From September 11, 1910
WHAT IT MEANS TO INSPECT AN INCOMING STEAMER: How the Government Enforces the Tariff Law and the Measures It Takes to Prevent Smuggling. (PDF)
We all know what it’s like to go through passenger screening at an airport. We suffer through long lines and invasive screenings. Coming off a boat in 1910 wasn’t much better. Your bags were searched, and you went through several lines. This article is complete with assurances that everything being done is for the passengers’ benefit.
It sounds like delays then were actually comparable to today: “We have made a record of passing 500 passengers in fifty-five minutes. Our goal is to handle all first-class cabin passengers in thirty minutes, and while we haven’t got there yet we think it’s in sight.”
Might have been similar time delays, but when compared to the travel time, its a bit different! Waiting an hour to get off a ship that has been at sea for 2 or 3 weeks versus a similar delay for a flight of a few hours makes the after-plane delay feel that much longer. An extra hour after days at sea wouldn’t be that bad! 🙂
jaymo613
10 Sep 10 at 9:51 am