Question about customs and searches for Internat'l travel?

Question

I've heard that for customs when entering a foreign country people are sometimes "chosen". When you're chosen, are your bags searched? Just your carry-on, just your luggage, or both? Are they searched right there in the customs line, or do you step away from everybody else? Does this vary by country, or is there a standard format (I'm flying to Europe, if that helps with the other questions)?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have been "chosen" as you say while go through security in a foreign country. When you go through the security line after you have been through customs, they just look in the bags that you are carrying... It really is no big deal... Often, there may be something in your bag that they cannot make out on the screen scanner so they will ask you to step aside.  You  usually are put one side or depending on the area , you will be searched at the end of the screening belt.