mcclane wrote:I have arrived to Luton airport and IO asked me that where is my wife? She was on EU/UK line and I was on All other and I told that she is on EU side and she let me go without stamp.
Last time I've travelled alone, when arriving via Heathrow, the IO also asked me where was my wife. I simply answered "She's home!". We had a good laugh and he welcomed me back.
Once they've asked my wife's nationality and why I was travelling alone. This was back in 2009.
Most annoying encounter I've had with an IO was at Calais. I was travelling with my wife, but the IO still asked me about my employment, where I lived, etc. It ended up stamping my passport as well. She clearly had no idea what she was doing, in one of the major routes between the UK and the rest of Europe. By the end of it, me and my wife were the last ones to board the bus, which pissed me off, having gone through the trouble of actually getting a
confirmation of my right and still suffer such harassment.
After that I've passed through Calais again another couple of times, with no issues at all, and more than 10 times through airports, again with no issues.
My experience during these four and 1/2 years it that it depends of the IO. They are getting better trained (the incident above at Calais was about 2 years ago, and the last one). Although annoying, you just need to cooperate and show good will. They're trying to do their job the best way they can, even if they sometimes are talking out of their arses.
So, what can I say. Keep your cool and be friendly. I don't let them deface my passport anymore and actually explain they have no reason to (happened last time I've arrived via Luton).