I almost always bring cheese back from Europe without problem. In early June coming through LAX, I declared the cheese as usual, but was directed to secondary screening for the first time. Took about 40 minutes extra.
Has anyone had recent experience bringing cheese through (declared) and whether it’s subjective them to secondary screening screening? At the time they advised me that it would probably go on for the summer.
I eventually got it through without a problem but 40 minutes was too much hassle.
No, it was definitely because of the cheese, the guy was already to wave me through as I said: chocolate, cookies, pasteurized cheese… he looked up when I said cheese and put me in the secondary inspection line. Coming from Spain.
Coming home from Mexico a month ago, I had two almost dried roses in my carryon … the sign said flowers had to be declared, so I did and was sent to secondary screening where the roses were shaken a bit to make sure there were no insects. Took ten minutes. Was amusing. 40 minutes would not have been.
Not familiar with LAX but anytime I brought in cheese or similar food items I had to go thru that secondary line. I’d always assume that is the case when travelling with that stuff thru US customs. I got where I would not bring it back as it was a PITA to wait that extra time but I am not the most patient and most things I can find stateside.