Are international airports considered international territory?

Question

If not, how come things like what happened in the movie "the Terminal" have actually happened? What's the difference between in the airport and out?

Answer 1

http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/airport.asp

"Unlike Tom Hanks' character in the movie, and since at least 1994, Nasseri did not live in the duty-free transit area but simply in the departure hall, in the circular boutiques and restaurants concourse on the lowest floor. He could have at least theoretically left the terminal at any moment, although, since everyone knew him, his departure would not have gone unnoticed. He did not appear to commonly speak with anyone. With his cart and bags, he almost looked like a traveler, so people either did not notice him or ignored him as if he were a homeless person, of which there are a few at the airport.

Some have noted that it appears to be inspired by the story of Merhan Karimi Nasseri, nicknamed "Sir, Alfred [sic]", an Iranian refugee who has lived in Terminal One of Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris since 1988, when his refugee papers were stolen. However, no public materials, the DVD "special features" or the film's website ever mention Nasseri's plight as an inspiration for the film. Another movie made in 1993, Lost in Transit (Tombés du ciel) has a similar theme and is set in Paris airport." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merhan_Karimi_Nasseri


"Let's clear one thing up: customs is for stuff, immigration is for people. Clearing customs just means you aren't a smuggler (or caught smuggling at least), going through immigration means you've been granted entry.

Some countries consider the part of the airport from the gate to immigration to be a no-man's land of sorts. People in this area have yet to be granted entrance into the country, however they have been stamped out of their departure country. If they refuse to be sent back or the departure country refuses to take them back then they are in limbo.

In the US we don't do this. Many departure points, such as Canadian airports, have pre-screening, so technically you've already been granted entry before you even leave. Also we have a system called parole. Rather than forcing some poor guy to live for decades in the airport, the US will parole him to live on his own." http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/33173

Answer 2

International Territory

Answer 3

Thats an intresting question, but I wouldn't think so...but if you put that way, like The Terminal, then I guess so!! I mean they do check ur passport!

Answer 4

No,its national,not the state that its in.