I'm having a 24 hour stopover in LA. Which games should I expect US immigration to play? I'm travelling on my NZ passport although I have Dual Nationality. I was born in Britain and have lived here all my life, if it matters.

I've also heard that US immigration officials have no obligation to be nice, and I can't even ask if they've had a good day, because they'll then assume I have ulterior motives.

If the only reason that you're flying LA is forthe luggage allowance, I'd highly recommend you look at sending some of your gear as unaccompanied baggage, and choose a different route. We sent the work tools we needed straight away that way, and by the time we had settled in to our rental, they were ready to pick up.
If you have an address already, the airline can arrange delivery.
It's all far more civilised than being herded in at LAX.

Whichever passport you'rer on, forget any idea if civility from US customs and immigration. It seems the public servants in America now see themselves as the saviours of the free world....(USA).

Thanks for the tip: I had actually considered that, but it seemed too much hassle at the time. Also I'm travelling on Monday so it's a bit late to change! The good news is I'm getting 24 hours actually in America, and I've never been there, so it's not all bad.

Shame US customs can't be nice, though their job must be pretty dull at the best of times.

I've heard as many bad stories about experiences on admission to Canada or Australia as I have about the USA. Nothing guaranteed, but usually they are just doing their job.

Admission to the USA on your NZ passport:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Visa_Waiver_Program

Are you a New Zealand citizen by descent? If so, read:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/New_Ze...hip_by_Descent

No hassle really. You need to pre-register on the US website for the visa waiver. Immigation and customs will take about 2 hours. Check in and security will take about 3 hours when you're outbound. You'll need a full address of your overnight accom when you pre-register. Loads of OK hotels close to the airport. We stayed near the Marine del Rey, about 20 min north on the coast, which was very nice. Very good dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!

For 3 hours it'd better be the Spanish Inquisition!

I once got one of the LAX immigration officials to smile, is this a record???????

Yes, but what did you do to him to warrant that...

I slept with him

Thought so Hope it was worth it just to get a smile and a stamp in your passport...

I've not been totally truthful with you . He actually fell about laughing when he saw me naked

So they do have a sense of humour then...

Jeeze there is some big nasty rumour mill going around against LAX. Flew in and out of the place late last year, no problems, had more hassle and less friendly customs/security staff at Heathrow than I did in LA. Only issues at LA are if you are transiting through as far as I am aware, if you are stopping in LA it's no worse than any other airport, and better than some I have had the fun of flying in and out of.

Personally I've never had a problem with LAX. Flew in/out of there at least 8 times in the past few years. Always been out of the airport in a max of 45mins . Seem to always queue longer at the Hertz Rental depot