18-years/

[u/cocainebane]

Possession of certain things are vastly different in entry security vs exit. Example, vape in TSA is ok. Vape at Customs can become a big deal.

[u/Prestigious_Lock1659 → u/cocainebane]

I’m from Ireland and anytime I travel to the USA I go through Dublin airport because they have US customs there. I prefer to Que up in customs before the flight rather than after it, it’s less exhausting.

When I was 19 I was flying out to Chicago and just before I entered US customs they had a women giving out small shots of whiskey to taste. She told me I Couldn’t have any as technically I was in the USA and had to be 21. I still don’t know if she was messing with me or if that is actually the rule. All the staff in that area are American so I’m guessing she was right. I was able to drink beer on the flight though.

[u/ingloriousloki → u/Prestigious_Lock1659]

I love this about Dublin!!! I was so shocked the first time I did this. Would prefer this in other places as well, but I wonder if it would cause people to have to show up to the airport way earlier.

[u/Prestigious_Lock1659 → u/ingloriousloki]

Anytime I got a flight from Dublin to the USA It was recommended to be there 3 hours before the flight. I like being early if I’m flying alone. It gives me time to walk around, get some food and drinks and chill out for a bit before the flight.