Flew direct to Edinburgh last year, and customs consisted of a glance at our passports, application of a stamp, and a welcome to Scotland. Returning to the U.S., we barely broke stride passing through customs. The only examinations that I saw done were by dogs sniffing out fresh produce in carry-on luggage as we waited for our bags to come down the chute.

By far the biggest problem is making connecting flights in the U.S. My wife likes to cut it close, and I would rather sit in the airport a few hours than miss a connecting flight. We leave for Scotland tomorrow, and yesterday, my wife started to complain that we would arrive at the departing airport a few hours before our flight left and have to wait. I reminded her that last year we met a couple in the Newark airport who were on the same flight to Edinburgh as were we. When they went to the airport in Connecticut to catch their connecting flight, they were told that the flight had been canceled. No other flights were available, so the airline immediately refunded their money, and they ended up taking a taxi from Connecticut to New Jersey, and were able to direct the driver through New York City to see some sights along the way. Ironically, the taxi ride cost less than two airline tickets, so they arraigned for a limo service to pick them up on their from Scotland. It ended well for our new friends, but it was more excitement than I need.