I was traveling back from Australia with about half of my possessions (2 large suitcases full of clothes), including a large photo I’d had custom framed for a friend’s wedding. I was unable to check it, but VirginAustralia made me pay to get it bubble-wrapped with such intensity that I wondered if I would ever get it out. When I arrived in Los Angeles, I had previously scheduled an interview with US Customs to get on their trusted flyer program (Global Entry System). I scheduled it with time to spare just in case my flight was delayed. After a 14 hour flight, I was feeling particularly dirty, so I took my time to change clothes in the baggage claim bathroom stall and brushed my teeth. I repacked my bag and headed upstairs to the Immigration Services office for my interview.
As I sat in their small waiting area, I looked at my bags. Suddenly, I panicked – the framed picture wasn’t with me! I’d left it in the bathroom. I apologized to the officer at the desk and with all bags in tow, I raced back downstairs to the bathroom. It had already been sealed off with bomb squad tape. I alerted an officer that it was my possession and after some questions and a stern lecture, I arrived back at the immigration waiting area. During the interview, I was asked to list all of the places I’d been and other identifying questions. Finally, he asked if I had committed any crimes or had any run-ins with immigration. I said no, but looked down wondering if he would’ve stamped my approval had he known about my last 10 minutes…