An American resident originally from Cuba took to TikTok to recount her experience returning from Cuba on an American Airlines flight. She shared how she, along with nearly all the passengers, was taken to a separate room at the Miami airport. However, she emphasized that the questioning she faced was nothing out of the ordinary.
"This is something everyone has been asking about, so I'm going to share my experience," said the TikTok user known as @thalia_hr in her video. She noted that this was her third trip to Cuba, and previously, she had never encountered any issues upon her return.
"I've never been taken to the little room, never been asked anything unusual. Just the usual questions like where did you go, why did you go, how many days did you stay," she explained.
Routine Procedure or Uncommon Experience?
On this occasion, she recounted that airport authorities directed nearly all passengers from her flight, as well as others arriving from countries like Spain, Korea, and Thailand, to a designated area where they had to wait. "They called you by name, returned your passport, and asked for your first and last name, sometimes repeating the same questions as when you first get off the plane. Nothing unusual," she assured.
The young woman stressed that her intention was not to dispute others who have reported more stressful experiences upon returning to the U.S. from Cuba. She clarified that in her case, "everything was fine" and she did not witness anyone being denied entry or warned of future repercussions.
Social Media's Role in Highlighting Airport Experiences
"I don't think what happened today was only with Cubans because there were people from other countries too," she added.
The video has sparked dozens of comments from other users sharing similar experiences. Some claimed to have gone through similar checks even when returning from different countries, while others pointed out that these processes aren't new but are now gaining more visibility thanks to social media platforms like TikTok.
"This has always happened; it's just that now people upload it to TikTok," commented one user.
Common Questions About Airport Procedures for International Arrivals
Why were passengers taken to a separate room at Miami airport?
Passengers were likely taken to a separate room for additional routine checks and passport verification, which are standard procedures for international arrivals.
Is it common for passengers from Cuba to face extra questioning at U.S. airports?
While additional questioning can occur, it is not exclusive to passengers from Cuba. Many travelers from various countries might undergo similar procedures as part of standard entry protocols.
Are these airport procedures new?
No, these procedures are not new. They have been in place for some time, but their visibility has increased due to social media sharing.