My last Asia trip that terminated in Shanghai so it included departure for US from Shanghai, also had additional security checks that were not present on similar previous trips and not on other (non US) outbound flights.

This trip was Feb 2010 and besides all the usual security steps we are used to doing they had 3 additional steps at time of boarding. They apologized for this and blamed the requirements on US authorities.

The steps were as follows, at time of boarding, after having passport and boarding pass checked as usual before entering the walkway to the plane, you walked further down the ramps and then around a corner, they had another person checking the same thing (1st new step).

They checked all the paperwork again and fed you to 3 identical tables (2nd new step) so you could open all your carry bags for inspection and they did just that. Everyone was screened this way, not just a periodic random TSA gate security type step. The security person would dig through your entire carry luggage, every pocket and zippered section then looked over the passport boarding pass again before indicating you were good to go.

Then we walked the rest of the way down the ramp and out the jet-way to the plane and at the door was another security check (3rd new step) of the passport and boarding pass. This was not the flight attendant who helps you when you get on board; these were security people, same as the others. Afterwards the Flight attendant asked to see then as usual 3 feet further along as you boarded and pointed to your seat.

So what was up and do they still do this? I have no problem with added security but this was over the top, redundant and harassment. The flight was an AA route to ORD or LAX. Don’t think it was a VIP since I was in business and had visibility into first and so unusual activity.