Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA notice -- Additional security measures for international flights to the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires additional security measures for all international flights to the U.S. These measures include enhanced screening of travelers, as well as heightened screening of electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone. Travelers should be prepared to remove these devices from their protective cases or outer packaging for inspection. If you have a case that requires a screwdriver or other special tools to remove, we recommend doing so before arriving at the airport.
For international flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight if possible, allowing time for the additional security measures. Please note the airport check-in hours first.
For more information, please visit the DHS website.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires additional security measures for all international flights to the U.S. These measures include enhanced screening of travelers, as well as heightened screening of electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone. Travelers should be prepared to remove these devices from their protective cases or outer packaging for inspection. If you have a case that requires a screwdriver or other special tools to remove, we recommend doing so before arriving at the airport.
For international flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight if possible, allowing time for the additional security measures. Please note the airport check-in hours first.
For more information, please visit the DHS website.
TSA raising aviation security baseline with stronger domestic security measures
New U.S. airport screening procedures for carry-on bags to better focus on threats
National Press Release
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
WASHINGTON – To ensure the security of airline passengers and the nation’s airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports, TSA plans to expand these measures to all U.S. airports during the weeks and months ahead.
Due to an increased threat to aviation security, DHS Secretary John Kelly announced in late June new security requirements for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. In an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security worldwide, TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures and stay ahead of the evolving threat.
“Whether you’re flying to, from, or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image.
It is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks, however, through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags. The new screening procedures in standard lanes are already in place at the following 10 U.S. airports with plans to expand to all airports during the weeks and months ahead:
Boise Airport (BOI)
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
Luis Muńoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.
“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe. By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats,” said Gowadia.
The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes. TSA also marked another milestone earlier this month with TSA Pre✓® now available at 200 airports nationwide. Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts. The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers.
New U.S. airport screening procedures for carry-on bags to better focus on threats
National Press Release
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
WASHINGTON – To ensure the security of airline passengers and the nation’s airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports, TSA plans to expand these measures to all U.S. airports during the weeks and months ahead.
Due to an increased threat to aviation security, DHS Secretary John Kelly announced in late June new security requirements for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. In an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security worldwide, TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures and stay ahead of the evolving threat.
“Whether you’re flying to, from, or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image.
It is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks, however, through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags. The new screening procedures in standard lanes are already in place at the following 10 U.S. airports with plans to expand to all airports during the weeks and months ahead:
Boise Airport (BOI)
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
Luis Muńoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.
“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe. By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats,” said Gowadia.
The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes. TSA also marked another milestone earlier this month with TSA Pre✓® now available at 200 airports nationwide. Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts. The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers.
New security measures for international & domestic flights - Impact on my UA flights?
#46
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LIS/AUS
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, TAP Gold
Posts: 263
Flying FRA>IAD now and the only noticeable changes were: 1) additional United doc check before Passport Control (typically I go through the LH one, but was diverted to a new separate UA check), 2) Immigration officer asked me where I lived & where I was going (I have DE/US dual citizenship, so this was a first, but perhaps one-off).
I think there are just a lot more folks with SSSS these days - saw two people with SSSS on their BPs.
Interesting what will happen when I go to the gate, but based on what's been reported, probably nothing out of the ordinary.
I think there are just a lot more folks with SSSS these days - saw two people with SSSS on their BPs.
Interesting what will happen when I go to the gate, but based on what's been reported, probably nothing out of the ordinary.
#49
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington, DC
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Posts: 1,252
#50
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Denver, CO USA
Programs: UA GS 3Million, Marriott/SPG LIFETIME Platinum - current Titanium, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 633
Here in LHR. Signs all over the place - saying check monitors for new gate times. Being a good boy - leave the Club and head for the gate at 6:40 for a 7:50 flight - as indicated. No one here at 6:55. United GAs just getting organized. Look like they are pulling some SSSSS aside for screening. Other than that - complete security theater.
#51
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
Flying LHR to IAH tomorrow and it would not let me check in online. First time in probably fifty flights from Europe to the US that I could not use an electronic boarding pass.
#52
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
#54
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston MA
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#55
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
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Posts: 1,261
Flew London to Houston yesterday and did get SSSS. There was no extra security until I got to the gate, which is where they checked your carry-on luggage (similar to China all the time). Wasn't a big deal. GS escorted me before boarding to one of the inspectors and it took about 5 minutes.
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,900
Flew London to Houston yesterday and did get SSSS. There was no extra security until I got to the gate, which is where they checked your carry-on luggage (similar to China all the time). Wasn't a big deal. GS escorted me before boarding to one of the inspectors and it took about 5 minutes.
We got through the group 1 line at LHR without anyone (that I noticed) being pulled over, but a fair number of people in the group 2 line were pulled aside as the GAs checked the BPs prior to beginning to board that group. I'd say at least 1 in 4 if not more.
#57
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: AA LT PLT (3.6+ MM), UA 1K LT Gold, Hilton LT Diamond, Bonvoy Gold.
Posts: 1,660
#58
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
Could you take a guess at how many got the SSSS?
We got through the group 1 line at LHR without anyone (that I noticed) being pulled over, but a fair number of people in the group 2 line were pulled aside as the GAs checked the BPs prior to beginning to board that group. I'd say at least 1 in 4 if not more.
We got through the group 1 line at LHR without anyone (that I noticed) being pulled over, but a fair number of people in the group 2 line were pulled aside as the GAs checked the BPs prior to beginning to board that group. I'd say at least 1 in 4 if not more.
#59
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
Just saw a news report that for non TSA Pre lines, your going to have to start pulling out anything larger than a smart phone. This includes tablets & e-Readers.
No change for TSA Pre screening.
No change for TSA Pre screening.
#60
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
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