Why dont they let you talk on the phone when going through customs at the airport?

Question

I dont really see the point.

Answer 1

Well, first of all, airport people are paranoid. They need to scan your phone because you never know, it could be a bomb! I think it's ridiculous too. They have to make sure that you are bringing nothing potentially dangerous on the plane...if you're talking on your cell phone, they can't scan it, and they won't like that!

I don't really think they care whether or not you pay attention or talk to them, as long as you move quickly and walk when you're supposed to...and don't forget to grab you stuff. But talking on cell phones in public is considered rude by many people.

Sure, it's annoying, but so is everything else about the airport. It's just something in life that you learn to get along with...you can last for a few minutes without talking on the phone.

Answer 2

At customs, the airport personal are trained to diagnose human behavior based on your reactions to them and what they may ask you. If you are on your phone it would disrupt this process. Ussualy its very brief, they may just say welcome home or something like that. But if they feel you are acting strange, they might pull you aside and check your bags.

Second, picture taking is strictly prohited at almost all customs points. And most phones have the ability to take pictures, so thats probably another reason.

Answer 3

security purposes probably.

Answer 4

Everyone above me is at least partially correct...We don't want you on your phone because:

1) we want your undivided attention when we are interacting with you -- it expedites the process and it is just plain courteous.

2) for security reasons we don't want the inspection process, area, or people photographed.

3) if you are a bad guy and you are working with other people, you may be getting/giving direction(s), updates, etc.

The only thing I don't agree with in the above answers (assuming that they are talking about the US) is that Customs isn't TSA -- TSA screens you and your belongings before you get on the aircraft...we check you when you arrive from foreign.

Answer 5

It's mostly for the reason that if everyone is on their phones customs agents will have to repeat themselves and they don't want that to slow everything down.  I think, partially, it has to do with the fact that if you are on the phone someone can hear their questions and tell you what to say too.  But mostly the first one, they want your full attention at that point.

It's not a huge deal, if you can't put your phone down for 5 minutes to get through customs you may want to join CPA (cell phones anonymous) ;) lol.

To the girl who said its for security reasons: ha! they don't scan cell phones.  I carry mine through all the time, they pass it around the side of the scanner.  Besides she's talking customs not security.